The Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp event is a running and walking race held in Chesapeake, Virginia, offering three distances: half marathon, marathon (26.2 miles), and 50K ultra. Taking place on December 6, 2026, the event starts at 7:00 AM from a rest stop at mile post 4 in Dismal Swamp. Entry fees range from $40 to $100 depending on distance and registration timing. This is a straightforward endurance race suitable for runners and walkers training for winter events or seeking to log substantial mileage in a single outing. The December date means you'll be racing in cooler conditions typical of southeastern Virginia at year's end. Athletes should plan accommodations in Chesapeake with early morning arrival in mind to meet the 7:00 AM start time.
From the Race Organizer
Welcome to the 7th Annual Dismal Swamp /50K/Marathon/Half Marathon and 50k Relay Marathon will take place on our USATF Certified Course! Ranked the Fastest course in Virginia and 47th Fastest in the US by Findmymarathon.com! Huge BQ opportunity! 50K & Half Marathon courses are also on a Certfied course COURSE: The 50k & Relay Starts at 7:00 am & Marathon/Half Marathon starts at 7:30 am. There is a 9hr limit (4 PM). The course is an out and back 3.88 miles each way for the 50k. There are 4 loops for 50k. The Marathon course is a Certified BQ Course, it's 6.55 up 6.55 back 2 loops for the Marathon & one Loop for the Half Marathon. very fast course! The 50k and Marathon/Half Marathon courses are USATF Certified. FLUIDS AND FOOD: 1 full aid station at start/finish after every loop with food, water, and nutrition drinks! This year, due to the marathon& Half Marathon, there will be water stations set up on the course where the Marathon runners will hit 9 times & Half 4 times during the race. The manned stations will only be set up during the Marathon! We will leave an unmanned water station set up close to the 50k turnaround for the Ultra race when the Marathon is complete. AMENITIES & POST-RACE: Finishers receive a Medal, Hoodie Sweatshirt for 50K, and long-sleeve shirt for Marathon & Half Marathon and Finishers items. All Runners who qualify for Boston will receive a BQ Shirt! New this Year, we will have a Beer Garden from 9 am-2 pm. Those of you who finish after the Beer Garden is closed will be able to redeem your two drinks at Garage Brewery until next weekend. We can only keep the Beer Garden open for a certain amount of time. We will also have Pizza to enjoy! TIME LIMITS: The 50K & 50K Relay Starts at 7 am & Full Marathon & Half Marathon starts at 7:30 AM -- Finish line will close at 4 PM. AWARDS: The top three males and Females overall and the top three males and females in the following Age groups: 39 and under/40-49/50-59 /60 and over will receive awards for the 50K! The top three males and Females overall and the top three males and females in 10-year age groups will also receive awards In the Marathon & Half REGISTRATION : Registration will be open race day up to the Race Start STRIDER PLUS/LEGACY RUNNERS: A Discount will be applied at checkout. CLUB MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS: A Club membership discount of $5.00 is available up thru race day. Discounts are automatically applied on the payment page during registration. You should use the account you used to register for the club to apply for this discount. We will also attempt to match on name/date of birth. Paper entry forms are not available. PACKET PICKUP: Pre-race day Packet Pick will be at Running etc VB Saturday, December 5th, from 1-3 p.m., &Race day p acket pick up will be at the start line starting at 6:15 am until the Marathon & half Marathon start! 50K RELAY: When registering, please signup your team if you are the 1st member signing up. Other members, please use the same team name. You can have anywhere from 2 to 4 members on your team! ELITE FIELD : We will have an Elite Entry for this year's Race: to receive a Comp Elite Entry you had to have run faster than the time listed below in the last 2 years! if you would like to claim the entry, contact Thomas Orangerunning@yahoo.com! We will also have Nutrition drop tables set up in multiple areas on the course for the marathon. Marathon MEN: 2:40 Women 3:00 50K Men:3:15 Women: 3:50 Half Marathon Men 1:15 Women 1:22
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 6.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Chesapeake, VA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon /Half Marathon/50K Relay 2026 — Chesapeake, VA?
Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon /Half Marathon/50K Relay 2026 — Chesapeake, VA takes place on December 6, 2026. The race is held in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Where is Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon /Half Marathon/50K Relay 2026 — Chesapeake, VA held?
Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon /Half Marathon/50K Relay 2026 — Chesapeake, VA is held at Rest stop at mile post 4 Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Where can I find hotels near Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon /Half Marathon/50K Relay 2026 — Chesapeake, VA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Chesapeake. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
