Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay

Trivium Racing logo

From Trivium Racing

  • Date Sun 17th May 2026
  • Time 4:45AM EDT
  • Location Thurmond, West Virginia
  • Price Free - $161.00
  • Races 8 races
  • Distances Ultra

Just added

Secure your place early

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay, organized by Trivium Racing, taking place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in the picturesque town of Thurmond, Fayette County, West Virginia. This unique event features a thrilling 50 Mile race starting in Montgomery, WV, and a scenic 50 Kilometer race beginning in Hawks Nest State Park, both culminating in the charming railroad town of Thurmond, known for its stunning views and rich history as the least populated railroad town in the nation.

Participants in the 50 Mile event will embark on an epic journey with a 4:45 am start time, allowing them 14 hours to complete the course and catch the train back to Montgomery at 6:59 pm. With approximately 6,000 feet of elevation gain, this mix of paved roads, mountain dirt paths, and breathtaking trails promises a challenging yet rewarding experience, complete with finisher medals, post-race food, and exciting awards. For those opting for the 50 Kilometer event, the well-aided course offers 3,100 feet of elevation gain and a reasonable cutoff time, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned ultra runners. And for teams, the 50

Organiser's Description

The highball was a signal used in early railroads to signal the track was clear. When the ball was hoisted, trains were cleared to proceed! We're raising the ball on this unique 50 Mile and 50 Kilometer event, encouraging athletes to proceed on this epic trail adventure. Both races finish in Thurmond, West Virginia. With a population of 5 at the 2010 census, it is the least populated railroad town in the nation and part of the New River Gorge National Park.



The 50 Miler: This event starts at 4:45 am in Montgomery, WV, 50 Miles from the finish line in Thurmond, WV, giving athletes enough time to Catch the Train back to Montgomery! The train leaves at 6:59 pm, and the last call whistle will be at 6:45 pm. This means athletes will have 14 hours to complete this epic adventure in time to make the train back to Montgomery (don't worry, if you miss the train we will get you home)! This course is a mix of paved road (about 12 miles), awesome mountain dirt roads, and gorgeous trails with a spectacular view! Athletes can choose to take the train back to the start line (seats are limited and first come first serve on registration) or arrange their own ride. With about 6,000 feet of elevation gain, athletes will certainly have earned their finishers medal, post race food and awesome awards!



The 50 Kilometer Event: This will be a full daylight event starting in Hawks Nest State Park and finishing in Thurmond, WV. This course is a point-to-point that takes participants along the beautiful New River Gorge Trails. This is a well-aided and extremely well marked 50K and a great beginner trail ultra with a very reasonable cutoff time. With 3,100' of elevation gain, this course is both manageable and challenging! Work hard and finish before the train leaves and you will earn your medal, post race food, and awesome awards.



The 50 Mile Relay: This 50 Mile Relay can be run with 2,3, or 4 people. With 5 relay hand off points, athletes can run it in any order and run as many or as few legs as they want as long as each member of the team runs at least one. Bring your best trail runner, best road runner, best mountain runner, and combine for an epic point to point 50 mile race!

Races

  • 50k

    Incl. $10.10 Fee & Hoodie

    Sun 17th May 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $145.10

  • 50K Ruck

    Incl. $10.10 Fee & Hoodie

    Sun 17th May 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $145.10

  • 50 Mile - 14 Hour Limit - No Awards

    Incl. $11.00 Fee & Hoodie

    Sun 17th May 2026 (4:45AM EDT)

    $161.00

    If you want to prove that you can accomplish a 50 Mile race, but will not be in the running for awards, register for this option.
  • 50 Mile - 12.75 Hour Limit - Awards

    Incl. $11.00 Fee & Hoodie

    Sun 17th May 2026 (6:00AM EDT)

    $161.00

    If you want to be eligible for awards and can finish in the 12.75 hour time limit, select this option.
  • 50 Mile Relay

    Incl. $7.10 Fee & Hoodie

    Sun 17th May 2026 (6:00AM EDT)

    $92.10

    Run with 2,3, or 4 people. With 5 relay hand off points, athletes can run it in any order and run as many or as few legs as they want as long as each member of the team runs at least one.
  • 50 Mile Pacer

    Sun 17th May 2026 (6:00AM EDT)

    Free

  • Virtual 50 Mile

    Incl. $5.00 Fee & Hoodie

    $55.00

  • Virtual 50K

    Incl. $5.00 Fee & Hoodie

    $55.00

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

Hwy 25 & Hwy 2, Thurmond, 25936, WV, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

You might like

May 17, 2026

Free - $161.00