Join us for the first Ultra to be held at James River State Park. In 2026, we return for our 5th year! Choose from a variety of distances including: 10 miler, 50k, 50 mile relay and 50 mile solo. This year, we add a 10 mile night race at well! The race begins at 8:00am on April 10th and has a 16 hour cutoff. The course is a 10 mile loop that features a variety of trails. The first 5 miles involve lots of climbing and descending along beautiful single and double track trails. Around mile 6 runners will begin a section that parallels the Historic James River. These 3.5 miles are flat and fast, although it can also be sunny and warm here. The final .5 mile involves a nice steep climb back to the start/finish line. There are approximately 1025 feet of climbing each 10 mile loop. Full loop details are available at the race website. This year, we have eliminated the Red Oak Campground and Taylor Pond section and replaced it with a loop around the picnic area near Canoe Landing campground. This eliminates some route confusion as well as getting the secondary aid station closer to the halfway point.
One of the things that makes this race unique is that it borrows a concept from fixed time races. We want to encourage new trail runners to attempt something difficult as well as offering experienced runners a challenging course. Sign up for whatever distance you would like. As long as you finish a loop you will receive a finish time for the 10 miler. Finish 3 loops and you receive a 50k time. Runners finishing all 5 loops will be official 50 mile finishers. Additionally the race offers a generous 16 hour cap for every distance. The race features roughly 5000 feet of climbing for the 50 miler. Runners that drop down are not eligible for a top 3 award.
This year, the 50k is part of the Virginia State Park Adventure Series. The 50k is a bonus points race. Simply put, the more events you run in Virginia State Parks, the better your chances to win https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/adventure-series
As with all of our races, we are grateful for those who serve. Military, veterans, fire, police, EMS, medical and teachers can enter "Thanks" for a discount when registering
Things happen. We understand. We can offer deferrals with prior arrangement due to injury and COVID. We cannot offer refunds
Groups of 5 or more (excluding relays) can receive a discount by contacting me ahead of time. Additionally, if you get 3 friends to sign up you can run for free!
For 2026, the hiker options return. This is the same course as the 10 Mile and 50k. However, this is a noncompetitive course. Participants still receive a finish time and are official finishers.
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.
Need some night miles on the trails? Join us for a night 10 miler at 7:30pm on April 11th! This is in addition to the daytime 10 miler.
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
08:00
$125.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:15
$90.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:15
$150.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:15
$90.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 16.1K
Type — Running
08:30
$50.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 16.1K
Type — Running
08:30
$50.00
Apr 10, 2027
Distance — 16.1K
Type — Running
19:30
$50.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Gladstone.
Learn more about the host city, Gladstone.
Gladstone is an unincorporated community in Nelson County, Virginia, United States.
Read more launchTours and activities near Gladstone, powered by Viator.
Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.
All-time top performances and historical records for James River Trail Runs.
| Place | Name | Year | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Eric Garmon | '25 | 8:00:10 | |
| 🥈 | Jered Wendte | '25 | 8:30:55 | |
| 🥉 | Eric Garmon | '24 | 8:35:49 | |
| 4 | Chris Nable | '24 | 8:49:16 | |
| 5 | Daniel Richards | '23 | 9:14:28 | |
| 6 | Neal Caren | '24 | 9:15:03 | |
| 7 | David Rodriguez | '23 | 9:15:04 | |
| 8 | Damen Weeks | '26 | 9:28:29 | |
| 9 | Josh McAdams | '24 | 9:39:35 | |
| 10 | Jared Moses | '26 | 9:46:52 |
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the James River Trail Runs.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Spotted an error or missing detail about the James River Trail Runs? Help us improve.
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