Course Description
Night Train returns for its 7th year! All three distances are back. The 50k, Half Marathon and sunset 5k. The race follows an old Rail Trail through beautiful countryside. The countryside is as historic as it is beautiful. Site of some of the last battles of the Civil War (including the last Union General to die) the course follows fields, small towns and historic Farmville. The race begins and ends at Camp Paradise again this year. This means that every runner will finish their race crossing the bridge. The fireflies and moon make the finish something to behold. The 50k race begins at 5:30pm. The half marathon begins at 6:5 and the 5k begins at 8pm. There is a 9.5 hour time limit for the 50k and a 4 hour time limit for the half marathon. Don't let the fact that this is a relatively flat rail trail fool you. The weather is a major factor. It will be extremely hot and sunny. There are also extended distances between aid stations. All runners must carry water (I recommend carrying at least 20 ounces). Failure to carry water will lead to disqualification by my staff. Even though it's flat, this is not a PR course. It is hot and the course is slightly long (closer to 32 miles for the 50k) Come prepared to run, have fun and enjoy the scenery.
All runners will start and end at Camp Paradise. 5k runners will travel 1.55 miles over the bridge, turn around and return. 50k and half marathon runners will travel 5.3 miles to the first aid station in downtown Farmville. Half marathon runners will travel another 1.3 miles to a turnaround and return to the start. 50k runners will travel 5.7 miles to the Tuggle Aid Station. They will then travel another 3 miles to the Prospect aid station. They will travel 1 mile past here to a turnaround and then retrace their steps. Crew can access their runners in Downtown Farmville, Tuggle and Prospect.
Women will receive a tank top (which fits true to size). Men receive t-shirts. All finishers of both races will receive an award. The top 3 runners of each gender in each race will also receive prizes.
New this Year: Since this race is close to the 4th of July we will also give out an award for most Patriotic runner for each gender.
The race will be chip timed. As always we are thankful for everyone who helps us in society. So all Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Teachers and Nurses should enter the code THANKS for a discount.
This race is cupless! Cheap, portable cups are available on Amazon for $5-15. You have to carry water for this race so carrying a small, portable cup should be no big deal.
There are no refunds for this race! Runners may defer to next year due to injury or COVID. Cutoff dates for shirts is May 15th. Any registrations after that date will receive a leftover shirt or one from previous years
2025 High Bridge Challenge
Are you ready to take on the ultimate High Bridge Challenge?
High Bridge Challenge Registration
The High Bridge Challengeis your chance to conquer not just one, but two Virginia Adventures races on the iconic High Bridge Trail State Park. It's the perfect blend of summer heat, winter chill, and non-stop bragging rights! Finish both the Night Train in June and the Freight Train in December to earn a special award (and a lifetime of trail cred).
Here’s how you can level up:
- 26k Combo: Night Train 5k + Freight Train Half Marathon
- Marathon Combo: Night Train Half Marathon + Freight Train Half Marathon (26.2 miles total!)
- 100k Combo: Night Train 50k + Freight Train 50k
- 150k Combo: Night Train 50k + Freight Train 100k
Complete your chosen combo distance at Freight Train, and you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind award to celebrate your High Bridge domination.
Highlight Video
Changes for Year 8
This year, we have moved the start date up a week to avoid some of the heat. We have also moved the start times back to 6pm to make it even more of a night race. We will also continue to allow in race distance changes. That means the 50k runners can drop to the half and the half runners can drop to the 5k.
Got Friends?
Get a friend to sign up for Night Train and be entered in a drawing to win a free race. They list your name when they sign up
Gluten Free Options
We will now be stocking gluten free options at all our races. Note it on your registration and then ask for our gluten free selections when you encounter an aid station.
Event's current local time: 3:58 PM ET
