West Point’s annual Chesty Puller 10K draws largest numbers to date
- visitwestpointkingwilliam
- 24 minutes ago
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Every June, runners and walkers from across Virginia and beyond gather in West Point for one of the region's most meaningful traditions—the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K. More than just a race, it's a celebration of community, history, and hometown pride, bringing participants together to honor West Point native Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller while experiencing the scenic beauty of the Town's iconic twin bridges and waterfront.
This year's event reached a milestone, welcoming a record number of participants, volunteers, and sponsors for the 18th annual race. From longtime runners returning year after year to families making a weekend of exploring West Point and the surrounding region, the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K continues to grow as one of Virginia's signature community races.
Thank you to our friends at the Tidewater Review and Town of West Point for the following look back at this year's memorable event:
The Town of West Point saw its highest number of participants ever this year when hundreds of people hit the streets and bridges for the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K on June 20.
Runners and walkers came from all over Virginia and from up and down the eastern seaboard for the 18th annual race, which is named for West Point native Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. Puller, known as the most decorated Marine in American history with five Naval Crosses and the Army Distinguished Service Cross, participated in campaigns in World War II and Korea.
This year saw 350 registered participants, who took part both in-person and virtually, with some in other locations. Virtual runners participated as far away as Florida, South Carolina, Connecticut and Arizona, said West Point spokeswoman Melissa Anderson.
This year’s event also drew the highest amount of sponsorships at $6,700, beating out last year’s record of $5,900.
“We are so pleased to see such tremendous enthusiasm and support for our event,” Anderson said. “We also welcomed our highest number of volunteers to date.”
The Chesty Puller route begins in downtown West Point and crosses the town’s twin bridges, taking participants over both the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers. Over the years, the event has become more than just a road race, with many friendships formed.
“Runners get together and make a weekend out of it — renting vacation homes in West Point, King William and King and Queen, shopping and dining in West Point and the surrounding area after the event, attending Food Trucks by the River the night before,” Anderson said. “It has become an important part of many people’s lives.”
This year, many participants wore shirts with a photo of Nathan Palmer, a 21-year-old Marine from Stafford who unexpectedly died in February. His mother Jennifer, who has participated in the 10K for years along with other family members, also recently won a battle with cancer. Participants ran in both their honors, while Jennifer Palmer helped hand out awards.
David Brown, 34, of Richmond was the overall male winner of the 10K, followed by second-place winner Russell Reed, 33, of Onemo, and third-place winner Shane Perry, 33, of Manasses. The overall female winner was 26-year-old Rileigh Betz of Cardinal, followed by Anna Brooks Balderson, 28, of Glen Allen, in second place and in third place, Anna Jenkins, 16, of West Point.
Those who complete an extra kilometer take home medals as well as a “One More For Chesty” commemorative coin. The winners of the 11K were Willian Dolan, 30, of Reston, and Erin Williams, 51, of Manquin.
Registration is open for next year’s race, which will fall on Puller’s birthday — June 26, 2027. To register, visit chestypuller10k.com.
To see more photos and special memories from the 10K, check out west-point.va.us/photos and facebook.com/chestypuller10k.