The Great Train Race
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The Great Train Race
The Great Train Race takes place on May 3, 2026, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The course starts near the Fredericksburg Train Station, runs through historic downtown, and finishes at the City Docks. A Race Festival in the commuter lot behind the Train Station features awards, music, vendors, and treats.
The event consists of three youth races:
- 1 mile Express for ages 6 to 17
- 1/2 mile George Dashington for ages 10 and under
- 1/4 mile Caboose Run for ages 5 and under
The Express and George Dashington races are chip timed. The Caboose Run is a non timed fun run. Event rules note that runners must compete in their assigned heat based on age and sex or risk removal from the standings. For the Express 1 mile, runners must run unassisted and parents are not permitted on the course; for the Caboose Run, parents are welcome to participate with their runner.
Registration opens September 21, 2025 and closes March 1, 2026. Published registration fees are $20.00 for the Express 1 mile, $18.00 for the George Dashington 1/2 mile, and $15.00 for the Caboose Run 1/4 mile. All runners receive a finisher medal and a race shirt; shirts are only guaranteed for registrations before April 1st. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
