Race Through New River Gorge National Park
The highball was a railroad signal meaning the track ahead was clear—time to move forward at full speed. At Highball to Thurmond, we’re raising the ball on an unforgettable ultramarathon adventure through the heart of New River Gorge National Park.
Choose from the 50 Mile, 50K, or 50 Mile Relay and race point-to-point to Thurmond, West Virginia—once a thriving rail town, now home to just a handful of residents and a whole lot of finish line magic. Runners, ruckers, and relays will tackle steep climbs, wild trails, and jaw-dropping views before arriving in the historic ghost town of Thurmond.
After your race, board the Amtrak train back to Montgomery for a well-earned celebration and champagne toast with your fellow adventurers. The last call whistle blows at 6:45 PM—don’t miss your ride!
Community members are also invited to be part of race weekend by volunteering along the course or at the finish line in Thurmond. Volunteers help support runners throughout the Gorge and are an important part of the Highball experience.
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Date and Time
Sunday May 17, 2026
4:45 AM - 9:00 PM EDT
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Early Packet Pickup
- 4:00-6:30 pm EST at Water Stone Outdoors at 101 E Wiseman Ave, Fayetteville, WV 25840
- Pick up your hoodie, bib, and swag and ask the Race Directors any last minute questions! Water Stone Outdoors has a great cafe and brewery called The Brew Garden. Hang out, get off your feet for a bit, chat with other athletes, and be a part of the community before embarking on your adventure through The New.
Race Day - Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Race morning packet pick-up at Start Lines in Montgomery (50M) & Hawks Nest (50K):
- 3:30 - 4:30 am - 14 hour 50M athletes
- 4:45 - 5:45 am - 12.75 hour 50M athletes
- 5:45 - 6:45 am - 50K athletes
- 5:30 am - 50K Shuttle (for those who purchased a ticket) leaves Montgomery for Hawks Nest State Park
- 50 Mile Race Start Time - 14 hour limit: 4:45 am (not eligible for awards)
- 50 Mile Race Start Time - 12.75 hour limit: 6:00 am (eligible for awards)
- We have two start times for the 50 mile race because we want everyone to have the opportunity to "beat the train" but do not want everyone to have to start at 4:45 am. We also do not want earlier finishers to have to wait hours for the train.
- 50 Kilometer & 50K Ruck Race Start Time: 7:00 am
- Last Finisher: 6:45 PM
- Train leaves the station: 6:59 PM
- We do not control the trains. This is a reliable schedule and is rarely late. But if Amtrak is delayed, athletes' departure will be delayed as well.
- Post Race Party in Montgomery: ~ 8 PM when the train arrives!
- Awards will be presented as overall and age group winners cross the finish line
Location
Saturday, May 16: Packet Pick Up - Water Stone Outdoors at 101 E Wiseman Ave, Fayetteville, WV 25840
Sunday, May 17:
50 Mile Start Line - 2nd Ave & Washington St Montgomery, WV
50K Start Line - Hawks Nest State Park
Finish Line - McKendree Rd, Thurmond, WV
Fees/Admission
Visit the Highball to Thurmond website for the race fee schedule:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/WV/Thurmond/Highball2Thurmond
Contact Information
Megan Warzecha
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