High Bridge Half Marathon & 5K

The town of Farmville in south central Virginia has been hailed as “America’s Crucible”. The site of one of the last battles of the War Between the States and one of the first critical moments in the Battle for Civil Rights in Education, Farmville is truly the Heart of Virginia. Home to Green Front Furniture and a delightful historic commercial district filled with restaurants, retail, and galleries, Farmville promises something for everyone who comes to spend a day, a weekend, or a lifetime. 

The historic High Bridge runs through the Heart of Virginia in Prince Edward and Cumberland Counties. Heralded as the largest bridge of its kind in the United States, the High Bridge and the battle for control of it was a contributing factor to General Robert E. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in nearby Appomattox Courthouse. Today, the bridge is the centerpiece of the 31-mile High Bridge Trail State Park that includes the historic commercial district of Farmville.

The race will be held on an out-and-back course beginning in Farmville Downtown at High Bridge Trail State Park Plaza.  The park is a rail to trail conversion that is wide, level and has very little grade.  The trail surface consists of finely crushed, well-packed limestone.  The half marathon will cross the historic High Bridge twice.  High Bridge is nearly a half mile long and towers 125 feet above the Appomattox River.

Runners will enjoy on-course support with spirit groups, music, water stations, and Port-O-Potties. Finisher medals will be presented to all Half Marathon finishers who complete their race during the designated time period of 4 hours.

Course Information
Surface:           packed crushed gravel
Grade:              very little
Particulars:     rails-to-trails conversion
Amenities:       4 water stations with water and Gatorade available; two port-o-potties per water station; GU Gel, snacks, and first aid at each water station; cheer groups intermittently stationed for support; emergency services personnel and apparatus on stand-by in the park.

Awards Ceremony
Finisher medals will be presented to all half-marathon & 5k runners who complete the race during the timing period. Cash awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male & female finishers for the half marathon. Awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers and to the top three age level finishers for each race.