The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Eco Run is more than a typical trail run—it's a direct engagement with the Chesapeake Bay’s vibrant ecosystems located in Chesapeake, Virginia. Covering approximately 5 miles, the course features a balanced mix of terrain: packed dirt trails, some grassy sections through open fields, and boardwalks skirting wetlands daring you to tread lightly. Expect a moderate elevation gain around 200 feet, enough to challenge without overwhelming. The route threads through maritime forests where stately pines stand watch and salt marshes push with the tide, inviting runners to stay attuned to their surroundings.

The air here carries the scent of brackish water and pine needle mulch—a sensory reminder that this is a working estuarine environment, fiercely dynamic and constantly shifting. The run rewards with expansive views over the bay’s edge, where waterbirds wheel overhead and crabs skitter along exposed mudflats. Staying ready for these shifts means pacing yourself according to weather and tide, so you can stay safe and focused.

Footwear with good traction is essential to handle the occasional slick boardwalks and muddy patches. Hydration matters here given the humidity that rises off the bay in warmer months. Materials that breathe and dry quickly will help you manage the layers; a lightweight, protective hat is also recommended to shield against sun and bugs alike. Start early or late in the day to avoid midday heat and catch the soft glow as the bay catches light.

Preparation extends beyond gear. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Eco Run often integrates educational checkpoints, blending the jump of a trail run with awareness of the bay’s ecological needs. This makes it a grounded experience for runners who want both a physical challenge and a reminder why conservation matters.

While the course is accessible to casual runners ready to move at their own pace, the consistent changes in footing and weather require attention. Respect the bay's quiet authority—the currents, the winds, the wildlife that uses these margins as highway and home. They set the tempo, and your readiness allows you to keep up without running roughshod.

Whether you're here to shave seconds off your best or simply feel the pulse of the Chesapeake’s living shoreline beneath your feet, this Eco Run invites you to engage with a landscape fiercely itself. To take part is not just to run, but to listen, observe, and respond. The run is an invitation. Will you answer?