Mathews Marathon & Half Marathon
World’s Flattest Race Course
A Boston Qualifier Race
Participant limit is 500
days
hours minutes seconds
until
Registration Closes on 10/10
October 17, 2026 – Saturday at 7am
2026 Registration for Mathews Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay includes a Friday Carbo Load meal provided by Mathews Family YMCA.
Before 9/1 – $100 Full Marathon — $75 Half Marathon
Eff 9/1 – $125 Full Marathon – $100 Half Marathon
Run along peaceful, rural backroads in beautiful Mathews County, Virginia. Enjoy the fast, flat course that winds through dirt, gravel and paved roads and past the serenity of one of Virginia’s last great country sides. Registration will close on October 10. Cost will increase on Sept 1. No refunds one month from event date – anyone unable to attend will be able to transfer registration to the Virtual Race.
The race start & finish is in the town center of Mathews at Put In Creek Pavilion (for GPS purposes use 117 Brickbat Rd, Mathews 23109 – that is fire station which is next to pavilion): The course will have volunteers staged every 2.5-3 miles with water and gel – scroll down to view course maps.
Virtual – $50 for Full or Half Marathon
Boston Qualifier – Success! The Matthews Marathon courses (Full & Half) have been certified by the USATF: Full Marathon USATF Cert VA25016RT, Half Marathon USATF Cert VA25015RT.
Event Details
The Event. Run along peaceful, rural backroads in beautiful Mathews County, Virginia. Enjoy the fast, flat course that winds through dirt, gravel and paved roads and past the serenity of one of Virginia’s last great countrysides. The Marathon route will take you to 3 of the county’s beaches; the Half Marathon will also lead you to a local beach. Run the marathon course as a relay!
The Course. You will enjoy this 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.
Boston Qualifier – Success! The Matthews Marathon courses (Full & Half) have been certified by the USATF: Full Marathon USATF Cert VA25016RT, Half Marathon USATF Cert VA25015RT.
The Cost. The cost for the full marathon is $100 (increases to $125 on 9/1); the half marathon registration is $75 ($100 on 9/1). There is no race day registration. Pre-registration also allows us to purchase the correct sizes and numbers of race day swag. No refunds one month from event date – anyone unable to attend will be able to transfer registration to the Virtual Race.
The Swag. All event participants will receive a Custom Hoodie Sweatshirt and finisher medal. Top finishers in the full & half marathons will be recognized along with age group categories for each event.
The Carbs. All event participants are invited to the FREE Carbo Load Dinner on Friday evening, hosted by the Mathews Family YMCA. Just show up at the YMCA between 4-7pm for packet pickup and a meal – your friends can join for a low $15/person cost. Location: 33 Cricket Hill Road, Hudgins VA 23076
Health & Safety. Important to note: the Mathews Marathon & Half Marathon will proceed on the date scheduled barring any weather-related disruptions. The start times and post-event activities may be subject to change as noted here. Direct email communication will be sent out to registered participants as well.
Strollers & Pets are permitted on the race course. Just note: Mathews is a rural county and does not have a leash law. It’s possible you may see a four-legged resident along the course. No dog issues have arisen during the history of our event but awareness is always appreciated.
“It was a fantastic course, beautiful day, and we hope to do it again next year!”
— Sandy T, 2022 Half Marathon finisher
Race Courses
Boston Qualifier – Success! The Matthews Marathon courses (Full & Half) have been certified by the USATF: Full Marathon USATF Cert VA25016RT, Half Marathon USATF Cert VA25015RT.
Traveling to Mathews?
There’s a reason that visitors call Mathews an ‘undiscovered gem’ – the unspoiled scenery, slow pace, and so much waterfront that we almost take it for granted just to name a few things. Mathews County is off the beaten path: you should plan to spend your marathon weekend with us! Visit the Mathews County Visitor Information Center website to find area activities and dining & lodging options.
Proceeds Stay Local
The Mathews Outdoor Club (MOC) often partners with local clubs & community groups to organize these events. Check our Community Support page to read more – your support of the MOC events benefits the local area. Thank you for helping us “pay it forward.”
Mathews Outdoor Club 