Night Train Ultra Marathon
June 22, 2024
High Bridge Trail State Park
Starting at $43
Event Details
Registration Options
5k – $43
Half Marathon – $65
50k – $85
Start Times
50k – 5:30 pm
Half Marathon – 6:15 pm
5k – 8:00 pm
Course Description
50k
Each distance begins at Camp Paradise. Runners will cross High Bridge and head towards downtown. They will travel 5.7 miles to the first aid station at Osborne Road, just past downtown. Runners will continue west for 5.2 miles to the next aid station at Tuggle. Runners continue west for another 3.8 miles to Prospect, the next aid station. They will continue past Prospect for another .9 miles to an unmanned turnaround. They will then turn around and retrace their steps through Prospect, Tuggle, downtown, and across the bridge to the finish.
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon begins at 6:15 pm. Runners will head west towards Farmville. They will pass the downtown Farmville Aid Station at mile 5.6 (Train Station). They will travel approximately one mile past the train station to an unmanned turnaround and then retrace their steps. They will pass through downtown Farmville one more time on their way to the finish.
5K
The 5k begins at 8 pm. Participants run over the bridge turning around just prior to River Road. The idea of an 8 pm start time is to get to run over the bridge while the sun is beginning to set.
Because this is a summer race every distance is required to carry at least 20 ounces of water! Runners must reach Prospect on the return leg (mile 17) by 10:30 pm or they will be pulled from the course.
The Half Marathon is part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series.
High Bridge Challenge
Freight Train and Night Train make up the High Bridge Challenge. Runners must complete both races in the same calendar year to be eligible. They can complete the Marathon, 100k, or 150k option! Head over to the High Bridge Challenge page for more information.
Packet Pick up will begin at 3:30 at Camp Paradise on race day. The address is 1466 Camp Paradise Road
Drop Bags
Drop bags for the 50k will be placed out at Prospect. They will return when the aid station closes. There are no drop bags for the Half Marathon or 5k.
Pacers
Pacers are allowed for 50k runners on the back half of the course. That means a runner may pick up a pacer at Prospect (mile 17), Tuggle (mile 21), or Downtown (mile 26.4). Pacers are not allowed for the Half Marathon or 5k. Crew are allowed to access runners Downtown, at Tuggle or Prospect. Please park in municipal parking spots downtown!
Dogs/Strollers
Dogs are not permitted at this race. Runners may use strollers from the Prospect Aid Station to the finish. Exceptions will be made for exceptional and adaptive athletes. This course is very friendly towards adaptive athletes and their equipment.
Lodging
Downtown Farmville has a bunch of lodging options. The Hotel Weyanoke offers discounts for runners. There is also a Tru by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, and Hampton Inn. Cabins are available nearby at Twin Lakes State Park. The park does not allow overnight parking (i.e. sleeping in the car) at Camp Paradise. There is also no RV camping there.
Discounts
We are proud to offer discounts for all of our races. Enter the code “Thanks” at checkout if you are a military, fire, law enforcement, medical or educational professional.
Awards/Swag
The top 3 male and female runners for each distance will receive beautiful, handmade pottery from Mainly Clay. Last place in both the Half Marathon and 50k will receive the coveted DFL award. Because the race is so close to Independence Day we also recognize most patriotic male and female. Every finisher will receive a prize as well. The race shirts are tank tops for the ladies and a tri-blend t-shirt for the men. In 2024 we will also recognize top Grand Master male and female (over 60) for the Half Marathon and 50k.
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