Raphine, Virginia · Saturday, September 12, 2026
The Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes 2026 is a cycling event held on Saturday, September 12, 2026. It is located at 35 Hillview Ln in Raphine, Virginia.
WE ARE SUPER PUMPED to give folks time to prepare for the OG COURSE! September 5th - 6th - 2026 over Labor Day Weekend – IT WILL BE SOOO FUN! #Shenandoah100 - Shenandoah Mountain 100 Shenandoah Mountain Touring - MTB Events Stokesville 60/40K - Stoopid 50 - Wilderness 101 - Shenandoah 100 It is going to serve up sooooo much more time rolling BIG SWEET DOWNHILS! Prepare yourself! Saturday Sept 5th, 2026 8:00 AM START - 100k Marathon Distance Maps RIDE WITH GPS - 100K - GOOGLE MAP OVERVIEW - 100K - STRAVA Map to follow… Note that Aid Station #2 will now be at the bottom of Wolf Ridge Trail. (NOT OG 2/6 location) Sunday Sept 6th 2026 - 100 MILE Ultra Distance Maps RIDE WITH GPS - 100 Mile - GOOGLE MAP - 100 MILE - STAVA MAP HERE * there is a slight error on Ride w/GPS map on Wolf Ridge The Plan is SET! One amazing weekend long event with two awesome loop choices 1) Registration and camping is LIMITED. Having said that…. we do have a LOT of extra room in the field for those who didn't get a
campsite to set up “SHOP”. 2) 100k - 2 DROP BAGS. 100 miler - 4 DROP BAGS 3) Aid Stations will have water, HEED, Hammer Gel, PB&J with some packaged food. Coke at 2 stations. 4) Participant support - NO - you can NOT follow your "rider" around the course to support. You CAN sign up to help at an aid station and HELP ALL THE RIDERS. Our agreement with the USFS to minimally impact the Forest is paramount. And this is the only way we can do our part to limit our footprint and not disrupt the sensitive balance of life and user access during this event weekend. Rider disqualification will result if outside support is noted or reported. Race Info: Transfer to another person $30 or $50 - from July 1st to Aug 15th NO Transfers after Aug 15th - 11 PM *** Entry EDITS *** like to another class or distance are possible until Sept 1 - Tuesday 11 pm We do not carryover entries to another year Picture ID/License is required at rider check in 100K Check in - Friday 6:00 - 9:00 pm if camping or Saturday
6:30 - 7:40 am At the Stokesville Campground next to the Start/Finish line. 100 MILE Check in - Saturday 6:00 - 9:00 pm or Sunday 5:00 - 6:00 am At the Stokesville Campground next to the Start/Finish line. The Shenandoah Mountain 100 is one of the most popular courses in the NUE Series. Your entry fee includes aid stations 20 miles apart along the course. Cash purse listed below. Class categories: Men and Women Open, Singlespeed, U 19 (Juniors), Masters (50+), Tandem, and Clydesdale. All competitors will receive a technical t-shirt and participant pint glass. CAMPING - We recommended reserving a site at the host venue - Stokesville Campground - for the full 3-day weekend or at Natural Chimney Campground. If sites are not available on those portals, then camping is full. Participants can set up shop for their respective event in the Observatory field for the event. We have a drop system organized where you can arrange to have supplies (lights, gear, food, etc.) left at the aid stations. You
are allowed TWO (100K) or FOUR (100 MILER)- 1 gallon ziploc bags to be used as drop bags that we will provide. That includes your lights!!!! If the ziploc cannot seal closed we will not send it onto the aid stations. No camelbak drops allowed unless it fits in one closed gallon ziploc bag. They must be labeled with race number and are to be dropped off no later than 1 hour before the event start. They cannot be picked up again until the evening at the end of the race. If you are unable to pick up your supplies, we can mail them back to you for $30. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing drop bags. AID STATIONS: The aid stations' high spirits will keep you rolling and having fun all day. When stopping at a station please do not drop your bike in the road, either keep it between your legs or walk it to the side of the road and so it isn't in the way of other Forest users. We are in a tough spot with spectators - we can't have them at the Campground or out on the course - there
just isn't physically room to park extra cars. But we need some volunteers. So if you have family that "MUST ATTEND" we can put them to use as a volunteer. We have some great volunteer spots that could use their help. THIS YEAR MORE THEN EVER non racers MUST volunteer. Volunteers are a great aspect to this event as well as all of our other events, so please help out. Station #1: 11 miles in - approx. 1-2 hours - Bottom of Tillman West on Tillman Rd. NO DROP BAGS ALLOWED - Water - You will have to stop while we fill your bottle. You will have to take off the lid and hold it yourself. We will have a pump and some mechanical supplies. You will have the climb up Lynn and roll the downhill on Wolf before station #2 Station #2: NEW LOCATION 24.5 miles - approx. 2 to 3 1/2 hours - Wolf Ridge Parking Lot Station will be stocked with food and beverages to be announced at a later time. Station #3: 45 miles in - approx. 3 1/2 to 5 hours - Bottom of Dowell's Draft (last 100K station) Anything but
specific food is discouraged. Station will be stocked with food and beverages to be announced at a later time. Station #4: 57 miles in - approx. 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours – Cold Coke Braley Pond Anything but specific food is discouraged. Station will be stocked with food and beverages to be announced at a later time. Station #5: 75 miles in - approx. 5 1/2 to 10 hours -- Cold Coke Shen Mtn Picnic Area No one is permitted to continue past this section without lights and or approval from the boss past 4:20 PM. Warm clothes are suggested if you think you will be out after dark. 6:00 PM is the cut off even if you have lights. Station #6: 88 miles in - approx. 7 to 14 hours - Bottom of Chestnut/Skidmore Additional lights may be needed at this point. If you have been riding from #5 in the dark it will take you at least 2 hours to finish the race in the dark. The leaders can do the last section in about 1 hour during daylight. Cash Payout Breakdown 100 Miler: Top 5 Men Overall: 1st - $500, 2nd - $400,
3rd - $300, 4th - $250, 5th - $200 Top 5 Women Overall: 1st - $500, 2nd - $400, 3rd - $300, 4th - $250, 5th - $200 Cash Payout Breakdown: Marathon Distance Top 3 Men Overall: 1st - $250, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $150, 4th & 5th - 2019 100K Entry Top 3 Women Overall: 1st - $250, 2nd - $200, 3rd - $150, 4th & 5th - 2019 100K Entry Places to visit while you are here:Downtown Harrisonburg and Massanutten Resort’s Indoor Water Park! Places to get some grub: Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack and Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Local bike shop: Shenandoah Bicycle Company Video Coverage:
2013 Shenandoah Mountain 100 from Adventure Seen on Vimeo. Shenandoah Mountain 100 - 2012 National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series Mountain Bike Event from Shenandoah Mountain Touring on Vimeo. http://vimeo.com/31141601 - 2011 Shenandoah Mountain Touring
The Odyssey Trail Running Rampage will bring in Fall with four great trail running races: the 50K Ultra, the Marathon, the Half Marathon, and the Six-Miler. These trail races will give athletes the opportunity to run on some of the best trails in the Southeast at a gorgeous state park nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Douthat State Park. Get together with family and friends this weekend at Douthat State Park to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing, and relaxing.
We are excited to be are part of the Virginia State Park Adventure Series were athletes can compete at different events at Virginia State Parks to earn points to win prizes at the end of the year.
The 50K Ultra, the Marathon, the Half Marathon, race courses will be a loop format offering challenging uphills, fast downhills and beautiful views at multiple points on the trail. Racers will run along creeks with waterfalls and through Rhododendron-covered tunnels engulfing the trails. The loop will have a total elevation gain of 2700 feet over 13 miles, the majority of which will be gained in the first three miles.
The 50K Ultra will entail 3 loops ((Two) Half Marathon loops + (One) 6 mile loop); the Marathon 2 loops; and the Half Marathon 1 loop. There will be 1 aid station on top of the mountain, at the cabin overlook, at mile 3.5 with water only and 2 fully stocked aid stations at miles 9(mile 1 for the Six Miler) and 11.25 (mile 3.5 for the Six Miler) of each loop. They will have HEED water, flat cola, potatoes and salt, banana halves, and pretzels at each station. Ultra and Marathon runners will be able to stage supplies at the finish of the loop.
The Six Mile Trail race will be a single loop with a few challenging uphills, but mostly rolling terrain. This loop will have over 1000 feet of elevation gain. This race will incorporate the last five miles of the other three events' loop with the addition of the Tobacco Hollow Ridge Trail at the start. The loops for all the events are a little long by 0.3 +/- miles (more plus). There will be no extra charge for the bonus miles!
Why the loop format? The loop preserves a little piece of history. The half marathon loop was designed as part of the Odyssey Off-Road Iron – Distance Triathlon, in which competitors capped off 2.4 miles of swimming and 112 miles of biking with the trail marathon of two 13.1 mile loops. Numerous requests for the option to skip the swim and bike and to “just” run the loop led to creation of the Trail Running Rampage events.
2026 Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay
November 7, 2026
11th Annual Run The Chessie!
Run America’s most spectacular rail trail! The Chessie Nature Trail has twice been voted one of the nation’s top three recreational trails. Situated at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, the seven-mile Chessie Nature Trail parallels the scenic Maury River and connects historic Lexington, Virginia, with the boom-town community of Buena Vista. The smooth, flat, and fast, gravel and grass trail runs along the former Chesapeake and Ohio rail line and parts of the earlier James and Kanawha Canal towpath.
You’ll run 26.2 miles without ever having to cross a road, jump a curb, or pound your knees on concrete and asphalt. You’ll glide through an ever-changing landscape along the wild Maury River, through farmland and leafy canopies at their peak of fall color, past ruins of massive stone locks and dams. View wildlife from deer, wild turkeys, river otters, fish and ducks to rabbits, , and even bald eagles (if you are lucky). Feel the cool moist air as you pass small caves at the base of towering limestone cliffs, and enjoy the serenity of a breeze rustling through a bamboo forest. A corps of the most dedicated and friendly volunteers you’ll ever meet has been working for 12 months to provide you with an unforgettable running experience and will cheer you on and provide support throughout the race.
This event is sanctioned by USATF and all four race courses are USATF certified. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
Marathon runners will get to see the whole trail twice. You will be amazed at how the landscape changes as the sun comes over the cliffs transforming the narrow valley and the sparkling river at its bottom. Spectators will agree that this is the best marathon course ever as they cheer on their loved ones five times without ever having to leave the park-like setting of the start/finish area. And while we certainly hope this doesn’t happen, if you have to change your marathon run to a half marathon or ¾ marathon, you won’t have to worry about hitchhiking back to your car. Ideal for the first-time marathoner! USATF Certification VA22005DJR .
Half Marathon runners will see nearly all of the trail as they head east towards Buena Vista, loop back to the starting line on the way to Lexington, and then loop back down to the finish line. USATF Certification VA22004DJR .
10K runners will head towards Buena Vista first, turning back just after South River, then continue past the starting line towards Lexington, turning once more and running the final 2.5K downhill to the start/finish line. USATF Certification VA22003DJR .
5K runners will head towards Lexington, running along remote sections of the Maury River through forests and fields, and at the base of towering limestone cliffs. When the river bends into a double horseshoe, they will loop back for a slightly downhill finish. USATF Certification VA22002DJR .
26.2 Relay runners will follow the same course as the Marathon. There will be four legs to the relay of approximately 8.5m, 4.6m, 8.5m, and 4.6m. Runners may run more than one leg for their team. Each team will be issued a standard aluminum relay baton, which they will be required to carry on their bodies for the entire race. All exchanges will take place at the start/finish area. Teams are encouraged to decorate their baton with their team colors, logo, etc. Winners will be determined by first across the finish line (not chip time). There will be three divisions, all female, all male, and mixed gender. Relay team captains will be required to pay the registration fee for the team and set up a team name and password so that other team members may enter their information on the registration website.
Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.
Full Marathon registration includes custom finisher swag (your choice of embroidered hat, custom tank top, or custom neck gaiter), long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
Half Marathon registration includes a long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture top wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
10K & 5K runners will receive a short sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all finishers, awards to top overall finishers, recognition and podium ceremony for age group winners, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks following the race.
Marathon Relay registration includes, long sleeve unisex t-shirt (super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years), race sticker, custom medals for all team members, podium ceremony and photo op with huge trophies for the top three winners of each division (no actual physical award), gift certificates for the champions of each division, post-race pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
There is plenty of free parking near the start and plenty of other activities to make a weekend of it in the most beautiful part of Virginia! Registration for each race is limited, so register now to ensure your spot.
Virtual Option: There will be a Virtual Option for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. Runners may run their Virtual Race on a course of their choosing, any time from October 1 to November 7, and may self-report their times. Amenities for the virtual races will include t-shirt, medal, race sticker, online finisher certificate and posted results. Amenities will be mailed to the participant. Virtual runners will not be eligible for awards.
Registration: Registrations and payment will only be accepted online at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lexington/RunTheChessie. Students will be required to show proof of current enrollment at packet pickup. Registration will be cut off on November 6, 7 p.m. ET and there will be no race day registration. We cannot guarantee t-shirt availability for late registrants. Registrants may transfer to a different race, transfer their registration to another person, or defer, up to October 31, 2026. After October 31 we cannot make any transfers or deferrals. Transfers may require a small fee from runsignup.com plus any difference for transferring to a more expensive race. We are sorry that we cannot make refunds for any reason. Marathon Relay team captains will be required to pay the entire registration fee for the team (up to 4 members) and set up a team name and password so that other team members may enter their information on the registration website.
In the event that races must be cancelled due to hazardous conditions, or for any other reason, all registrants will be transferred to the VIRTUAL races.
Full Marathon Registration:
Student (student ID required) $41
Super Early Discount 1/1/26 – 5/31/26 $61
Early 6/1/26 – 7/31/26 $67
On-Time 8/1/26 – 9/30/26 $73
Late 10/1/26 – 11/6/26 $89
Virtual Option 1/1/26 – 11/6/26 $61
Half Marathon Registration:
Student (student ID required) $31
Super Early Discount 1/1/26 – 5/31/26 $51
Early Discount 6/1/26 – 7/31/26 $57
On-Time 8/1/26 – 9/30/26 $63
Late 10/1/26 – 11/6/26 $74
Virtual Option 1/1/26 – 11/6/26 $51
10K Registration:
Student (student ID required) $28
Super Early Discount 1/1/26 – 5/31/26 $34
Early Discount 6/1/26 – 7/31/26 $38
On-Time 8/1/26 – 9/30/26 $41
Late 10/1/26 – 11/6/26 $47
Virtual Option 1/1/26 – 11/6/26 $37
5K Registration:
Student (student ID required) $26
Super Early Discount 1/1/26 – 5/31/26 $31
Early Discount 6/1/26 – 7/31/26 $35
On-Time 8/1/26 – 9/30/26 $37
Late 10/1/26 – 11/6/26 $42
Virtual Option 1/1/26 – 11/6/26 $34
Marathon Relay Registration:
Student (Valid Student ID required-all members) $99
Super Early Discount 1/1/26 – 5/31/26 $109
Early Discount 6/1/26 – 7/31/26 $129
On-Time 8/1/26 – 9/30/26 $149
Late 10/1/26 – 11/6/26 $169
Amenities:
Full Marathon:
· Custom long-sleeve unisex race t-shirt. Super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years.
· Free parking near start/finish line.
· Chip timing.
· Custom medals for all finishers.
· Custom race swag for all finishers. Your choice hat, tank top, or neck gaiter.
· Free race sticker.
· Bag drop table at start for personal belongings.
· Aid/drink stations throughout the course.
· Awards to top 3 overall finishers (each gender class).
· Podium award ceremony and photo-op with trophy (no actual physical award) for top three age group winners.
· Post-race party with pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, snacks, and drinks.
· Results posted online.
· Online finisher certificate.
Half Marathon:
· Custom long-sleeve unisex race t-shirt. Super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years.
· Free parking near start/finish line.
· Chip timing.
· Custom medals for all finishers.
· Free race sticker.
· Bag drop table at start for personal belongings.
· Aid/drink stations throughout the course.
· Awards to top 3 overall finishers (each gender class).
· Podium award ceremony and photo-op with trophy (no actual physical award) for top three age group winners.
· Post race party with pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, snacks, and drinks.
· Results posted online.
· Online finisher certificate.
10K & 5K:
· Custom unisex race t-shirt. Super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years.
· Free race sticker.
· Free parking near start/finish line.
· Chip timing.
· Custom medals for all finishers.
· Bag drop table at start for personal belongings.
· Aid/drink stations throughout the course.
· Awards to top 3 overall finishers (each gender class).
· Podium award ceremony and photo-op with trophy (no actual physical award) for top three age group winners.
· Post-race party with fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, snacks, and drinks.
· Results posted online.
· Online finisher certificate
Marathon Relay:
· Custom long-sleeve unisex race t-shirt. Super comfy 100% ring spun cotton in odd number years, top quality moisture wicking tech in even number years.
· Free parking near start/finish line.
· Chip timing.
· Custom medals for all finishers.
· Free race sticker.
· Bag drop table at start for personal belongings.
· Aid/drink stations throughout the course.
· Podium award ceremony for top 3 teams in each division.
· Gift certificates for champion team in each division.
· Post race party with pizza, fresh cooked pancakes and syrup, snacks, and beverage.
· Results posted online.
Awards & Age Groups: Custom medals will be given to all finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and all 26.2 Relay team members. There will be video cameras at all course turnarounds and only those runners who have completed their entire course will be eligible for awards. Awards will be presented as soon as results are available. The top three male, female, and non-binary finishers of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K will receive gift certificates. The top three Marathon Relay teams in each division will be recognized with a podium ceremony including huge trophy photo op (no actual physical award. Champion teams in each division will receive gift certificates. Individuals who set a course record will receive a $50 cash prize. Age-group first, second, and third place in the Marathon, Half Marathon,10K and 5K will receive a podium award ceremony and photo-op with trophy (no actual physical award). Age-groups male, female, and non-binary: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29,
30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over. We strongly recommend that you stay to claim your award. However, if you are not able to stay, we can mail it to you. There is a $25 packing and postage charge and you may pay at www.runthechessie.org
The “Top Run” award will go to the finisher with the highest “age percentage score” (runsignup.com), and their name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy, to be displayed each race day.
Packet Pickup: Registrants may pick up their packets, Friday, November 6, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Walkabout Outfitters, 21 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450, except registrants who sign up the Friday just before the race. Those registrants will have to pick up their packets at the race, Saturday. You may pick up someone else’s packet, with their permission and a copy of their ID. Packets may also be picked up prior to the race near the starting line, Saturday 6:30-8:00 a.m. (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7a.m. will receive their packet before the race). Participants will be required to show ID and students must have current student ID.
Course Description & Map: The trail follows a very gentle grade throughout. The surface is smooth gravel and grass, usually about 10 feet wide. Overhanging trees may drop branches and nuts, adjoining cliffs may drop rocks, there are still a couple of sections where livestock may be dropping things, there are a couple of small springs which may be seeping, and very rarely there may be a small root in the trail. You will want to keep your eyes on the trail at all times, and watch where you step for many reasons.
Full Marathon Course: Start time 8 a.m. The course starts and ends at the midpoint of the Chessie Trail. It consists of an out and back loop east towards Buena Vista, and then an out and back loop west towards Lexington. The full route will be completed twice.
Half Marathon Course: Start time 8 a.m. The course starts and ends at the midpoint of the Chessie Trail. It consists of an out and back loop east towards Buena Vista, and then an out and back loop west towards Lexington.
The race will start and finish on the Chessie Trail at the McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go approximately 4 1/4 miles towards Buena Vista. At the boat launch near Buena Vista, the course will turn around and retrace the trail 6 3/4 miles towards Lexington. It will pass the starting line and continue until reaching the Lexington trailhead and then looping back about 2 1/2 miles back to the finish line at McKethan Park.
10K Course: Start time 8:15 a.m. Race will start and finish on the Trail at McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go towards Buena Vista, 2.5 K, then turn around just after the South River bridge and proceed back to the starting line at McKethan Park, and continue 2.5K towards Lexington before turning back to finish at McKethan Park.
5K Course: Start time 8:25 a.m. Race will start and finish on the Trail at McKethan Park/I-81 overpass. From McKethan Park the course will go towards Lexington, 2.5 K, then turn around near the middle of the two horseshoe bends, and proceed back to the finish line at McKethan Park.
26.2 Relay Course: Start time 8 a.m. Same course as the Full Marathon. All exchanges will take place at the start/finish line.
Aid/drink stations will be set up at the start/finish, all turn-around points, and near the South River bridge. Water and Gatorade will be available at all stations, as well as fruit and snacks. Refillable liquid containers are highly encouraged in order to reduce the amount of landfill trash generated by the races. Facilities for refilling reusable cups and containers will be available at all aid stations. Porta-potties will be set up at the start/finish, Old Sheppard Road, Buena Vista turnaround and the Lexington turnaround.
Course Rules: No strollers. No animals allowed in race, except service animals. Ear buds are permitted, but are discouraged for safety reasons. Stay to the right when encountering oncoming runners. Walkers are welcome in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon races.
Spectators: Spectators may park at McKethan Park for free, and walk a short distance down to the trail and the start/finish line. Handicap parking is available at the P1 parking area, those needing assistance to the trail should contact race staff. There are very few access points to the trail and none with good parking. The best choice for spectators is to remain at the start/finish line. The full and half marathon runners will come back by the start line about 8 1/2 miles into the race. 10K runners will also come by the start/finish area half way through their race. The start/finish area is beneath an I-81 overpass, so spectators may stay out of the sun/rain, if they so choose. There is a small amount of bleacher seating at the start/finish area, but you may want to bring your own chair.
Results: Results will be posted at runroanoke.com, runsignup.com, and runthechessie.org
Refunds & Transfers: Registrants may transfer to a different race, transfer their registration to another person, or defer, up to October 31, 2026. Transfers may require a small fee from runsignup.com plus any difference for transferring to a more expensive race. We are sorry that we cannot make refunds for any reason.
Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer for race support! Volunteers will be expected to be available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For their efforts, volunteers will receive a custom “Race Crew” t-shirt, and join in the post-race pizza/pancake party. Contact Eric Sheffield at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.
Area Lodging: There are many hotels and B&Bs in the Lexington, Rockbridge, Buena Vista area. Usually there is plenty of capacity, but depending on events at the area colleges and the Virginia Horse Center, they can fill up. So don’t delay in making your reservations.
https://lexingtonvirginia.com/directory/lodging
Race-Day Info: Average race day temperatures are perfect for endurance running with a low of 38° and high of 62°.
If you are using GPS or a mapping service, enter 79 McKethan Park, Lexington, VA.
Parking at McKethan Park will open at 6:30 a.m. Click here for parking map. Look for signs from Old Buena Vista Road. Handicap parking is available in the P1 parking area. Those needing assistance to the trail should contact race staff. Packet pickup will be available from 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. near the start/finish line (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7 a.m. will receive their packet before the race). There are bathroom facilities at pavilions 1 & 2, and more at the starting line. A bag drop area for personal belongings will also be set up near the starting line and you must have your bib number to drop and pick up your bag. Do not leave valuable items in your bag. Porta-potties will also be available near the starting line. Post-race snacks and drinks for the runners will be set up near the start/finish line.
The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay will start at 8:00 a.m. The 10K will start at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K will start at 8:25 a.m. Awards will be presented as results become available. All race support functions will cease operation at 3 p.m. The large gates at the boundaries of cattle fields will be open during the race until noon, after that runners/walkers will need to use the push-through pedestrian gates.
For best results your bib number should be worn on your front, at chest height.
Please do not try to access McKethan Park except on race day. The park is the property of VMI and is not open to the public without a permit. The gate may be locked at any time and you will be sorry if your car is inside.
Race & Awards Schedule:
Friday: 10am-7pm Packet Pickup.
Saturday: 6:30am Parking Opens.
6:30-8:00am Packet Pickup. (we can’t guarantee that runners who come after 7a.m. will receive their packet before the race)
8:00am Start of 26.2, 13.1, & 26.2 Relay.
8:15am Start of 10K.
8:25am Start of 5K.
9:00am 5K Overall & Age-Group Winners Awards.
9:15am 10K Overall Winners Awards.
9:30am 10K Age-Group Winners Awards.
9:50am 13.1 Overall Winners Awards.
10:05am 13.1 Age-Group Winners Awards.
11:30am 26.2 Male Overall Winners Awards.
12:10pm 26.2 Female, Non-binary, & Relay Overall Winners Awards. 26.2 Male Age-Group Winners Awards.
12:30pm 26.2 Female & Non-binary Age-Group Winners Awards.
3:00pm All Race Support ceases.
5:00pm McKethan Park gate locked.
Bag Drop: A bag drop area will be set up near the starting line. Runners must have their bib number present when checking bags in and out. Do not put valuables such as money or electronics in your bag. We will make every effort to see that your belongings are safely returned to you, but cannot take responsibility for the loss or damage of any valuables. Any bags not claimed will be disposed of after two weeks.
Sustainability: We are continually striving to reduce the negative impacts of our races on the environment. We invite you to join us in these efforts. You can help by bringing refillable containers for your hydration, such as a collapsible cup, refillable squeeze bottle, or backpack hydration system. We will have self-serve dispensers for both water and Gatorade at all aid stations. Of course, we will also have disposable cups available if you don’t have your own, or if something goes wrong.
We have also purchased 4400 lbs. of carbon offsets from Coreworks. Coreworks is a non-profit based right here in Rockbridge County and offers locally verified offsets that result in local carbon reducing projects such as tree plantings or solar power installations. If you wish to offset your travel emissions to the race, you can easily do so online at https://www.coreworksva.org
Buffalo River Gran Fondo – October 3, 2026
Start/Finish: Second Stage, Amherst, VA
The Buffalo River Gran Fondo returns in 2026 to Second Stage in the heart of Amherst, VA. After a beautiful ride through some of the finest gravel in the George Washington National Forest, you’ll roll back into town for food, music, and community—just like we started. We’re stoked to celebrate where it all began.
Ride Options
Designed for the not-so-smart who enjoy suffering more than most. GPS Route: Strava
Take on the classic Alhambra Road climb and four Strava KOM/QOM segments. Recommended for gravel bikes or endurance road bikes with 32c tires or wider. GPS Routes: Strava | RidewithGPS | Garmin
Designed for our road bike friends and the gravel-curious. 32c tires are ideal; experienced riders may be fine on 28c. Features two Strava segments. GPS Routes: Strava | RidewithGPS | Garmin
Strava Segment Challenge
Compete for the coveted Buffalo Skull by logging the lowest combined time across your route’s Strava segments.
Join our Strava club and make sure you record your ride to be eligible. More info here
Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 2
Afternoon check-in at Loose Shoe Brewery
Beer and pzza (available for purchase)
Complimentary camping for riders and families at the Amherst County Admin Building
Saturday, October 3
8:00 AM: Coffee, light breakfast, and rider briefing
9:30 AM: Both routes depart
Post-ride meal, beer ticket, and commemorative swag
Extra food and drinks are available for friends and family
Camping & Lodging
On-site Camping: Primitive camping is available at Camp Trapezium, with access to a portable shower
Lodging Nearby:
Sweet Briar College's Elston Inn (Amherst, VA)
Hotels and inns in Lynchburg, VA
Support & Amenities
Well-marked courses with downloadable GPS files
Three rest stops on the Full Monty; two on Lil’ Shorty
SAG vehicle and on-course support
Great post-ride atmosphere with food, drink, and good people
Location
Second Stage
194 Second Street, Amherst, VA 24521
More info: mmgendurancesports.com/buffalo-river-gran-fondo