Night Train 50k and Half Marathon

Sunset. Fireflies. The moon over the High Bridge. The Night Train returns for its 9th year on Saturday, June 20, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM from Camp Paradise on the High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville, Virginia. Choose 50k (6:00 PM start, 9.5 hour cutoff), half marathon (6:30 PM), or 5k (8:00 PM). Hiker‑friendly options for half and 5k. New for 2026: Family 5k — $100 for up to 4 runners (shirts and finisher awards for all). Mandatory water carry — at least 20 oz. Cupless event. Gluten‑free options at aid stations. No refunds, but deferrals available for injury or COVID. Part of the High Bridge Challenge (combine with Freight Train for a special award).

Location — High Bridge Trail State Park, Farmville, VA:

• Start/Finish at Camp Paradise (entrance to the trail)
• The High Bridge itself is a 2,400‑foot long, 125‑foot high historic structure built in 1854 for the South Side Railroad
• All runners finish their race crossing the bridge — at night, with fireflies and moonlight
• The trail is crushed stone, flat (old rail bed), but do not let that fool you — Virginia in June is brutally hot and humid
• Site of some of the last battles of the Civil War — including the last Union General to die

Course Details — Flat but Deceptive:

• 50k course is slightly long — closer to 32 miles
• Aid stations: Downtown Farmville (5.3 miles), Tuggle (5.7 miles from Farmville), Prospect (3 miles from Tuggle), then turnaround 1 mile past Prospect
• Extended distances between aid stations — carry water, carry nutrition
• Crew access at Downtown Farmville, Tuggle, and Prospect
• Half marathon: 5.3 miles to Downtown Farmville, then 1.3 miles to turnaround and return
• 5k: 1.55 miles over the bridge, turn around, return

Mandatory Water Carry — 20 oz Minimum:

• "Failure to carry water will lead to disqualification by my staff."
• This is not a suggestion — it's a rule. The heat is extreme. Aid stations are spaced far apart.
• Carry a bottle, hydration pack, or handheld. Also cupless — bring your own cup or use your bottle.

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Finisher award for all participants (medal or similar)
• Top 3 male/female in each race receive additional prizes
• NEW for 2026: Most Patriotic Runner award (male and female) — close to the 4th of July
• Women's tank top (true to size) • Men's t‑shirt
• Gluten‑free options at aid stations — note it on your registration, then ask at the aid station
• Discount for law enforcement, fire, EMS, teachers, nurses — use code THANKS

Family 5k — New for 2026:

• $100 for one runner to register up to 4 additional family members
• Each runner receives a shirt and finisher award
• Perfect for parents with multiple children, or a group of friends running together

High Bridge Challenge — Combine Night Train + Freight Train:

• Night Train (June) + Freight Train (December) = combo award
• Options: 26k combo (Night Train 5k + Freight Train Half), Marathon combo (Night Train Half + Freight Train Half), 100k combo (Night Train 50k + Freight Train 50k), 150k combo (Night Train 50k + Freight Train 100k)
• Complete your chosen combo and earn a one‑of‑a‑kind award

Logistics:

• Shirt cutoff: May 15 — registrations after that receive leftover shirts or previous years' shirts
• No refunds. Deferrals to next year available due to injury or COVID.
• In‑race distance changes allowed: 50k runners can drop to half, half runners can drop to 5k
• Referral program: get a friend to sign up and list your name — entered to win a free race entry
• Parking available at Camp Paradise and nearby lots (arrive early — limited spaces)
• No dogs allowed on the trail (state park regulations)
• Strollers? The crushed stone surface is stroller‑friendly for the 5k (start at the back)

Weather Warning — Not a PR Course:

• "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."
• Even though it's flat, this is not a PR course. It is hot, humid, and the 50k is slightly long.
• Come prepared to run, have fun, and enjoy the scenery — not to crush a personal best.

Top Performances (50k Men):

• Isaiah King — 3:40:43 (2023)
• Nick Cruz — 3:43:37 (2021)
• Erick Kuhlmann — 3:48:59 (2019)

Organizer: Virginia Adventures.