Cross Country Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

The Cross County Trail Marathon weaves through the verdant heart of Fairfax County, Virginia, along the storied Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail (GCCCT). Encompassing over 40 miles, the trail offers runners a diverse cross-county expedition, beginning in Great Falls National Park and journeying to the southern end at the Occoquan River. Traversing picturesque landscapes, the marathon highlights the area’s natural beauty, with plentiful wildflowers, rare plant life, and a sweeping array of wildlife. Participants can expect a rugged route with stone dust paths, muddy areas, and stream crossings, all providing an invigorating, earthy challenge. Conceived in 1995, the GCCCT has transformed people’s interaction with the great outdoors, developed through a dedicated coalition of government, community groups, and enthusiastic volunteers. As you lace up for this marathon, prepare for an Appalachian Trail-like adventure, where the path embraces its natural state, keeping neither mud nor minor snow at bay, thus promising runners a genuine trail running experience amid Virginia’s stunning terrains.