2026 Nail The Rail

The Nail The Rail 9 Miler/5 Miler will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Martinsville, Virginia, at the Dick & Willie Passage's Virginia Avenue Trailhead, located at 1094 Virginia Ave. The event is set on a mixed-terrain rail-trail, offering a unique running experience through a scenic and challenging course. On this date, the expected weather in Martinsville is likely to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 35°F and 45°F and partly cloudy conditions. Participants can anticipate an out-and-back route along the trail, with varying elevation profiles depending on the distance they choose. The event emphasizes both performance and personal achievement, welcoming runners of all abilities.

What distances are available for this event?

• →9 Miler starting at 9:00 AM EST
• →5 Miler starting at 9:00 AM EST
• →Virtual option available at $40

How much does registration cost?

• →9 Miler: $45
• →5 Miler: $40
• →Virtual option: $40

What is the race day schedule?

• →Race Day Registration & Packet Pick Up: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM EST
• →Start Time for both the 9 Miler and 5 Miler: 9:00 AM EST

What is the course structure for the 9 Miler?

• →The 9 Miler is an out-and-back course starting at Milepost 0 at the Virginia Avenue Trailhead.
• →Runners will travel to Milepost 4.5, turn around, and return to Milepost 0.
• →The course features a climb, a descent, and another climb, with the final 2.5 miles being downhill or flat.

What is the course structure for the 5 Miler?

• →The 5 Miler is an out-and-back course starting at Milepost 0 at the Virginia Avenue Trailhead.
• →Runners will travel to Milepost 2.5, turn around, and return to Milepost 0.
• →The course includes one good climb before the turnaround, followed by a downhill or flat stretch for the remaining 2.5 miles.

What is the elevation profile for the 9 Miler?

• →The 9 Miler course features a climb, followed by a descent, and then another climb.
• →The final 2.5 miles of the course are downhill or flat.

What is the elevation profile for the 5 Miler?

• →The 5 Miler course features one good climb before the turnaround.
• →The final 2.5 miles of the course are downhill or flat.

What is the "Nail the Rail" Challenge?

• →The "Nail the Rail" Challenge is the core concept of the event, encouraging participants to complete the 9-mile course in 60 minutes or less.
• →The challenge recognizes that meeting this time standard is difficult for older age groups.

What is the Golden Railroad Spike Award?

• →The Golden Railroad Spike Award is earned by meeting specific time standards on the 9-mile course.
• →These standards are based on age-adjusted targets derived from the USATF Age Grading tables.

What are the age-adjusted targets for the 9 Miler?

• →For example, the open standard is 60:00.
• →A male aged 40-44 has a target of 1:02:00.
• →A female aged 70-74 has a target of 1:28:00.

What is the philosophy of the event?

• →The event welcomes runners of all abilities.
• →Completing the 9 miles is recognized as a personal accomplishment, regardless of the time achieved.

What is the registration deadline for the 9 Miler and 5 Miler?

• →The registration deadline for both the 9 Miler and 5 Miler is February 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

What is the registration deadline for the virtual option?

• →The registration deadline for the virtual option is February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.