Sunday, December 7, 2025—join the Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp event, offering a 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, and 50K Relay. Set on the famed Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, this race is celebrated as Virginia’s fastest certified road course—a prized opportunity for Boston Qualifying and personal bests.
🚀 Race & Course Experience
The Half Marathon and Marathon wave off at 7:30 AM EST; the 50K and Relay start at 7:00 AM EST. The half loops once on a 6.55-mile out-and-back; the marathon covers two loops; the 50K completes four back-and-forth 3.88‑mile segments. With a generous 9-hour time cutoff (finish line closes at 4:00 PM EST), runners enjoy relaxed pacing.
Aid is available after every loop at a central station, with marathon/half runners hitting 4 aid stations en route; 50K participants pass 4 unmanned water drops near turnaround points.
🎯 What Makes It Unique
Ranked 47th fastest in the U.S., this USATF‑certified course draws competitive and recreational runners alike seeking flat, fast terrain. Elite qualifiers (e.g. men sub‑1:15, women sub‑1:22 for the half) may receive complimentary entry. The festive finish includes a beer garden (9 AM–2 PM), pizza, medals, hoodies (for 50K), or long-sleeve shirts (for marathon/half), and Boston-qualifier prize shirts.
