Grindstone Running Festival by Utmb
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Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB - 17 to 20 September 2026
The Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB is a multi-day trail running event held at Natural Chimneys Park, VA, running through acres of national forest west of the Shenandoah Valley. The courses pass through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and include sections along the Appalachian Mountains during peak fall foliage. Runners encounter mountain views, ridges, peaks, valleys, and sections described as highly technical.
Available race distances include:
- 100M (167.4 km)
- 100K (100 km)
- 50K (50 km)
- 21K (21 km)
Each distance lists an associated elevation profile and a Running Stones allocation: 100M awards 4 Running Stones, 100K awards 3, 50K awards 2, and 21K awards 1. The event is a dual qualifier for the UTMB World Series Finals and for the Western States Endurance Run. Registrations open for each distance on dates in mid to late September 2026 as listed by the event.
UTMB Cares US is associated with the event through environmental and community programs. UTMB Cares US is a program of The IRONMAN Foundation, which reports charitable giveback funding since 2003 and specific grant support for trail clean-up and restoration efforts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
