Grand Canyon of the South Ultras

Breaks Interstate Park • Virginia

Presented by Southwest Virginia Running

Experience Virginia's Most Spectacular Trail Running Destination

Welcome to the inaugural Grand Canyon of the South Ultras, a trail running experience unlike anything else in Virginia.

Held entirely within the Virginia side of beautiful Breaks Interstate Park, this event invites runners to explore one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the eastern United States. Known as the Grand Canyon of the South, Breaks features dramatic sandstone cliffs, expansive overlooks, rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and miles of scenic singletrack carved into the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors have been drawn to this remarkable canyon for generations, and now trail runners will have the opportunity to experience it in a completely new way.

Whether you're chasing a sunrise adventure, soaking in the colors of sunset over the canyon, or tackling an epic mountain 50K, the Grand Canyon of the South Ultras offers a race experience that combines challenge, beauty, and adventure for the entire family.

Race Distances: Morning 10k, Sunset 10k, Double 10k, 50k

Morning 10K
Start Time: 9:00 AM
The Morning 10K offers the perfect introduction to trail running at Breaks Interstate Park. Runners will enjoy scenic overlooks, rolling mountain terrain, and beautiful forested trails while experiencing some of the park's most iconic scenery.

Perfect for:
First-time trail runners
Road runners looking for a new challenge
Hikers wanting a timed event
Families participating together

Expect:
Stunning canyon views
Moderate climbs and descents
Technical but approachable trail sections
A memorable mountain running experience

Sunset 10K
Start Time: 5:30 PM
There may be no better place in Virginia to watch the sun set than Breaks Canyon.
The Sunset 10K allows runners to experience the canyon as the evening light paints the cliffs and mountains in shades of gold, orange, and crimson. The course is designed so that most participants finish just before darkness settles across the gorge.

Expect:
Cooler evening temperatures
Incredible photography opportunities
Unforgettable canyon views
A finish line celebration under the fading Appalachian sky

Double 10K (20K)

Why choose one when you can experience both?

The Double 10K allows runners to participate in both the Morning 10K and Sunset 10K, giving you the opportunity to experience Breaks Interstate Park from two completely different perspectives in a single day.

Start your morning exploring the trails, overlooks, and rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon of the South in the crisp mountain air. Then return in the evening to watch the canyon transform as the sun begins to set, casting golden light across the cliffs and ridgelines.

Together, the two races create a unique 20K challenge that showcases the park's beauty from sunrise to sunset.

Participants in the Double 10K will:

Complete both the Morning 10K and Sunset 10K
Receive official results for both races
Be recognized as Double 10K finishers
Experience the canyon during two of the most beautiful times of day
Enjoy a full day of adventure at Breaks Interstate Park

Whether you're a trail runner looking for extra miles, a visitor wanting to maximize your time in the park, or someone who simply doesn't want to choose between the two races, the Double 10K offers the best of both worlds.

Run the canyon by day. Experience it again at sunset.

Grand Canyon of the South 50K
Start Time: 8:00 AM
The signature event of the weekend.

The 50K is designed to showcase the incredible trail system located on the Virginia side of Breaks Interstate Park. Runners will traverse a diverse network of trails featuring canyon overlooks, ridgeline running, rocky sections, flowing singletrack, forested hollows, and challenging mountain climbs.

This course serves as a true tour of Virginia's most spectacular trail destination.

Expect:
Significant elevation gain and loss
Technical mountain terrain
Multiple scenic overlooks
Fully stocked aid stations
Rugged Appalachian beauty around every corner

This is a mountain adventure worthy of the name Grand Canyon of the South.

Make It a Family Adventure Weekend

One of the things that makes the Grand Canyon of the South Ultras unique is that the race takes place within a destination park that offers activities for the entire family. Instead of arriving, racing, and leaving, we encourage runners and their families to turn race weekend into a mountain getaway.

Lodging Discount for Registered Runners
Registered runners will receive a 10% discount on lodging at Breaks Interstate Park, making it easy to stay close to the start line and enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Camp Under the Stars
For those who love the outdoors, camping is available within the park. Spend the weekend surrounded by mountain views, fresh air, and the sounds of nature while enjoying easy access to race activities.

Splash, Paddle, and Play
The park offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including:
A seasonal water park
A beautiful mountain lake
Fishing opportunities
Paddle boat and kayak rentals (seasonal)
Multiple playgrounds
Picnic areas
Scenic overlooks
Hiking trails for non-runners
Wildlife viewing opportunities

On-Site Dining
After your race, relax and enjoy a meal at the park's restaurant while taking in spectacular canyon views. Whether you're celebrating a finish or spending time with family, you'll find plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy the mountains.

More Than a Race
At Southwest Virginia Running, we believe races should create experiences, memories, and connections. The Grand Canyon of the South Ultras was created to introduce runners to one of the most beautiful and underappreciated outdoor destinations in the eastern United States while supporting outdoor recreation and tourism in Southwest Virginia. From first-time trail runners to seasoned ultrarunners, this event offers something special for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural event will feature the Morning 10K, Sunset 10K, and 50K distances.

But this is only the beginning.

Plans are already underway to expand the event in 2027 with additional ultra-distance options designed to showcase even more of the rugged terrain, scenic overlooks, and backcountry adventure that make Breaks Interstate Park such a remarkable destination.

The Canyon Is Calling
Come experience towering cliffs, breathtaking overlooks, mountain trails, unforgettable sunsets, and the welcoming community of Southwest Virginia.

Join us for the inaugural Grand Canyon of the South Ultras and discover why this incredible place has earned its legendary name.

Adventure awaits at Breaks.

Race Policies

Southwest Virginia Running is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and professionally managed events with purpose of promoting the local beauty and culture of the local community. By registering for the Grand Canyon of the South Ultras, participants agree to abide by all SWVA Running policies, event rules, safety requirements, and participant expectations. Policies regarding registration, transfers, deferrals, refunds, participant conduct, pacers, crews, minors, and race-day procedures are available on the SWVA Running website. Please review all policies and race information prior to registering and again before race weekend. Visit www.swvarunning.com for complete details.

Event's current local time: 8:46 AM ET