Chamber’s Summer Outdoor Event Series Generates Record $348,776 in Economic Impact Here   Covington, VA (Oct. 20, 2025) - The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is celebrating a record-breaking year for its Summer Outdoor Event Series, which includes three major athletic adventure events — the Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo, the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, and the Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim. Together, these events generated an estimated $348,776 in total economic impact for the Alleghany Highlands community — a significant increase from $196,707 in 2024. This figure was calculated in partnership with the Roanoke Regional Partnership using their IMPLAN economic modeling tool and survey data collected from event participants detailing their spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and fuel. The 2025 series drew 693 participants in total, with 659 traveling from outside the region — showcasing the Alleghany Highlands as a growing destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Both the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon and the Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim set participation records, welcoming 482 runners and 92 swimmers, respectively. The Gran Fondo cycling event also grew in participation from the prior year, attracting 119 participants from across the country. “The continued growth of our Summer Outdoor Event Series shows how powerful outdoor recreation can be as an economic driver for the Alleghany Highlands,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “These events not only showcase our beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes and trails, but they also fill our hotels, restaurants, and shops with visitors who often become repeat guests. It’s a great example of how tourism and community partnerships strengthen our local economy.” Participants traveled to the Alleghany Highlands from across the United States — including Hawaii, South Dakota, Utah, and Colorado — with many drawn by the Boston Marathon–qualifying status of the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, the incredible scenery of the Gran Fondo cycling event, and the warm, emerald waters of the Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim. A total of 126 local volunteers supported the events, along with 11 community-minded sponsors: LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, Dominion Energy, Highlands Community Bank, Smurfit-WestRock, Ingevity, Jackson River Community Credit Union, Roanoke Outside, Cucci’s Pizzeria, ALCOVA Mortgage, Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, and Williams Fabrication. “Our sponsors, volunteers, and local partners make this series possible each year,” said Makayla Nobles, Events Coordinator for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “We’ve seen incredible growth and energy around these events, and it’s inspiring to watch participants and local residents come together to celebrate outdoor adventure in our beautiful community.” The Chamber also expresses its appreciation to Alleghany County Parks & Recreation, the City of Covington, and the Town of Clifton Forge for their continued support in hosting and promoting these regional events. Looking ahead, the Chamber has already set the 2026 event dates: Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo — May 9, 2026 Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — June 13, 2026 Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim — August 1, 2026 For more information, visit www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com or ahchamber.com.

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