Piedmont 8 Hour

Piedmont 8-Hour Run

Piedmont 8-Hour Run is an eight-hour loop event held at Powhatan State Park. The course begins and finishes at the Equestrian Trailhead parking, where packet pick up is also available the evening before and on race morning.

The loop is approximately 2.7 miles long and uses Coyote Run, Pine, Cabin, and Big Wood trails. The route is roughly half open field and half forest, follows the same direction each lap, and records only full loops. There are no big hills and about 80 feet of elevation gain per loop. Field sections are equestrian trails, which are wide and can become muddy after rain.

Entry options include an 8-Hour Solo and an 8-Hour 4-Person Relay. The event offers a Parent Loop that allows a family member to run a single loop with a participant; Parent Loop finishers receive a recorded time and an award.

There is one aid station at the start/finish with typical ultra foods such as chips, pretzels, candy, PB&J, pickles, water, pop, Tailwind, and hot broth or soup. Runners may also set up personal aid at their vehicle and may keep drop bags at the start/finish or at their vehicle. Pacers are allowed and encouraged. Strollers can be used though trails are dirt and may be muddy.

The park campground has a limited number of sites with electric hookups and yurts; nearest hotels are in Midlothian, about a 25 to 30 minute drive. Awards include top three male and female by total distance, recognition of top local runners, and a finishers award for anyone who completes a loop; this year the event is offering hats instead of shirts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.