2026 James River Trail Runs
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.
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