‘More than just a road race’: Chesty Puller 10K brings community together for annual event

The 17th Annual Chesty Puller 10K is in the books, and what a day it was! From start to finish, this year’s race was packed with the kind of pride, patriotism, and community spirit that makes West Point so special. Over 250 runners hit the streets and bridges, cheered on by amazing volunteers, supportive sponsors, and plenty of hometown energy. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it such a memorable event—and we’re already getting excited for 2026! Big thanks to the Tidewater Review for the awesome coverage of a record-setting day.

Jonel Jones celebrates after finishing the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K. Courtesy of the Town of West Point

WEST POINT — More than 250 runners hit the streets of West Point on June 21 for the annual Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K, an annual race that draws runners from around the country.

Pearson Chapman, 17, of West Point, was the overall men’s winner of the 10K, while Norfolk resident Jenna Roane, took home the top prize for the women. Those who completed an extra kilometer took home medals as well as a “One More For Chesty” commemorative coin. The winners of the 11K were Richard Saunders, 36, of Henrico, and New Kent’s Megan Arrington, 39.

Seventeen-year-old Pearson Chapman is the first to cross the finish line of the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K on June 21, 2025. Courtesy of the Town of West Point

The annual event—now in its 17th year—is named for West Point native Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, known as the most decorated Marine in American history. Puller was the recipient of five Naval Crosses and the Army Distinguished Service Cross, participating in campaigns in World War II and Korea.

Runners, walkers and stroller-pushers followed a route that began in downtown West Point and crossed the town’s twin bridges, taking participants over both the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers. Participants came from across Virginia and from up and down the eastern seaboard. Sixteen people participated virtually, running in their own cities.

Runners from around Virginia and beyond came out for the 17th Annual Chesty Puller 10K on June 21, 2025. Courtesy of the Town of West Point.

“I had heard daunting things about the bridges, but I do have to say my strong mental game pulled me through pretty easy,” commented participant Cindy Huffman, who came from Norfolk for the race, on Facebook. “I walked, but pretty proud of those splits. And took time during the challenge to dance through a sprinkler for a photo shoot and eat a couple of popsicles.”

This year’s event drew the highest amount of sponsorships—$5,900—and the largest number of volunteers in years, said Melissa Anderson, event coordinator. One highlight, she added, was West Point High School’s Harmonix group’s performance of the National Anthem, featuring singers Molly Vincent, Ruby Kate Vincent, Arianna Adams, Kalleigh Sharpe, Katherine Roberts and June Evans.

WPHS Harmonix and "Unkl Sam." Courtesy of the Town of West Point.

Sid Busch, a 79-year-old Navy veteran who has run or walked in hundreds of marathons, half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks over the past decades to honor fallen heroes, this year took part in the Chesty Puller on behalf of Howard Graham, a World War II Navy vet who died last year a few days before his 100th birthday. Because of physical limitations, Busch kept his route to 3.5 miles this year, but kept on cheering for all the other participants.

Sid Busch, James Patterson (Volunteer), and Donna Schultz gather for a photo prior to the start of the 10K. Courtesy of the Town of West Point.

Participant Donna Schultz, taking part in her seventh Chesty Puller, ran in honor of Daniel Polling, a Navy veteran who served 20 years in both WWII and Korea after enlisting following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Schultz wrote on Facebook that Polling was an “incredible 101.5 years young.”

“Stories continue to come in from runners who made connections at the finish line, encouraged and uplifted each other and prayed together,” said town spokeswoman Melissa Anderson. “This race truly is more than just a road race. Lifelong friendships have been made on those bridges over the 17 years we’ve hosted this event.”

By: Kim O'Brien Root

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Check out event photos at west-point.va.us/photos. Register for 2026 at chestypuller10k.com. And for more to see and do in West Point and King William, head over to our events page!

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The Town of West Point wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K: United Bank, Giaimo Management, Mennel Milling, Smiles of West Point, Smurfit Westrock, Valero of West Point, Baylands Family Credit Union, C&F Bank, Harlie Foster Real Estate, Integrity Food Group, Limitless Grafix, Marine Corps League Middle Peninsula Detachment #1317, Milby Oil, Sno-to-Go, Taylor Land Services, Colonial Farm Credit, David Butler with State Farm, Divin’ Off the Dock, Historical Society of West Point, Sears Real Estate and Appraisals, St. John’s Episcopal Church, The Pie Lady and Company, Thrift Insurance, West Point Chamber of Commerce and Wyatt-Ogg Furniture Company. Plus, thanks go to West Point High School Harmonix, the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary Club of West Point, West Point police and fire departments, the King & Queen Sheriff’s Office and the New Kent Sheriff’s Office.

And of course, we cannot forget to thank our race partner, Big River Race Management, our town staff and our volunteers, who helped us make the event possible. Thank you all for spending your day with us! We look forward to seeing you at the 18th Annual Chesty Puller 10K on Saturday, June 20th, 2026!