Saturday, May 16, 2026
outdoors

Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay

An ultra race finishing in historic Thurmond, deep in the New River Gorge. Whether you're running it or just want to cheer on the people who are — Thurmond is worth the drive any Sunday.

Event Details

Date

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time

7:00 AM

Location

Thurmond Depot Area, New River Gorge

Thurmond, WV

Thurmond, WV 25936

Price

Varies

The Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay finishes in one of the most dramatic locations in West Virginia: the ghost town of Thurmond, a National Park Service site tucked into the New River Gorge that was once one of the busiest railroad towns on the continent and is now accessible only by road or rail.

The race draws trail runners from across the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with competitors of all levels taking on varying distances through the gorge's rugged terrain. The relay option makes it accessible for teams who want the adventure without the solo ultra commitment.

Even if you're not racing, Thurmond is worth the trip — the old town, the rail depot, and the views of the gorge are a genuine West Virginia experience. Pack a picnic and cheer on the finishers.

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