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Marathon Details - Virginia Creeper Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > VA > Abingdon > Virginia Creeper Marathon

Virginia Creeper Marathon

State of Franklin Track Club Virginia Creeper Marathon

Abingdon, VA USA

April 6, 2025

http://www.creepermarathon.org

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

scenic, flat-to-gentle-grade run on former railroad bed

Contact Information

Name:	Donna Bays
Address:	SFTC, P. O. Box 6427, Kingsport, TN 37663
Phone Number:	423-530-4706
Email:	Email the organizers

More Information


Number of Runners:	100
Fees & Deadlines:	$15
Start Time:	8:00 AM
Course Highlights:	The race is on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a former railroad bed. Compact course with some repetition. Flat to gentle grade with scenic views.
Course Refreshments:	Aid stations (water and sports drink) every 3 to 3.5 miles.
Certified? Certification:	Yes, VA23017RT
Race Day Registration:	None
Packet Pickup Info:	Packets available at host motel evening before race, at race parking area (Abingdon Trailhead) on race morning.
Marathon Ratings:	Course Scenery/Beauty/Interest: Good for First Timers: Crowd Support: Course Speed:

Runner Reviews (93)

Course 4.9

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 93 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

P. K. from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (4/9/2024) "A Gem in the Mountains" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It's well-known that when anything gets too big - people and money - the principle of diminishing returns sets in. Spaghetti dinners and finishers medals the size of dinner plates aren't essential, and especially not with a 100 to 150-dollar price tag. But for a modest 15 bucks, the Creeper offers a beautiful, flat course on a crushed gravel path with forest, farmland, and rivers; superb runner station snacks, refreshments, and service; prompt, friendly, and personalized communication; and a unique bandana quilt for a souvenir. The only downsides are few spectators (unless you count cows) and a long, gently graded uphill for the last few miles. But these just give the race character. Can't say enough about Donna, her crew of volunteers, and this race. Nice to see in this world of overkill at least one thing that has remained humble.
Sharon Babineau from VA (3/28/2022) "Friendly, Well Organized, and Beautiful!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Such a fun event! A beautiful course, well stocked aid stations, friendly and helpful volunteers. I'm a slowpoke, and was allowed to start the race about 45 minutes early. The volunteers on the course were enthusiastic and encouraging, and made sure I had everything I needed. It was nice to be able to leave a drop bag near the start/finish area, since we ran by it several times. Even the port-a-potties were nice and clean. I would definitely run this race again and recommend it to others! Thanks Frank and the State of Franklin Track Club!
Ventana Wright-Abierta from Tennessee (4/23/2021) "Well organized, fun, and "felt loved"!" (about: 2021) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the most organized marathon, and race for that matter, that I have ever run! Even in somewhat rainy conditions, volunteers came out to support us runners. Co-runners cheered and supported us too. Plenty of aid stations.....Well marked trail/course and directions; beautiful course/scenery. Frank does a great job directing the race! Thank you!!
Cullen Covington-Hicks from Asheville NC (4/20/2021) "Wonderful" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had sworn off marathons at my age but this one tempted me. I had heard so many good things about it. And they were all true! Great community feel, terrific support staff, beautiful scenery. If you like big crowds and high energy races, this is not for you. As it turns out, I happen to love small quiet, low-key runs where I can get lost in the natural beauty all around me. This was it! And, last of all, NOT expensive! Highly recommend this one!
A. L. from USA (4/17/2021) "Excellent support and organization!" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran in 2021 in the pouring rain. Had so much fun - the volunteers were wonderful and the aid stations were well stocked. For $15 you cannot beat this course! Well marked and I enjoyed chatting with the other runners through the torrential downpour. I entered the waitlist in January and was officially on the list in about four weeks and had great communication with the race director.
J. K. from Athens, GA (3/20/2020) "Almost too good to be true!" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Virginia Creeper was my 14th marathon spread across 41 years and the first in my seventh decade. So, while I don't have extensive marathon experience, I've been at the sport a long time. This race is exceptional. The setting is beautiful and the Creeper Trail has a good running surface and gentle terrain (at least those sections covered by the marathon route). The race director and his crew are clearly passionate about putting on a quality event and making every participant feel welcome and special. All essential details are covered and covered very well. I'd have liked a few more runners at about my pace. Still, covering three out-and-back trail sections meant seeing other runners going the opposite direction fairly often, and the comraderie was uplifting. I have nothing but positive feelings about this race and the people who put it on, and I'm already looking forward to returning in 2021.
D. S. from Virginia (3/16/2020) "Phenomenal Local Race, Gorgeous Trail" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you love a race with gently sloping trails with good footing, awesome bridge crossings, easy logistics, a great local feel and support, and no frills then this race is for you. I have run 17 marathons prior to this but even though there were less than 100 runners this was one of the more enjoyable races I have ever run. The RD is awesome and clearly passionate about the race and runners, and the Creeper Trail is a hidden Gem right off of Interstate 81 in SW Virginia. I highly recommend this race. If you need fanfare and frills, this race is not for you, but if you enjoy good camaraderie and a scenic course with no brutal hills (all the hills, while there are some, are gently sloping, none are steep, it used to be a railroad track). You do not need trail shoes unless you really feel the need to have the extra traction or maybe if it gets really muddy, but for the 2020 race it rained the entire day before and even then the trail drained well and was not nearly as muddy as I expected. Register early for this March race, the 2020 race filled up in December.
J. E. from Southern West Virginia (4/2/2019) "Beautiful, peaceful, well supported, dirt cheap!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Virginia Creeper Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am 78 years old and do shorter races as a means of trying to keep myself mentally and physically healthy. This year, I got the idea I'd like to do a full marathon again. I have done over 150 and now do halves and shorter. Since I was doing a nearby 5K the day before, I contacted Frank and he said OK since I did this in 2006. Yes, I was scared, but sucked it up. Frank let me park near the start area and I started early with a few others. The bridges and scenery are so peaceful. This is a nearly flat trail. A root found my foot about half mile from the finish line resulting in a bloody mouth & hand, but I finished with no regret, just pride and determination to do it again. Frank is a very supportive RD and just the kind this race needs to continue. Hopefully, he will add another AG category when I turn 80, because I think older women will come out here now. I strongly recommend this race to all. It's small enough for a variety of abilities. I did it in about 7:10...mostly walking. I channeled my 'Yolanda Holder', the Walking Diva. Just keep moving! Oh, this is not a place for spectators. Others are using this beautiful trail and are very friendly. Just remember to pick up your feet. Enjoy..
Sanjay Mohanta from Toronto, ON (3/19/2018) "113th race! A tough one!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first Creeper. I was told for many years it was the race to do. It is! It is pretty hilly in spots and the course is a good starter for trail runners. I have a bad MCL and walked the whole course. The RD was nice enough to let me start early. Water and aid stations with some food every 3 miles or so. He let me park my car at the start line so I could drop off clothing items throughout the race. What a guy! I highly recommend this race - the cost is only $15 to register, a scenic drive from TO and lodging is cheap! Frank is a nice guy and treats the runners well. I hope the MCL heals in a couple of weeks fully so I can get back to running and run this race next year!
K. H. from Winston Salem, NC (4/30/2017) "This race is beautiful, peaceful. My favorite!" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon is well organized, and the most beautiful course I have ever run. It is a peaceful and pleasant experience. The race director and volunteers are friendly and supportive. It is also very affordable! I am a big fan!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]



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P. K. from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (4/9/2024) "A Gem in the Mountains" (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It's well-known that when anything gets too big - people and money - the principle of diminishing returns sets in. Spaghetti dinners and finishers medals the size of dinner plates aren't essential, and especially not with a 100 to 150-dollar price tag. But for a modest 15 bucks, the Creeper offers a beautiful, flat course on a crushed gravel path with forest, farmland, and rivers; superb runner station snacks, refreshments, and service; prompt, friendly, and personalized communication; and a unique bandana quilt for a souvenir. The only downsides are few spectators (unless you count cows) and a long, gently graded uphill for the last few miles. But these just give the race character. Can't say enough about Donna, her crew of volunteers, and this race. Nice to see in this world of overkill at least one thing that has remained humble.
Sharon Babineau from VA (3/28/2022) "Friendly, Well Organized, and Beautiful!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Such a fun event! A beautiful course, well stocked aid stations, friendly and helpful volunteers. I'm a slowpoke, and was allowed to start the race about 45 minutes early. The volunteers on the course were enthusiastic and encouraging, and made sure I had everything I needed. It was nice to be able to leave a drop bag near the start/finish area, since we ran by it several times. Even the port-a-potties were nice and clean. I would definitely run this race again and recommend it to others! Thanks Frank and the State of Franklin Track Club!
Ventana Wright-Abierta from Tennessee (4/23/2021) "Well organized, fun, and "felt loved"!" (about: 2021) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the most organized marathon, and race for that matter, that I have ever run! Even in somewhat rainy conditions, volunteers came out to support us runners. Co-runners cheered and supported us too. Plenty of aid stations.....Well marked trail/course and directions; beautiful course/scenery. Frank does a great job directing the race! Thank you!!
Cullen Covington-Hicks from Asheville NC (4/20/2021) "Wonderful" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had sworn off marathons at my age but this one tempted me. I had heard so many good things about it. And they were all true! Great community feel, terrific support staff, beautiful scenery. If you like big crowds and high energy races, this is not for you. As it turns out, I happen to love small quiet, low-key runs where I can get lost in the natural beauty all around me. This was it! And, last of all, NOT expensive! Highly recommend this one!
A. L. from USA (4/17/2021) "Excellent support and organization!" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I ran in 2021 in the pouring rain. Had so much fun - the volunteers were wonderful and the aid stations were well stocked. For $15 you cannot beat this course! Well marked and I enjoyed chatting with the other runners through the torrential downpour. I entered the waitlist in January and was officially on the list in about four weeks and had great communication with the race director.
J. K. from Athens, GA (3/20/2020) "Almost too good to be true!" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Virginia Creeper was my 14th marathon spread across 41 years and the first in my seventh decade. So, while I don't have extensive marathon experience, I've been at the sport a long time. This race is exceptional. The setting is beautiful and the Creeper Trail has a good running surface and gentle terrain (at least those sections covered by the marathon route). The race director and his crew are clearly passionate about putting on a quality event and making every participant feel welcome and special. All essential details are covered and covered very well. I'd have liked a few more runners at about my pace. Still, covering three out-and-back trail sections meant seeing other runners going the opposite direction fairly often, and the comraderie was uplifting. I have nothing but positive feelings about this race and the people who put it on, and I'm already looking forward to returning in 2021.
D. S. from Virginia (3/16/2020) "Phenomenal Local Race, Gorgeous Trail" (about: 2020) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you love a race with gently sloping trails with good footing, awesome bridge crossings, easy logistics, a great local feel and support, and no frills then this race is for you. I have run 17 marathons prior to this but even though there were less than 100 runners this was one of the more enjoyable races I have ever run. The RD is awesome and clearly passionate about the race and runners, and the Creeper Trail is a hidden Gem right off of Interstate 81 in SW Virginia. I highly recommend this race. If you need fanfare and frills, this race is not for you, but if you enjoy good camaraderie and a scenic course with no brutal hills (all the hills, while there are some, are gently sloping, none are steep, it used to be a railroad track). You do not need trail shoes unless you really feel the need to have the extra traction or maybe if it gets really muddy, but for the 2020 race it rained the entire day before and even then the trail drained well and was not nearly as muddy as I expected. Register early for this March race, the 2020 race filled up in December.
J. E. from Southern West Virginia (4/2/2019) "Beautiful, peaceful, well supported, dirt cheap!" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Virginia Creeper Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am 78 years old and do shorter races as a means of trying to keep myself mentally and physically healthy. This year, I got the idea I'd like to do a full marathon again. I have done over 150 and now do halves and shorter. Since I was doing a nearby 5K the day before, I contacted Frank and he said OK since I did this in 2006. Yes, I was scared, but sucked it up. Frank let me park near the start area and I started early with a few others. The bridges and scenery are so peaceful. This is a nearly flat trail. A root found my foot about half mile from the finish line resulting in a bloody mouth & hand, but I finished with no regret, just pride and determination to do it again. Frank is a very supportive RD and just the kind this race needs to continue. Hopefully, he will add another AG category when I turn 80, because I think older women will come out here now. I strongly recommend this race to all. It's small enough for a variety of abilities. I did it in about 7:10...mostly walking. I channeled my 'Yolanda Holder', the Walking Diva. Just keep moving! Oh, this is not a place for spectators. Others are using this beautiful trail and are very friendly. Just remember to pick up your feet. Enjoy..
Sanjay Mohanta from Toronto, ON (3/19/2018) "113th race! A tough one!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first Creeper. I was told for many years it was the race to do. It is! It is pretty hilly in spots and the course is a good starter for trail runners. I have a bad MCL and walked the whole course. The RD was nice enough to let me start early. Water and aid stations with some food every 3 miles or so. He let me park my car at the start line so I could drop off clothing items throughout the race. What a guy! I highly recommend this race - the cost is only $15 to register, a scenic drive from TO and lodging is cheap! Frank is a nice guy and treats the runners well. I hope the MCL heals in a couple of weeks fully so I can get back to running and run this race next year!
K. H. from Winston Salem, NC (4/30/2017) "This race is beautiful, peaceful. My favorite!" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Virginia Creeper Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon is well organized, and the most beautiful course I have ever run. It is a peaceful and pleasant experience. The race director and volunteers are friendly and supportive. It is also very affordable! I am a big fan!

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Marathon Details - Virginia Creeper Marathon