The Great Train Race
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Event Overview
The Great Train Race is an established youth running event in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a history spanning over 30 years. It is recognized as one of the largest timed races for children on the East Coast. The event provides young runners with a dedicated environment to compete against their peers on a course that runs through the historic downtown area.
The race starts near the Fredericksburg Train Station and concludes at the City Docks, where participants cross the finish line. Following the races, a festival takes place in the commuter lot behind the Train Station, featuring music, vendors, and awards.
Distance Options
The event offers three distinct distances based on age groups:
- 1 Mile Express for ages 6 to 17
- 0.5 Miles George Dashington for ages 10 and under
- 0.25 Miles Caboose Run for ages 5 and under
The 1 Mile and 0.5 Miles races use chip timing to record official results. In these timed events, participants must run in specific heats assigned by age and sex to remain in the standings. For the 1 Mile race, participants must run unassisted without parents on the course. The 0.25 Miles Caboose Run is a non-timed event where parents are permitted to run alongside their children. All participants receive a finisher's medal and a race shirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
