Willis River - Cumberland, VA

Cumberland, United States • 4 Jan 2026

Event details

Willis River takes place on Sunday, Jan 4, 2026 at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA. The event offers these distances:

  • 50K
  • 35K
  • 20K

Entry is free. Runners are asked to bring a food donation in individual, prepackaged containers to share. Registration closes Sat, Jan 3 at 11:59 PM ET. The event is organized as a Fat Ass format.

Course and logistics

The 35K route runs much of the Willis River Trail and includes stream crossings and rolling hills. The course is described as wet and may be hard to follow in places; it is marked with white blaze markers. The 50K consists of the 35K, a return to the start, then the Bear Creek 10-mile portion. The 20K runs to the first aid station, then returns to the start. The Race Director will provide water, porta-johns, and course markings. Donations are appreciated to cover permit, insurance, and porta-john costs. For health precautions, only individually packaged food should be shared; items handled by multiple people may be discarded. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k
35 km
35k
20 km
20k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run the Freight Train on Saturday December 6 2025 in Farmville Virginia, with distances from half marathon to 100K on a scenic rail trail. Cross the iconic High Bridge twice and earn a handcrafted pottery finisher award.

Run the flat, scenic High Bridge rail trail from Farmville in the Freight Train Ultra Marathon with half marathon, 50K and 100K options. Expect exposed bridges and open trail, friendly aid stations, and a festive finish at the historic Trai..

Join Dash through the Hills on Dec 13, 2025 at Hardware Hills Vineyard for a scenic charity trail 5K or 1.1 mile walk benefiting Caring for Creatures animal sanctuary. Finish at the tasting room with live music, a food truck and wine for pa..

Hit the trails on January 10, 2026 in Palmyra VA for the Burke Creek Barn Burner, offering 5K and 15K trail distances. Enjoy on site coffee, finish line food and awards for a fun community race organized by the CATs.