August Newsletter – W2W Recap and 50 Day countdown to the Marathon!

Swimmers complete the 1 mile East River Swim!

Last Saturday, August 16th, dozens of swimmers gathered at Williams Wharf Landing for the annual Wharf to Wharf Swim, a one-mile open water race across the East River. We were graced with a light breeze and comfortable 80 degree weather, and near perfect water conditions for the competitors.

This year’s fastest times showcased impressive performances: Jessica Williamson (center above) led the pack with a winning time of 20:13.1, followed closely by Chase Miller (right) at 20:41.8, and Annabella Carter (left) rounding out the top three at 22:44.7.

Missy Johnson, pictured with the iconic marker buoys ducky, completed the one mile distance in a time of 43:10.8. Missy lives locally in Mathews County and trains for swim events year-round.

The Wharf to Wharf Swim continues to be a highlight of Mathews’ summer calendar and is a collaboration between the Mathews Outdoor Club (MOC) and Mathews Land Conservancy (MLC). The event is a tribute to the late L. Wayne Hudgins who was a Mathews native, Williams Wharf enthusiast and long-time member of the MLC’s board.


50 Days until the Mathews Marathon!

We don’t mean to make you panic – but yes, we are 50 days away to the Mathews Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, 2025!

The Event. Run along peaceful, rural backroads in beautiful Mathews County, Virginia. Enjoy the course that winds through dirt, gravel and paved roads and past the serenity of one of Virginia’s great countrysides. The Marathon route will take you to 3 of the counties beaches; the Half Marathon will also lead you to a local beach. Registration will close upon reaching 500 total participants.

Run The World’s Flattest Race Course

Enjoy this FAST, FLAT course that winds around quiet backroads and through the town of Mathews. Stick around after the race and enjoy the weekly Farmers Market on the town’s courthouse green. There is a 6 hour time limit for this event.

Relay Option. You can elect to complete the full marathon course (26.2 miles) as a team. The registration link for the Marathon Relay – same date/ time as the individual races – is here: Marathon Relay

The Cost Increases on Sep 1!

The cost for the full marathon is $85 ($100 effective 9/1); the half marathon registration is $60 ($75 effective 9/1) and this includes our Friday Carbo Load Pasta Dinner, hosted by Mathews YMCA. Note: Pre-registration also allows us to purchase the correct sizes and numbers of race day swag. Registration cost will increase after Sep1st. NO race day registration, sorry.

The Swag. All event participants registered by Sep 30 are guaranteed a Custom Plaid Shirt and finisher medal (extras were ordered, available first-come-first-serve). Top finishers in the full & half marathons will be recognized along with age group categories for each event. 

We’re being Evaluated!

as a Boston Qualifier – making progress! The Mathews Marathon course is currently being measured for certification by the USATF for the 2025 event. A certification number will be made available once this process is complete. STAY TUNED!! 


Thank you to our sponsors!

Burton’s Waterfront at Isabell K. Horsley Real Estate
Rappahannock Bicycle Co.
Queens Creek Marina
Johnson Law Center
Lennon Dental Center
Chesapeake Bank
Riverside Health, Walter Reed Hospital
Mathews Economic Development Authority

Interested in sponsoring the MOC? All sponsors will be listed on this webpage and on the race premium & event signage. Take a look at our sponsorship page here.

The MOC, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor fitness opportunities, invites both residents and visitors to participate in these exciting events. These events not only foster a love for outdoor activities but also help support the organization’s mission to showcase the abundant outdoor spaces in Mathews County. MOCVA.NET

One thought on “August Newsletter – W2W Recap and 50 Day countdown to the Marathon!

Leave a reply to Karen Sisler Cancel reply