Nasty 9 Trail Run

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, runners from across the region will converge on Brushy Hills, a sprawling 600-acre watershed tract nestled just outside Lexington, Virginia. This picturesque location in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley is home to an extensive network of trails meticulously maintained by dedicated volunteers through the Friends of Brushy Hills organization.
Registration for this competitive trail race opens online and continues until Thursday night before the event. Late registrants can still secure their spots either at packet pickup on Friday evening from 3-6pm or directly at Race HQ in Lexington on Saturday morning between 7-8am, ensuring no one misses out on what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The race itself offers two challenging distances: a grueling nine-mile course that ascends over 2000 feet and a more manageable four-mile route with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. Both courses are entirely set upon the pristine single-track trails that wind through Brushy Hills, providing runners with an immersive journey through lush woodlands and scenic vistas.
Proceeds from this event benefit both environmental conservation efforts led by the Friends of Brushy Hills as well as local schools' athletic programs including track and field and cross-country teams at Rockbridge County High School, Parry McClure High School, and Maury River Middle School. The entry fees are $60 for the nine-mile course and $45 for those tackling four miles; students can also take advantage of a special discount by contacting outing@wlu.edu.
Upon completing their runs, participants will be greeted with post-race refreshments at 10:30am while enjoying well-earned finisher awards along with age group accolades. The race day schedule includes packet pickup starting from Race HQ between 7 and 8am on Saturday morning, followed by a brief meeting for runners to gather important details about the course ahead of their respective starts at 9:00am (for nine-mile participants) and 9:20am (for four-mile competitors).
For those traveling to Brushy Hills from afar, detailed directions are available online. Simply follow U.S. Route 60 westward towards Lexington until reaching Lee Street where a series of turns will guide you through the town's charming streets before leading onto Ross Road and eventually Union Run, culminating in the parking area for Brushy Hills.
Lexington sits conveniently near the intersection of Highways 81 and 64, approximately an hour north of Roanoke. This race not only serves as a celebration of nature but also supports local youth athletics, making it a win-win event for all involved.
Join us at Brushy Hills this September to experience some of Virginia's most beautiful trails while contributing to important community causes.