Night Train 50K and Half Marathon
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Night Train Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon : High Bridge Trail State Park
Night Train is a series of evening trail races that begin at Camp Paradise and use the High Bridge Trail corridor. Distances offered include:
- 5k
- Half Marathon
- 50k
The 50k course crosses High Bridge, proceeds toward downtown Farmville, and runs west with aid stations at Osborne Road (about 5.7 miles), Tuggle (another 5.2 miles), and Prospect (about 3.8 miles further). Runners continue 0.9 miles past Prospect to an unmanned turnaround and then retrace the route to the finish.
The Half Marathon heads west toward Farmville, passes the downtown aid station at roughly mile 5.6 near the train station, continues about one mile past that point to an unmanned turnaround, and then returns through downtown to the finish.
The 5k runs over the bridge with a turnaround near River Road. Because this is a summer event, every participant must carry at least 20 ounces of water. The 50k has a course cutoff that requires runners to reach Prospect (mile 17) on the return leg or be removed from the course.
Logistics include packet pick up at Camp Paradise on race day, drop bags for 50k at Prospect, and pacers allowed on the back half of the 50k (pick up at Prospect, Tuggle, or Downtown). Pacers are not allowed for the Half Marathon or 5k; crew access is allowed Downtown, at Tuggle, or at Prospect. Dogs are not permitted; strollers may be used from Prospect to the finish. The Half Marathon is part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series.
Awards include handmade pottery for the top three male and female finishers in each distance, a DFL award for last place in the Half Marathon and 50k, and recognition for most patriotic runners. Discounts are available for military, fire, law enforcement, medical, and educational professionals using the code "Thanks." Lodging options are available in downtown Farmville and nearby cabins at Twin Lakes State Park. Camp Paradise does not permit overnight parking or RV camping. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
