Places & Races

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. Expect walkers, runners, rollerbladers, bicycles, baby strollers and dogs on leashes.

Matteson Trail

Hampton

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Greenspring 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

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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

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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

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

Chesapeake City Park

Chesapeake

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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.

Boardwalk

Virginia Beach

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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

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Over 3.8 miles of walking trails and bridges wind through pristine wooded areas, along beautifully landscaped open areas, and adjacent to picturesque creeks and marshes in the park. Five pedestrian bridges cross the creeks and marshes, and numerous overlooks are strategically located for resting and sightseeing.

Windsor Castle

Smithfield

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