Grindstone Running Festival by Utmb
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Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB
The Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB is a multi-day trail running event held at Natural Chimneys Park, Virginia, scheduled for September 17–20, 2026. The courses run through acres of national forest just west of the Shenandoah Valley, including sections in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and along Appalachian ridges and peaks. The race takes place during peak fall foliage and includes views of mountains, sunrises, and sunsets.
Distances and key race facts:
- 100M - 167.4 KM, 6400 M+ elevation, 4 Running Stones
- 100K - 100 KM, 3350 M+ elevation, 3 Running Stones
- 50K - 50 KM, 1550 M+ elevation, 2 Running Stones
- 21K - 21 KM, 500 M+ elevation, 1 Running Stone
The course is described as highly technical, with high elevation, ridges, peaks, valleys, and demanding terrain. The festival is a dual qualifier for the UTMB World Series Finals and the Western States Endurance Run. The event also offers UTMB Community Bibs; part of the community bib program directs a portion of the purchase to a local charity chosen by the race team and supports trail stewardship through The IRONMAN Foundation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
