About This Race
The Freight Train races offer a spring counterpart to the established Night Train 50K, taking place on the same Virginia rail trail system in early May. This event provides multiple distance options including a 100K, 50K, and half marathon on what organizers describe as a relatively flat rail trail with minimal elevation gain—less than 1,500 feet total for the 100K distance. The race draws its character from the converted railway corridor, featuring the notable High Bridge crossing that all runners traverse twice during their journey. With generous time limits and a focus on accessibility, the Freight Train serves as an appealing introduction to ultrarunning, particularly the 50K distance which shares the 19-hour cutoff with the 100K field. Unique touches include handcrafted pottery awards for all finishers and recognition across multiple age categories. The event maintains a community feel with group discounts and accommodations for older runners seeking extended pacing support. Spring weather in Virginia can vary dramatically, from pleasant 60-degree conditions to persistent rain, adding an element of seasonal unpredictability to the racing experience.
The course follows a converted rail trail corridor with the characteristic gentle grades of former railway infrastructure. Runners encounter slight inclines in both directions from the starting area, but the overall profile remains notably flat for an ultramarathon venue. The famed High Bridge serves as a landmark feature, crossed twice by all distance participants.
The half marathon option begins at 9:00 AM from the Farmville Train Station, heading east 6.55 miles to a turnaround point just past Camp Paradise before returning to the finish. The longer distances utilize more of the rail trail system, maintaining the same relatively flat character throughout the extended route.
Aid Stations
1 stations along the course
Camp Paradise
water
Turnaround point for half marathon distance
Practical Info
Spring conditions in Virginia can range from pleasant 60-degree weather to persistent rain
Best For
Notable Features
All finishers receive handcrafted pottery awards, a distinctive touch that sets this race apart from typical finisher medals. The course features the historic High Bridge crossing, and the generous 19-hour time limit combined with relatively flat terrain makes this particularly welcoming for first-time ultra participants.