The 2026 James River Trail Runs will take place on April 11, 2026, in the Scottsville / Wingina area of James River State Park, Virginia, USA. This trail event offers a unique loop-based format that is ideal for runners of all experience levels. The race begins at Shelter 1 near the canoe livery and group campground, with participants navigating a course that includes mixed singletrack and doubletrack trails, steep climbs, and scenic river views. The event is expected to have comfortable temperatures in Gladstone, with a high of around 60°F (15°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C) on the day of the event. The course is designed to be beginner-friendly, with a time limit of 16 hours for all distances, and offers multiple race options including 10-mile, 50k, and 50-mile courses.
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.
