Welcome!

Presented by Trail Town Fitness
Come and experience Trail Town USA in a way few outside of local residents see it with a Dash thru Damascus!

Welcome to the inaugural Dashing thru Damascus, a rail trail running experience followed by an optional Polar Plunge & Sauna adventure before day in Damascus experience.

Held in Damascus Virginia, this event invites runners to explore one of the Friendliest Town's on the Trail. Runners will race thru town and onto part of the Creeper Trail a stellar 34-mile crushed-limestone path popular for scenic bike riding from Whitetop Station down through Damascus to Abingdon Virginia.

Whether you're chasing a half marathon PR in cool winter weather with fast trail, sauntering thru a casual 5k, or just joining for an adrenaline packed polar plunge and sauna session at the new Trail Town Fitness building, the Dashing thru Damascus offers a unique race experience that combines health, beauty, and adventure for the entire family.

Race Distances: 5k, Half Marathon, Polar Plunge & Sauna
5k
Start Time: 9:00 AM
The 5K offers the perfect introduction to trail running on the Creeper Trail. Runners will enjoy an easy rail trail experience and finish with time to plunge, sauna, clean up, grab some coffee, and holiday shop in Damascus. Festive costumes and outfits are not required, but holiday spirit is always strongly encouraged!

Perfect for:
First-time trail runners
Road runners looking for a new challenge
Families participating together

Expect:
Easy rail trails
Some sidewalk with one road crossing
Gravel but very approachable trail sections
A memorable trail town experience

Half Marathon
Why not start earlier and maximize your miles?

The Half marathon allows runners to grab extra miles ( and more PRs) before the Polar Plunge and holiday shopping kick off!

Start your morning racing the trails, for a final PR in 2026 propelled by holiday cheer in the crisp mountain air. Then return in to Damascus for a full recovery session at Trail Town Fitness with a Polar Plunge, Sauna, and Yoga space before the Winter Market kicks off in full force!

This course serves as an introduction to Virginia's most famed crossroads and trail destination.

Expect:
Fast trails that may have snow or ice
Holiday Cheer
Water and Gels at aid stations
Appalachian charm and cheer all thru the Friendliest Town on the Trail

Make It a Family Adventure Weekend
Holiday Lights Tour throughout Damascus – Walk, bike or drive to tour the lights!
December 4 – A Trail Town Christmas Parade at 7pm in downtown Damascus, featuring a Parade Float Contest and the Damascus Loves Dogs Holiday Costume Contest. The parade will be led by the Clydesdales of Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction, LLC. Santa will be at the Fire Hall after the parade.
December 5 – Dashing through Damascus: A Christmas Market at the Damascus Old Mill Inn from 12 to 6pm. Sip, shop, and snap a picture with Santa. Enjoy handmade gifts, vintage finds, art, homemade treats, and more along with live music. Come soak up the Christmas spirit, and workout before or after at Trail Town Fitness.

Race Policies

Trail Town Fitness is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and professionally managed events with purpose of promoting the local beauty and culture of the Damascus, Virginia aka Trail Town USA. By registering for the Dashing thru Damascus, participants agree to abide by all Trail Town Fitness' policies, event rules, safety requirements, and participant expectations. Policies regarding registration, transfers, deferrals, refunds, participant conduct, pacers, crews, minors, and race-day procedures are available on the Trail Town Fitness website. Please review all policies and race information prior to registering and again before race weekend.

Event's current local time: 9:09 AM ET