Freight Train Ultra Marathon
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Freight Train Ultra Marathon : May 9, 2026, High Bridge Trail State Park
The Freight Train Ultra Marathon returns for its sixth year and was moved from December to May. The event offers three distances with published entry fees:
- Half Marathon : $80
- 50k : $100
- 100k : $165
Runners start at Camp Paradise and use sections of the High Bridge Trail and local roads. Course features include crossings of High Bridge, passages through downtown Farmville, and turnaround points near Burkeville, Pamplin, Tuggle, and Prospect. The 50k and Half Marathon use out-and-back formats with unmanned turnarounds; the 100k follows multiple out-and-back legs that pass Camp Paradise, Burkeville, Pamplin, Tuggle, and Prospect.
Aid stations, support and rules
Aid stations are located at Camp Paradise, Rice, Orchard Road, Farmville, Tuggle, Prospect Fire Station, and the Pamplin turnaround, with listed mileages for each. Some aid stations have time cutoffs. There is a 6.5-mile unsupported section from Prospect to the Pamplin turnaround; organizers recommend crew parking at Elam to split that distance. Drop bags for the 100k are transported to Prospect and available at miles 34.2 and 47.6; 50k runners may also send a drop bag to Prospect. Pacers are permitted for the 100k after Mile 30.4 on the first loop and for the 50k from Prospect to the finish; pacers are not permitted for the Half Marathon. Dogs may run after the halfway point with prior permission; strollers are permitted for the entire distance.
Awards, lodging and discounts
Runners registered by November 1 receive a long-sleeve hoodie. Every finisher receives a handcrafted holiday ornament; top three male and female in each distance receive pottery awards. The last-place finisher in each distance receives a DFL award. Lodging options are listed nearby, including the Hotel Weyanoke three blocks from the start. A 10% discount code is available for qualifying professions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
