Places & Races

Runners- this page is all about you! Whether you’re scoping out a new route or trail, or need a new race to train for- we’ve got you covered.

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Places

Below is our staff’s recommendations for local running. Check them off your running bucket list one by one, or share them with someone you know would like to try a new spot.

Peninsula

About:

Following the shoreline of 167-acre Lake Maury is the five-mile Noland Trail in Newport News. Dedicated as a gift from the Noland Family in 1991, the trail has fourteen bridges, picnic areas, benches, handicap access, and mile markers. Each fall The Mariners’ Museum hosts a 10K run on the Noland Trail. Other Attractions: Mariners’ Museum, Lake Maury, Lion’s Bridge

Noland Trail

Newport News

About:

There are easily over 10-miles of trails that take you throughout the Yorktown Battlefields, Historic Yorktown, and around Wormley Pond. Plus, you can transition over to Newport News Park at George Washington’s Headquarters for even more mileage! Other Attractions: Historic Yorktown, Yorktown Beach, Yorktown Victory Center, Local Eateries

Yorktown Battlefields

Yorktown

About:

The Virginia Capital Trail is a dedicated, paved bicycle and pedestrian trail crossing four counties and 51.7 miles between Jamestown and Richmond, Virginia — that is, between the Colony of Virginia's first capital and Virginia's current capital.

Capital Trail

Williamsburg

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Bordering the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, Buckroe Beach offers eight acres of family-friendly sandy beach. The Boardwalk, from the fishing pier to Pilot Ave., offers 0.7 miles of waterfront running. Run an easy out-and-back course or embark on a run through the surrounding community. Other Attractions: Blend of Buckroe (coffee shop), Fishing Pier, Summer Concert Series, and Outdoor Movies

Buckroe Beach

Hampton

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On this 565-acre property you’ll find beautiful nature trails, paths for walking, jogging and biking, miles of beaches and of course spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay. There is a 1.8-mile paved trail along the seawall and boardwalk bordering the Chesapeake Bay. There is easily 5+ miles of exploring (running) when you include the entire Fort and National Monument area!

Fort Monroe

Hampton

About:

City Center at Oyster Point is a business district in the Oyster Point section of Newport News. It is inspired by the rich maritime history of the city, landscaped in a southern living style with grand vistas to a 5-acre fountain. The fountain is 0.35 miles in diameter and combined with the surrounding area, you can easily complete 3+ miles of excellent running in an urban, city center setting. Better yet, join Flat-Out Events on Wednesday evenings for a free group run. Other Attractions: Aromas Coffee Shop, Paragon Theaters, Local Eateries, Summer Concert Series, Summer Farmers Market.

City Center Fountains

Newport News

About:

This is a 3.25-mile paved trail that takes you around the beautifully landscaped Villages of Kiln Creek and Golf Course in Newport News/York County.

Kiln Creek Fitness Trail

Newport News / Yorktown

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This is a 3-mile trail that begins and ends in the parking lot of the Hampton Teen/Aquatic Center. The trail loops around the outside of the 27-hole Hamptons Golf Course and is level and paved all the way (newly paved in 2012!). Expect walkers, runners, rollerbladers, bicycles, baby strollers and dogs on leashes.

Matteson Trail

Hampton

About:

This 8,000-acre park with two fresh water reservoirs is one of the largest municipal parks east of the Mississippi. There are over 30 miles of trails in the Newport News Park complex including a 5.3-mile multi-use bikeway. Other Attractions: 5-star archery range, Disc golf course, Horse show arena with a stage, 30-acre aeromodel flying field, Ropes and initiative course, 5-mile mountain bike trail

Newport News Park

Newport News

About:

This is a 456-acre recreational facility features two lakes, wetlands and multi use gravel tails. This park also host the 24 Hour Run/Walk for Cancer.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Hampton

About:

This park is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. There are more than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.

York River State Park

Williamsburg

About:

This 600 acre forested park features approximately 2 miles of multiuse trails and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests, creeks, and open meadows.

Freedom Park

Williamsburg

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This is a 3.6 mile loop located in Williamsburg that features a lake and several rolling hills.

WISC

Williamsburg

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This 3.5 mile trail loops through a landscape of beaver ponds, wetlands, and forests.

Greensprings Trails

Williamsburg

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This 545 acre park offers a wide variety of recreational activities including several miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.

New Quarter Park

Williamsburg

Southside

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This 1 1/2 mile tree lined loop trail is located just off Volvo Pkwy. It has a lake and beautiful scenic open spaces. There are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trail.

Oak Grove Lake Park

Chesapeake

About:

This 11-mile paved multi-use trail that connects to Deep Creek Park. The trail is a multi-use trail open to bicycling, walking, running/hiking, horseback riding, and boating. The north trail head is located at the intersection of Dominion Blvd. and Old Rt. 17 in Chesapeake, VA, and runs south 8.3 miles, adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal.

Dismal Swamp Canal

Chesapeake

About:

3 miles of hiking/walking trails. Located in the heart of Chesapeake the trails take you through a mature hardwood forest with many varieties of trees and plants.

Chesapeake Arboretum

Chesapeake

About:

Located at 900 City Park Drive the park offers a 3/4-mile paved running/walking loop.

Chesapeake City Park

Chesapeake

About:

There are 19 miles of trails in the park. The trail system takes you through a variety of habitats such as swamps, salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and bay shoreline.

First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach

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Mount Trashmore park has a system of multi-use, hard surfaced trails and 10 fitness stations. There are 3 trail systems to explore, the Perimeter trail is 2.2 miles, the Lake trail is 1.5 miles and the Mountain trail is 1.2 miles. The park has great amenities and nice views of the lake.

Mount Trashmore

Virginia Beach

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The Jordan Bridge stretches across the Elizabeth River connects the City of Portsmouth and the City of Chesapeake. A round-trip of the Jordan Bridge is about 3 miles.

South Norfolk Jordan Bridge

Norfolk

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The Boardwalk stretches from 2nd to 40th street that covers 3 miles and features a separate bike path, ideal for strolling, rollerblading, and biking. During the summer months there is live music at 4 stages along the Boardwalk.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Virginia Beach

About:

This trail is a developing project that will one day span 11.5 miles, connecting communities of Suffolk and Chesapeake. The trail is currently about 3.4 miles.

Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail

Suffolk

Races

Lee's World Quest 5K

Saturday, July 23, 2022
Williamsburg

Lee's World Quest 5K

Come be a part of helping a local family achieve a dream and attempt to set 2 World records! Braxton and Maryanne will run 7 Half Marathons, in 7 days, on 7 Continents setting a first Mother and son record and the Youngest person to complete the Challenge!
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Tidewater Striders Scholarship 5K

Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Virginia Beach

Tidewater Striders Scholarship 5K

Early registration is a $35 contribution to the Youth Scholarship Fund and provides an accurate timed 5K race with refreshments, music, and one raffle ticket good for great prizes. You must be present to win. Additional raffle tickets will be available on race day for the Strider Scholarship 5K.
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Strider Mile

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Chesapeake

Strider Mile

This is a one-mile race on the Track at Greenbrier Christian Academy. The race starts at 8:00 AM with the first heat. Heats are assigned based on predicted times. One heat will be a 1600 meter race/walk.
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Coast Guard Day 5K

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Yorktown

Coast Guard Day 5K

The 5K course starts and finishes on the beautiful USCG Training Center located on the banks of the York River in Yorktown, VA. After leaving the base, the course winds its way through the scenic National Park Battlefield tour roads, famous for their views of the encampment areas, siege lines and redoubts which were the site of the Revolutionary War's final decisive battle.
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CDR Superhero 5K

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Williamsburg

CDR Superhero 5K

The SuperHero 5K is a major fundraiser for CDR and the children we serve. Please consider starting a fundraiser to make your participation have an even greater impact. CDR serves more than 1,400 young children and their families in the Historic Triangle each year by providing individualized therapies and early intervention services to ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, can reach their full potential.
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Smart Smiles 5K

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Newport News

Smart Smiles 5K

Smart Smiles at the Dentist provides dental education and care for Boys & Girls Clubs members who may otherwise not have access to such opportunities. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula (BGCVP) ensures that all members, regardless of their families’ ability to pay have access to the dental care they need. The Club members also have pain and insecurities relieved allowing them to remain focused on what’s important- their success.
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Big Blue 5K

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Norfolk

Big Blue 5K

Show off your big blue pride, and run the Big Blue 5K presented by Bon Secours. Run through the Old Dominion University campus and cross the finish line on ODU’s football field, the Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
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43rd Annual Elizabeth River Run 10k

Sunday, September 4, 2022
Norfolk

43rd Annual Elizabeth River Run 10k

This is a 10k on a flat & fast point to point course starting at Old Dominion University, running around campus then heading North on the Elizabeth River Trail through gorgeous, historic tree-lined neighborhoods along the waterfront, over the Hampton Blvd Bridge with sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers and finishing in a verdant private park at the Port of Virginia.
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5K on the Runway

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Newport News

5K on the Runway

The Newport News – Williamsburg Airport is hosting its annual 5K on the Runway in partnership with Youth Volunteer Corp of Hampton Roads. This year’s 5k on the Runway race will be held September 17, 2022 . Past year races sold out, drawing over 800 runners, and thanks to generous corporate support led by Title Sponsor Ferguson Enterprises, raised over $10K for Peake Childhood Center. This race is a unique opportunity to see the airport like you’ve never seen it before; run on airport taxiways and runways for a one-of-a-kind experience. Event details below.
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Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon & 5K

Sunday, October 2, 2022
Hampton

Crawlin' Crab Half Marathon & 5K

Come see for yourself why Runner’s World named BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon presented by Bon Secours In Motion is a must run Half Marathon! Are you looking for a at and fast course? Do you love running by the water? Do you enjoy celebrating after your race? The 11th Annual BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon Weekend is the perfect place to run, crawl, and SHELLebrate.
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Strider XC Classic

Saturday, October 15, 2022
Chesapeake

Strider XC Classic

This is a 5K XC course at Bells Mill Park in Chesapeake. 1.5 mile course for the Kids classic.
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Wicked 10K

Saturday, October 29, 2022
Virginia Beach

Wicked 10K

Come experience Coastal Virginia’s largest Halloween race and party. The Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K presented by Bon Secours In Motion shows off Virginia Beach’s wicked side. Do you love Halloween? Do you love running by the ocean? Are you looking for a few tricks and treats? The Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K Weekend is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween and enjoy wicked good times.
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Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon

Sunday, November 20, 2022
Norfolk

Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon

Join us for the 9th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Bon Secours In Motion. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, and Old Dominion University’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this at, fast course! (Hint: there are over 20 along the Half Marathon course.)
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Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler

Saturday, December 17, 2022
Virginia Beach

Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler

The 2022 BayPort Credit Union Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours will be back with a brand new theme plus the same favorite traditions. This evening run allows you to experience the magic of the Holidays. Run through the holiday lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk before you celebrate your run at our post-race party.
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