Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon Weekend Sets New Participation Record with 510 Runners 510 Runners Show Up For Annual Event   Alleghany Highlands, VA (June 16, 2026) - The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism proudly hosted the largest Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K in event history on Saturday, June 13th, welcoming a record-breaking 510 participants to the Jackson River Scenic Trail. This marks the third consecutive year the event has achieved record-setting participation numbers. Runners traveled from across the United States and Canada to experience one of Virginia's premier rails-to-trails races. This year's event attracted participants representing 24 states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada. The furthest-traveled runners journeyed from Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, and Ontario, with each traveling more than 1,000 miles to participate. With 94% of participants traveling from outside the Alleghany Highlands, the event continues to serve as a powerful driver of tourism, highlighting the event's growing reputation as a destination race and its impact on local tourism. The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying event and is known for its flat, scenic course that follows the Jackson River through the Alleghany Highlands. Participants enjoyed the trail's natural beauty, mountain views, and welcoming community atmosphere throughout race weekend. "This event continues to grow because runners fall in love with the experience we offer here in the Alleghany Highlands," said Makayla Nobles, Events & Special Projects Coordinator for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. "Seeing all the participants cross our finish line and knowing they traveled from across North America to be here is incredibly rewarding. The Jackson River Scenic Trail provides a unique race experience, and we're proud to showcase our community to so many visitors each year." The event's success would not have been possible without the support of numerous community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who worked together to create a safe and memorable experience for every participant. "Hosting an event of this size truly takes a team effort," said Josh Taylor, Executive Director at the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. "We are grateful for our sponsors, volunteers, local EMS and law enforcement agencies, Alleghany County Parks & Recreation, VDOT, and all of our community partners who help make this event possible. Their dedication and support allows us to continue growing this race and welcoming visitors from across the country to the Alleghany Highlands." The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism extends sincere appreciation to the event's 13 sponsors, volunteer teams, local emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, Alleghany County Parks & Recreation, VDOT, community partners, and residents whose support helped make the event a tremendous success. Planning is already underway for next year's Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K, as organizers look to build on this year's record-setting participation and continue establishing the race as one of the state's premier running events. For more information about the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Covington/JRSTHalf

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