Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon

Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Chesapeake, VA • Course Map

Note: A virtual option is available for the 2021 event. Registration details are included below.

Runners get a chance to trek through what is surely one of the nation’s most unique half marathon races at the annual springtime running of the Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon, which takes participants on a winding route along the canal trail that winds through the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge.

This 112,000-acre park located in southeastern Virginia (just a few miles south of Chesapeake) is home to more than 200 species of birds and waterfowl, as well as deer, red and grey foxes, and the occasional black bear.

This year’s race marks the event’s 11th annual running, and will feature the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon, the fourth annual 5K, and the 9th annual Children’s Half-Mile Club Run.

From the starting line just off Virginia Route 17, the race course follows a 13.1-mile “romp” along the lush wetland forests of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail — which is paved throughout the race course — and the lands that make up the wildlife refuge.

Runners follow the course straight out from the starting line for 6.55 miles all the way to the race turnaround point (near Highway 17), and then follow it back again along the same route back to the finish line.

An out-and-back race scheduled to start at 8:00 AM rain or shine, the race is open to runners, walkers and baby strollers, and is limited to 2,500 participants.

The entrance to the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Sin Jones/flickr)

Race Weather & Climate

Located in the state’s southeastern corner, less than 10 miles south of Norfolk and roughly 100 miles southeast of Richmond, Chesapeake typically sees cool to mild and occasionally warm weather in April, a month that has seen record temperatures here as low as 23 degrees (in 1923) and as high as 97 degrees (in 1960).

On race day (April 10), the average low is 48ºF and the average high is 66ºF.

Past Results

• 2019 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2018 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2017 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2016 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2015 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2014 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2013 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results
• 2012 Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

• 8:00 AM – half marathon
• 8:15 AM – 5K

Fees

• $75 – $80 for the half marathon
• $40 – $45 for the 5K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the spring 2021 running of Chesapeake’s Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

dismalswampstomp.mettleevents.com

Comments

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See more races in: April, Virginia