James River Trail Runs

Course Description

This is a unique race in that it takes a page from fixed time distances. Once a runner completes 1 loop (every loop is approximately 10 miles) you are counted as a finisher. You sign up for the distance you want. As long as you complete a loop you will be counted as a finisher for a lesser distance. The idea behind this is to encourage new trail runners to aim high. In other words, if you sign up for the 50 miler and only complete 3 loops, you will be credited as a 50k finisher.

The course is a roughly 10 mile loop. The first half of the loop features a mix of mostly singletrack and some double track. There are short steep climbs (1/4-1/2mile) followed by an equal descent. Though there are plenty of roots and rocks this stretch is very runnable. The second half of the loop follows along the James River and features flat, wide trails. There are 950 feet of elevation gain per loop

The race begins at Shelter 1 near the canoe livery and group campground. They follow Cabin Loop Spur to Cabin Loop. After a short distance on Cabin Loop runners pick up Taylor Pond Loop. After seeing Taylor Pond, runners pick up Running Creek Trail for a short steep climb up to Ridgeline Loop. Runners turn right onto Ridgeline Loop and run this great section of single track. After a lollipop on Ridgeline Loop runners pick up Running Creek Trail once again towards the front of the park. After crossing Park Road runners pick up Branch Trail. After a short, fast downhill runners climb a little. Eventually they hit a nice descent towards branch Pond Trail connecter. Here they run through the primitive campground. At roughly mile 5, they pass bathrooms and a small aid station. After the aid station they begin a steep climb along a fire road. Eventually they pick up Cabell Trail. After a spell on Cabell Trail, runners hit Dixon Landing Overlook. This leads to a fast downhill section until runners hit a short pavement stretch which spills onto River Trail. Runners will follow River Trail for a few miles around the James River. After a few miles on River Trail runners will hit a stretch of pavement at the canoe landing/picnic area. This begins the final, steep climb towards the finish line.

Runners completing the 10-miler will complete 1 loop. 30-mile runners complete 3 loops. 50-mile runners complete 5 loops. There is a 16-hour time limit for everyone.

The 50k is part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series.