Pawpaw 10 Miler and 5 Miler

Powhatan, Virginia. Powhatan State Park. The Pawpaw 10 Miler and 5 Miler return for their 4th year on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM EDT. Celebrate Virginia's native fruit — the pawpaw — with a run along the James River, through open fields, glorious singletrack, and past a historic cabin. Choose 10 miles or 5 miles (hiker options available). Live music, beer truck, and festival events. Part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Powhatan State Park. Shirt guaranteed for registrations by September 1.

Location — Powhatan State Park, Powhatan, Virginia:

• Powhatan State Park is a 1,565‑acre park on the James River, about 30 minutes west of Richmond, 1.5 hours south of Charlottesville
• The park opened in 2013 and features miles of James River frontage, 20 miles of trails, reclaimed farm fields (great for bird watching), and shady forests
• 2026 marks the park's 13th anniversary (opened 2013 — not a 10th birthday; the source text has outdated info, but the race continues)
• Start/finish at the Equestrian Trailhead Parking Lot (4616 Powhatan State Park Road)

Course — 10 Miles (and 5 Miles) of Mixed Terrain:

• Trail along the river: flat, fast, scenic
• When you veer away from the river: gnarly climbs up into open fields (views stretch for miles)
• Shaded singletrack leading to historic cabin ruins
• Steep climb exiting the forest back into open fields
• Wildlife and birds abound in the reclaimed farm fields
• One water station near mile 5 (for the 10‑miler; 5‑miler likely has one water station as well)

Festival — Live Music, Beer Truck, Food, and Pawpaw Celebrations:

• Live music at the start/finish area
• Beer truck (local craft beer)
• Food available for purchase from The Cafe at Maidens (fantastic boxed lunches — add to your order at checkout)
• You may even see pawpaws along the trail (the fruit ripens in late summer/early fall)
• Family‑friendly atmosphere

What's Included ($50 Registration):

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher medal
• Gender‑specific short sleeve shirt (guaranteed for registrations by September 1)
• One water station on course (water)
• Medical support on course
• Parking at Powhatan State Park
• Access to festival (live music, beer truck, etc.)

Hiker Options — Untimed, Walkers Welcome:

• 10‑mile hiker (same course as the 10‑miler, but untimed)
• 5‑mile hiker (same course as the 5‑miler, but untimed)
• Open to walkers and hikers of all paces

Charity — Friends of Powhatan State Park:

• Proceeds benefit the Friends of Powhatan State Park, a local volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the park's mission
• No discounts are offered — this is a benefit race

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series — Sponsored by Dominion Energy:

• The Pawpaw 10 Miler is a participant in the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series
• Series includes other races in Virginia State Parks throughout the year

Logistics — Registration Closes September 18:

• Registration closes Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
• No refunds? Not specified — check with race director
• Parking available at Powhatan State Park (arrive early — limited spaces, park entrance fee may apply)
• Bib pickup: race morning at the Equestrian Trailhead Parking Lot (check event website for exact times)
• No dogs allowed on the course (state park regulations — service animals excepted)
• Strollers not recommended on singletrack and gnarly climbs
• Walkers welcome (hiker options available)

What to Bring:

• Trail running shoes (some sections are rocky, rooty, or grassy)
• Hydration pack or handheld bottle (one water station at mile 5, but carry your own water)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (open fields have no shade)
• Cash for food and beer (boxed lunches from The Cafe at Maidens can be pre‑ordered, but beer truck likely accepts cash/card)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes and ticks can be present near the river)

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in Powhatan):

• Powhatan State Park — stay to explore more trails, fish in the James River, or picnic
• Powhatan Village — historic courthouse, antique shops, and the Powhatan County Historical Society
• Richmond (30 minutes east) — Virginia capital, with museums (VMFA, Science Museum), restaurants, and the James River Park System
• Goochland (20 minutes north) — wineries, breweries, and the Goochland Drive‑In Theater

Contact: Event organizer via UltraSignup.