2026 James River Trail Runs

What distances are available for this event?

• →10 Mile
• →50k
• →50 Mile (Solo)
• →50 Mile Relay

How much does registration cost?

• →10 Mile: $50
• →50k: $85
• →50 Mile (Solo): $115
• →50 Mile Relay: $225

What are the start times for each race?

• →50 Mile Solo/Relay: 8:00 AM
• →50k / 50k Relay: 8:15 AM
• →10 Mile / 10 Mile Hiker: 8:30 AM
• →10 Mile Night Hiker: 7:30 PM

What is the course structure?

• →The course is loop-based with each loop approximately 10 miles and 1,025 feet of elevation gain.
• →10 Mile = 1 loop
• →50k = 3 loops (approximately 30 miles)
• →50 Mile = 5 loops
• →The route follows: Cabin Loop Spur → Cabin Loop → Taylor Pond Loop → Running Creek Trail → Ridgeline Loop (singletrack, lollipop section) → Branch Trail → Branch Pond Trail Connector (through primitive campground) → fire road climb → Cabell Trail → Dixon Landing Overlook → fast downhill → short pavement → River Trail (several miles along the James River) → canoe landing pavement stretch → final steep climb to finish.

What is the elevation profile of the course?

• →The elevation profile can be viewed at Suunto ↗.

What aid stations are available?

• →There are 2 aid stations per loop:

• Start/Finish (Mile 0/10): Hot food with rotating menu, chips, pretzels, candy, fruit, PB&J, Tailwind

• Cabell Trail (~Mile 6): Fruit, PB&J, water, Tailwind

Are drop bags allowed?

• →Drop bags are not necessary given the loop format, but runners may keep a personal bag at the start/finish to access each loop.

Are pacers allowed?

• →50k runners: 1 pacer on the 3rd/final loop only
• →50 Mile runners: Pacers allowed on loops 4 and 5
• →Pacers may alternate between loops, but only one at a time
• →No pacers for the 10 Mile

What are the key rules and notes for participants?

• →No dogs and no strollers permitted — trails are shared with equestrian traffic
• →Mid-race dropdowns to a shorter distance are not eligible for top 3 awards
• →The 50k is part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series: DCR Virginia ↗

What is the discount code for certain professionals?

• →Enter "Thanks" at checkout for military, fire, law enforcement, medical, or educational professionals

When is packet pickup available?

• →Friday evening at Shelter 1: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• →Saturday morning at Shelter 1: Starting at 6:00 AM

What awards and swag are given to finishers?

• →Runners registered by March 20th receive a trucker's hat
• →All finishers receive a ceramic mug
• →Top 3 males and top 3 females in each distance receive awards

What lodging options are available near the event?

• →The park offers campgrounds and cabins/lodges (cabins fill up fast)
• →Alternatives include Airbnb properties nearby, or hotels in Amherst, Appomattox, and Lovingston