The Shadow
ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VA — The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is
celebrating a record-breaking year for its Summer Outdoor Event Series, which includes three major
athletic adventure events — the Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo, the Jackson River Scenic Trail
Together, these events generated an estimated $348,776 in total economic impact for the Alleghany
Highlands community — a significant increase from $196,707 in 2024. This figure was calculated in
partnership with the Roanoke Regional Partnership using their IMPLAN economic modeling tool and
survey data collected from event participants detailing their spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and
fuel.
The 2025 series drew 693 participants in total, with 659 traveling from outside the region —
showcasing the Alleghany Highlands as a growing destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Both
the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon and the Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim set participation
records, welcoming 482 runners and 92 swimmers, respectively. The Gran Fondo cycling event also
grew in participation from the prior year, attracting 119 participants from across the country.
“The continued growth of our Summer Outdoor Event Series shows how powerful outdoor recreation
can be as an economic driver for the Alleghany Highlands,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “These events not only showcase our beautiful
mountains, rivers, lakes and trails, but they also fill our hotels, restaurants, and shops with visitors who
often become repeat guests. It’s a great example of how tourism and community partnerships
strengthen our local economy.”
Participants traveled to the Alleghany Highlands from across the United States — including Hawaii,
South Dakota, Utah, and Colorado — with many drawn by the Boston Marathon–qualifying status of
the Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, the incredible scenery of the Gran Fondo cycling event, and the
warm, emerald waters of the Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim.
A total of 126 local volunteers supported the events, along with 11 community-minded sponsors:
LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, Dominion Energy, Highlands Community Bank, Smurfit-WestRock,
Ingevity, Jackson River Community Credit Union, Roanoke Outside, Cucci’s Pizzeria, ALCOVA Mortgage,
Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, and Williams Fabrication.
“Our sponsors, volunteers, and local partners make this series possible each year,” said Makayla Nobles,
Events Coordinator for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “We’ve seen
incredible growth and energy around these events, and it’s inspiring to watch participants and local
residents come together to celebrate outdoor adventure in our beautiful community.”
The Chamber also expresses its appreciation to Alleghany County Parks & Recreation, the City of
Covington, and the Town of Clifton Forge for their continued support in hosting and promoting these
regional events.
Looking ahead, the Chamber has already set the 2026 event dates:
Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo — May 9, 2026
Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — June 13, 2026
Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim — August 1, 2026
For more information, visit www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com or ahchamber.com
