Freight Train Ultra Marathon

Event Overview

The Freight Train Ultra Marathon is a multi-distance trail running event held at High Bridge Trail State Park. It offers a half marathon, 50k, and 100k distance. The event takes place in early May.

Course Details

All races start at Camp Paradise on the High Bridge Trail. The courses are out-and-back along the rail-trail, with runners crossing the notable High Bridge.

• 100k: Runners head east towards Burkeville before returning to Camp Paradise, then head west through areas including downtown Farmville, Tuggle, and Prospect, continuing to a turnaround near Pamplin. A section between Prospect and the Pamplin turnaround is approximately 6.5 miles without an aid station.
• 50k: Runners cross High Bridge and travel west through downtown Farmville, Tuggle, and Prospect to a turnaround, then retrace their steps to the finish.
• Half Marathon: Runners travel west from the start towards downtown Farmville to a turnaround point, passing a downtown aid station twice.

Aid stations are provided at various points, some with specific cutoff times. Drop bags are transported for 100k and 50k runners to designated aid stations. Pacers are permitted for the 100k and 50k distances from specific points onward. Dogs and strollers are permitted with prior permission from the race director.

Registration and Amenities

Registration is offered with a discount code for certain professional groups. Runners registered by a specific date receive a hoodie. All finishers receive a handcrafted holiday ornament. Top three male and female finishers in each distance receive handmade pottery awards, and a last-place finisher award is given. Ugly Christmas sweater attire is encouraged, with a special gift for participants and spectators who wear them. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.