
High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k
High Bridge Half Marathon: a flat, out-and-back rail-trail race crossing a historic bridge.
Race Date
Oct 3, 2026
Location
Farmville, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location
- Farmville, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,088
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k takes runners on a journey through Virginia history, starting in the heart of Farmville before heading onto the 31-mile High Bridge Trail State Park. The centerpiece is the historic High Bridge itself—a nearly half-mile-long span towering 125 feet above the Appomattox River—which the out-and-back course crosses twice. The trail, a former railroad bed, is a wide, level limestone surface that offers a forgiving, fast surface ideal for a PR attempt.
Now in its 9th edition, the race draws a small but dedicated field of about 90 runners from a half-dozen states, with roughly one in ten returning year after year. The atmosphere is low-key and community-driven, with local spirit groups, music, and water stations along the way. After crossing the bridge for the second time, runners finish back at the trail plaza in downtown Farmville, where the charming historic district awaits with restaurants and shops.
Race-provided description
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 vault toilets. Finisher awards will be presented to all Half Marathon finishers who complete their race during the designated time period of 4 hours.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt (9/01)
Start Location
Downtown Plaza at High Bridge Trail State Park, Farmville, VA, 23901
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Park, Rural
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick569 years running
~89 finishers a year
shrinking
11% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 6 states
winner 1:13:24
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,088 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,088
Median time
2:01:29
Latest turnout
89
States
25
Turnout by year
2014–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k?
The High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k take place?
It takes place in Farmville, Virginia.
What distances does the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run.
Is the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k course flat and good for a PR?
The High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,088 runners who have completed the High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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