2025 King George Trail Series
This trail series consists of 3 unique races that cover different segments of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail. Register for all 3 and save $5 per race! Use code KGSERIES at checkout to save $5 on the DHRT 50K if you plan on participating in the series. Complete all 3 races and receive series finisher swag!
2025 Race Schedule:
Dahlgren Half Marathon - February 15, 2025
Sheetz-to-Sheetz Run - April 5, 2025
3H Half Marathon or DHRT 50K - August 2, 2025
NEW in 2025 - Register for the Dahlgren Trail Half & 3H Half (or DHRT 50K) between 11/10 and 11/26 and you'll be able to register EARLY for Sheetz-to-Sheetz on 11/26 and 11/27 before registration opens to the general public. The 2025 Sheetz-to-Sheetz Run has sold out in a matter of hours the past few years, so if you want to guarantee your registration, this is your ticket!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Unleash the Ultimate Trail Adventure: Virginia's DHRT 50K!
Gear up for a journey through the heart of Virginia's Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail as we present one of the most challenging 50K trail races of the year! Brace yourself for a sizzling test of endurance set under the shade-providing trees along the trail, where only the boldest dare to conquer nature's toughest challenge: A 50K + August + Virginia = a challenge you'll never forget!
The August Heat Challenge: August in Virginia means one thing – sweltering heat and humidity! Brace yourself for a true test of grit as you navigate the course. This race will push your physical and mental limits to new heights, separating the true trail warriors from the rest.
Fast, Flat Course: You don't need to prepare heart-pounding ascents and knee-jolting descents. This course is flat, mostly shaded and well-maintained by the Friends of the DRHT! Settle in to your pace and crank out the miles!
Trailblazers Welcome: Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or a brave soul seeking a new monumental challenge, this 50K is open to all trail enthusiasts willing to take on the ultimate test of endurance. Join a community of like-minded adventurers as you push boundaries, share triumphs, and create lasting memories in beautiful Virginia. There's an 8-hour time limit for this race.
Earn Your Bragging Rights: Cross the finish line triumphant, knowing you've conquered 50 kilometers of trail fun! Every participant will receive a well-deserved finisher's medal, a testament to their unyielding spirit and determination. Share your accomplishment proudly and wear your medal as a badge of honor!
Ready to redefine your limits and experience the thrill of conquering the beautiful DRHT in Virginia? Secure your spot in the hottest 50K trail race this summer and prepare for an adventure like no other. The DHRT 50K awaits – are you up for the challenge?
Please Note: T-shirts are not guaranteed to those registering after July 15, 2025.
The Course
Trail Name: Dahlgren Rail Heritage Trail
Surface: Converted railroad bed. 99.8% dirt, grass, pine needles, crushed stone, small gravel
Setup: The race is an out and back
Elevation: Fairly flat with some gradual inclines and declines. Thankfully trains don't like steep hills.
Time Limit: There is an 8 hour time limit to finish the race.
Support Crew: Crew assistance is limited to aid station locations. All other on-course support is prohibited.
Description:
The race is run entirely on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail which is a converted railroad bed and provides solid footing with little or no roots. This trail is flat, smooth, and fast with a variety of surfaces ranging from dirt, gravel, grass, and pine needles.
The course is an out and back. The volunteers from Friends of the Dahlgren Trail do an excellent job of ensuring that the trail is in peak shape for the race!
The trees along the trail ensure almost 100% shade during the run.
Awards and Swag
Cash Awards: Top three male and female finishers
1st Place: $200
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50
Course Record Bonus: First person running faster than:
Male: 3:10:26
Female: 3:39:26
Fastest person in each category who runs faster than the existing record will receive a $100 cash bonus.
Age Group Awards:
Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers in the following age groups will receive an award
18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over.
Awards Ceremony:
We will not hold an official awards ceremony if it's an exceptionally hot day. If the weather is tolerable, please join us for an awards ceremony at 12pm!
Race participants receive:
Race T-shirt and Custom Finisher's Medal. This year, we are offering a soft cotton blend t-shirt vs. a technical dri-fit style. Shirts/shirt sizes are not guaranteed for those registering after July 15, 2025)
Run Fast
In 2014, we had the fastest trail only 50 km times in the US for both Men and Women. Michael Wardian - 3:10:26 and Gina Slaby - 3:39:26.
Access the event web site at https://www.arsenal-events.com/dahlgrenrail50k or the website button above to get full race information.
There is a separate page for the half-marathon at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/KingGeorge/3HTrailHalfMarathon
Historical Data: https://slowoldrunner.com/dahlgren-heritage-rail-trail-50km-history/
Where To Stay
The Holiday Inn Express is conveniently located within walking distance to the Start/Finish.
16348 Gateway Lane, King George, VA 22485 (540) 625-2034
There are a lot of other great options very near the start finish:
My Place Hotel
Country Inn & Suites
Red Roof Inn
Hampton Inn Dahlgren
Cupless Racing from 2024 Onward!
We are excited to announce that we are continuing with cupless racing! Unnecessary waste and trash is something we are working to eliminate from our trail events. As an organization dedicated to maintaining a clean race and doing our part to keep our trails clean, starting in 2024 will be going cupless. This means we are eliminating the use of disposable cups at the 3H Half and DHRT 50K. Runners will have the option of carrying their own hydration vessels or using a HydraPak reusable SpeedCup provided at packet pick up. By going cupless, we are eliminating over 2,000 cups on race day, and doing our part to keep the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail beautiful.
Packet Pick Up
August 1st - 1pm-3pm at Fleet Feet Fredericksburg, 1993 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
August 1st - 4:30pm-6:30pm at Anytime Fitness King George, 16453 Merchants Lane, King George, VA 22485
Race Morning starting at 5:30am - UMW Dahlgren, 4224 University Drive, King George, VA 22485
Event's current local time: 9:59 AM ET
