Highball to Thurmond Ultra
Thurmond, United States • 17 May 2026
Event Overview
The Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay is a point-to-point endurance event held in the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The course leads participants through Appalachian Mountain landscapes, featuring scenery such as waterfalls, ridgelines, and historic rail bridges. The race concludes in the historic town of Thurmond.
Participants can choose from several distances and formats:
- 50 Mile: A route involving ~6,000 feet of elevation gain, combining approximately 12 miles of paved road with mountain dirt roads and rugged trails.
- 50K: A point-to-point course with ~3,100 feet of elevation gain, starting at Hawks Nest State Park and featuring various overlooks.
- 50 Mile Relay: Teams of 2, 3, or 4 people cover five legs. Members can run in any order, provided each member completes at least one leg.
- 50K Ruck: A 31-mile rucking category.
- Virtual Options: Remote participation is available for both the 50 Mile and 50K distances.
The 50 Mile distance offers two registration tiers based on time limits. One group has a 14-hour limit but is not eligible for awards, while the other group has a 12.75-hour limit and remains eligible for awards. After reaching the finish line, participants have the opportunity to board an Amtrak train for the return trip, which includes a champagne toast.
The event utilizes technical trails, rocky climbs, and singletrack sections. Aid stations are positioned along the well-marked routes to support athletes throughout the journey. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.