2026 Promise Land
The 2026 Promise Land takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Promise Land Youth Camp in Bedford, Virginia, United States. Participants can expect classic East Coast trail conditions with a high likelihood of spring weather, including cool morning temperatures in the 40s°F (4-9°C) that may rise into the 60s°F (15-20°C) by midday, with a potential for rain or mud on the technical terrain. This 24th annual event features a demanding 50K+ course with nearly 8,000 feet of elevation gain and descent, traversing grassy roads and technical singletrack trails including Overstreet Road, Glenwood Trail, Cornelius Creek Trail, White Tail Trail, and Apple Orchard Falls Trail.
What is the event name and date?
The event is the 2026 Promise Land, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Where is the event located?
The event starts and finishes at Promise Land Youth Camp, located between Bedford and Big Island, Virginia, off Highway 122.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50K+ trail race (a little more than 50 kilometers)
What is the start time and time limit?
- →Start time: 5:30 AM
- →Time limit: 10 hours
What is the course terrain and elevation?
- →Course type: Classic East Coast trail sufferfest with technical mountain terrain
- →Trails used: Overstreet Road, Glenwood Trail, Cornelius Creek Trail, White Tail Trail, Apple Orchard Falls Trail
- →Terrain variation: Grassy soft roads to downhill singletrack
- →Total elevation gain: Just under 8,000 feet
- →Total elevation descent: Approximately 8,000 feet
How many aid stations are available?
- →Total aid stations: 5 unique locations
- →Total aid opportunities: 7 (Cornelius Creek Trail Junction and Sunset Fields are each passed twice)
- →Aid provided: Replacement drinks, soda, water, and variety of food items
What is the runner limit?
- →Maximum participants: 350 runners
What awards are given?
- →Patagonia Running Shorts awarded to all sub-10 hour finishers
Are crew members allowed at aid stations?
- →No, crew are not allowed due to very limited parking at aid stations
Is camping available?
- →Free camping available at the start/finish area (tent recommended)
What is the registration policy?
- →No transfer or entry fee refunds permitted
What running series is this event part of?
- →Third event in the Lynchburg Ultra Series
- →Third event in the Blue Ridge Trail Series
What edition is this event?
- →24th Annual Promise Land
How do I access the start/finish location from Bedford?
- →From Bedford: Intersection of Hwy 122 & 221, drive 8.9 miles east to Millstone Tea Room. Turn left on Colton's Mill Road, go 1.8 miles. After crossing a one-lane bridge, turn left and go 1.6 miles to Promise Land.
How do I access the start/finish location from Big Island?
- →From Big Island: Intersection of Hwy 122 & 501, drive west 8.8 miles to Millstone Tea Room, then follow the directions to Colton's Mill Road and Promise Land.