On 7 December 2025, the Tidewater Strider club hosts the Dismal Swamp endurance event offering a 50 km ultra, a full Marathon, a Half Marathon, and a 50K relay option. The ultra starts at 7:00 AM, while the Marathon and Half Marathon begin at 7:30 AM on a USATF-certified course. The layout is mostly out-and-back loops along the flat, paved Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, making it one of the fastest routes in Virginia. There is a 9-hour finish time limit (course closes at 4:00 PM), and runners are supported via centralized aid stations, hydration, nutrition service, and race swag: medals, hoodies for ultra finishers, long-sleeve shirts for marathon/half finishers. The course is forest-lined, shaded in many parts, and designed to favor strong pacing and personal best performances.
Races
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also starts at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. This distance is one loop of the 6.55-mile certified section (≈ 13.1 mi) on a flat, fast course along the canal trail, finishing under the same time limit of 4:00 PM.
Also run by the Tidewater Striders, the Dismal Swamp Marathon begins at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. The marathon consists of two loops of a 6.55-mile out-and-back certified course (mirroring the 50K route), offering runners one of Virginia’s fastest Boston-qualifier paths, with the same 4:00 PM cut-off.
Organized by the Tidewater Striders Running Club, the Dismal Swamp 50K is held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, with a 7:00 AM start. The 50 km ultramarathon uses a 3.88-mile out-and-back loop (4 loops total) on a USATF-certified, flat, fast road course along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, with a finish cut-off at 4:00 PM.
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also takes place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Relay teams (2 to 4 members) begin at 7:00 AM and complete segments of the same 50 km course, with the relay finishers joining the same post-race festivities and subject to the 4:00 PM cut-off.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
How long is the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
Where does the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also starts at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. This distance is one loop of the 6.55-mile certified section (≈ 13.1 mi) on a flat, fast course along the canal trail, finishing under the same time limit of 4:00 PM.
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also starts at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. This distance is one loop of the 6.55-mile certified section (≈ 13.1 mi) on a flat, fast course along the canal trail, finishing under the same time limit of 4:00 PM.
How long is the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon take place?
The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
How long is the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
Where does the Dismal Swamp Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
Also run by the Tidewater Striders, the Dismal Swamp Marathon begins at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. The marathon consists of two loops of a 6.55-mile out-and-back certified course (mirroring the 50K route), offering runners one of Virginia’s fastest Boston-qualifier paths, with the same 4:00 PM cut-off.
The Dismal Swamp Marathon is 42km long.
The Dismal Swamp Marathon takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
Also run by the Tidewater Striders, the Dismal Swamp Marathon begins at 7:30 AM on December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA. The marathon consists of two loops of a 6.55-mile out-and-back certified course (mirroring the 50K route), offering runners one of Virginia’s fastest Boston-qualifier paths, with the same 4:00 PM cut-off.
How long is the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
The Dismal Swamp Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Dismal Swamp Marathon take place?
The Dismal Swamp Marathon takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp 50K?
How long is the Dismal Swamp 50K?
Where does the Dismal Swamp 50K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp 50K?
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp 50K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp 50K?
Organized by the Tidewater Striders Running Club, the Dismal Swamp 50K is held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, with a 7:00 AM start. The 50 km ultramarathon uses a 3.88-mile out-and-back loop (4 loops total) on a USATF-certified, flat, fast road course along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, with a finish cut-off at 4:00 PM.
The Dismal Swamp 50K is 50km long.
The Dismal Swamp 50K takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp 50K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp 50K?
Organized by the Tidewater Striders Running Club, the Dismal Swamp 50K is held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, with a 7:00 AM start. The 50 km ultramarathon uses a 3.88-mile out-and-back loop (4 loops total) on a USATF-certified, flat, fast road course along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, with a finish cut-off at 4:00 PM.
How long is the Dismal Swamp 50K?
The Dismal Swamp 50K is 50km long.
Where does the Dismal Swamp 50K take place?
The Dismal Swamp 50K takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp 50K?
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp 50K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp 50K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp 50K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
How long is the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
Where does the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also takes place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Relay teams (2 to 4 members) begin at 7:00 AM and complete segments of the same 50 km course, with the relay finishers joining the same post-race festivities and subject to the 4:00 PM cut-off.
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay is 50km long.
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay, organized by the Tidewater Striders, also takes place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Relay teams (2 to 4 members) begin at 7:00 AM and complete segments of the same 50 km course, with the relay finishers joining the same post-race festivities and subject to the 4:00 PM cut-off.
How long is the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay is 50km long.
Where does the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay take place?
The Dismal Swamp 50K Relay takes place in Chesapeake, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
Runna classifies the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Dismal Swamp 50K Relay?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp Races or Tidewater Striders. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp Races website.
