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Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon

Covington, VA
Saturday, June 13, 2026


  5 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon course is an out and back on the finely crushed gravel path of an old railroad bed.

The course is on the smooth crushed gravel surface of The Jackson River Scenic Trail. The trail is mostly flat with some light hills. This is an in and out course meaning all races begin and end at the Intervale Trail Head. Each race has well-marked turn around points with volunteers making sure you don't miss them. There will be hydration stations on both the way out as well as on the return back. Port-a-johns are available at the start/finish, and at the trailheads of Petticoat, Smith Bridge and Natural Well. Refreshments will be available at the finish line.

June Other Marathons in June Other Marathons in Virginia Marathons near Covington, VA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Mostly on Trails

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 64°F (17°C)
Average High: 72°F (22°C)
Average Low: 56° F (13°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 94.63
Course Score: 97.83

Race Size

2026: 119 Finishers
2025: 115 Finishers
2024: 110 Finishers
2023: 131 Finishers
2022: 80 Finishers
2021: 122 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.4%
2025: 6.1%
2024: 14.6%
2023: 9.9%
2022: 18.8%
2021: 12.3%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 0 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 0°F  (°C)
Low: 0°F  (°C)

Race Start Conditions

0°F  (°C)
Humidity: 0%


 0 mph

PR Score

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Course Score

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Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon was the 346th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 345th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.4% of Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 6.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon ranked 236th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 127th so far in 2026. In Virginia, it ranked 6th in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon has a Course Score of 97.83, ranking it as the 363rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest marathon course in Virginia.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon a PR Score of 94.63. The PR Score ranks the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon as the 430th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 8th best marathon for a PR in Virginia.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Virginia for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed363rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 8th fastest marathon course in Virginia
Top 78% Nationally#8 of 10 in Virginia
PR Potential430th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 8th best marathon for a PR in Virginia
Top 93% Nationally#8 of 10 in Virginia
Boston Qualifier Rate236th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 6th highest BQ percentage in Virginia
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 50% Nationally#6 of 13 in Virginia
Race Size346th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 10th largest marathon in Virginia
Based on 2025 results
Top 58% Nationally#10 of 16 in Virginia

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1460 feet (445m)
Min Elevation: 1289 feet (392m)

Elevation Gain: 920 feet (280m)
Elevation Loss: 920 feet (280m)


Jackson



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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Awesome run in nature!

Full Review:

This was my 8th marathon. I chose it since it was in driving distance and the course looked flat. The course is mostly shaded running along a crushed gravel trail that follows the Jackson River. 2026 was a warmer day but the course was WELL stocked with COLD water and many snacks and gels. 20 water stops for 1 small marathon is a very good amount! Overall, it was well run. If you don't mind not being in the crowds of usual marathons, this one is a winner!

Race Tips:

Consider wearing a garter over your shoes. You will get small crushed gravel in them. It's an out and back and with no crowd support. You need to be mentally tough when it gets tough. This would also be a good marathon to do if you like to do multiple marathons/year. Running on crushed gravel vs. pavement is easier on the legs!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hampton Inn is just a few minutes away. There's plenty of parking at the start/finish line. Not so many carb-loading options in town but I found an Italian place that served a huge helping of spaghetti and bread.
Reviewed by Elizabeth R About 2026

Flat, Fast and Friendly

Full Review:

I have done almost 100 half marathons. I've suffered through bad ones and have enjoyed many beautiful ones but most fall in the average range. This half marathon was excellent. It was well organized. Parking was easy, packet pick up was easy. Clean flush toilets nearby. Very idyllic and peaceful course on wide trail with tree canopies almost the entire half marathon route to provide shade. Small enough to not have to dodge people all the time and large enough so you didn't feel like you were alone on the race course. Volunteers were very friendly and most people seemed to respect the "don't leave trash on the trail." This is the most well stocked aid station race I have ever seen. Phenomenal job by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. I traveled from Florida for this race on my journey to get a medal from every state. This was my 46th state. While in the area we did some hiking in the New River Gorge National Park and also did the Bridge walk. It was a fantastic week! Highly recommend!

Race Tips:

You don't need a hydration belt. There are more than enough aid stations.
Reviewed by N.Spence About 2026

Very well organized

Full Review:

Well-maintained, wide, and fine-grained gravel trail. Shaded the whole way, with beautiful scenery. Though nestled in the mountains, it's along a river, so quite flat. Any inclines are barely perceptible. Second half is downriver. Temp was 55 degrees at the 7am race start, and 70 degrees at 11am. Humidity not a factor. Spectators sporadic. Very well organized.

Race Tips:

Water/Gatorade stations about every 1.5 miles, although race mile-markers sporadic - only at turnaround points for the various races (5K, 10K, half, full).

Travel/Logistics Tips:

With a 7am start time (for cooler temps), you have to get up quite early if you plan to eat breakfast 2-3 hours beforehand.
Reviewed by PDC About 2024

Beautiful Small Town Race

Full Review:

This was the first road race I was able to find since Covid-19, and I was EXTREMELY impressed with everything about the race! Josh, the race director, was in constant communication with us leading up to the race and provided detailed safety precautions they would be taking for the event. I felt very safe before, during, and after the race. Even with the social distancing and safety precautions, the volunteers were spectacular (as were the aid stations, which served prepackaged beverages and nutrition). The course was BEAUTIFUL along the river, and you could tell everyone was just so happy to be racing again. Biggest thank you for putting this on! I'll definitely be back!

Race Tips:

The course is flatter than what is depicted on here, and the gravel was super easy on the body. The only downside... the heat/humidity!!! Luckily, I was coming from TX, so I was used to it, but it was definitely no joke! Make sure to hydrate!!
Reviewed by WD About 2020

Great Event

Full Review:

This event is 13.1 miles out and 13.1 miles back on a rail trail. Beautiful scenery. Spectators are rare.

Race Tips:

Run the first half easy because it's usually hot and humid in June.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

They expanded the parking area at the trail head / start of the race, parking is easy to find.
Reviewed by RAP About 2017