Experience the allure of Night Train, offering three distinctive distances: the 50k, Half Marathon, and captivating sunset 5k. Traversing a historic Rail Trail amidst picturesque countryside, runners will journey through the remnants of the Civil War, meandering past fields, quaint towns, and the iconic Farmville. Commencing and culminating at Camp Paradise, each participant will cross the enchanting bridge at the finish, illuminated by fireflies and moonlight. With the 50k race commencing at 5:30 pm, and the half marathon at 6:15 pm, runners must navigate the sweltering conditions and extended distances between aid stations, requiring mandatory water carriage to avoid disqualification. As a new addition, the race introduces an award for the most Patriotic runner in each gender category, celebrating the proximity to Independence Day. With chip timing, exclusive awards, and gratitude discounts for essential service providers, Night Train promises an unforgettable journey under the stars.
Night Train 50k & Half Marathon-Farmville
Jun 14, 2025
6:30 PM
Trail-Road
$61.43
Farmville
100-500
Some Hills
Small Town, Forested
Night Train returns for its 7th year! All three distances are back. The 50k, Half Marathon and sunset 5k. The race follows an old Rail Trail through beautiful countryside. The countryside is as historic as it is beautiful. Site of some of the last battles of the Civil War (including the last Union General to die) the course follows fields, small towns and historic Farmville. The race begins and ends at Camp Paradise again this year. This means that every runner will finish their race crossing the bridge. The fireflies and moon make the finish something to behold. The 50k race begins at 5:30pm. The half marathon begins at 6:5 and the 5k begins at 8pm. There is a 9.5 hour time limit for the 50k and a 4 hour time limit for the half marathon. Don’t let the fact that this is a relatively flat rail trail fool you. The weather is a major factor. It will be extremely hot and sunny. There are also extended distances between aid stations. All runners must carry water (I recommend carrying at least 20 ounces). Failure to carry water will lead to disqualification by my staff. Even though it’s flat, this is not a PR course. It is hot and the course is slightly long (closer to 32 miles for the 50k) Come prepared to run, have fun and enjoy the scenery.
All runners will start and end at Camp Paradise. 5k runners will travel 1.55 miles over the bridge, turn around and return. 50k and half marathon runners will travel 5.3 miles to the first aid station in downtown Farmville. Half marathon runners will travel another 1.3 miles to a turnaround and return to the start. 50k runners will travel 5.7 miles to the Tuggle Aid Station. They will then travel another 3 miles to the Prospect aid station. They will travel 1 mile past here to a turnaround and then retrace their steps. Crew can access their runners in Downtown Farmville, Tuggle and Prospect.
Women will receive a tank top (which fits true to size). Men receive t-shirts. All finishers of both races will receive an award. The top 3 runners of each gender in each race will also receive prizes.
New this Year: Since this race is close to the 4th of July we will also give out an award for most Patriotic runner for each gender.
The race will be chip timed. As always we are thankful for everyone who helps us in society. So all Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Teachers and Nurses should enter the code THANKS for a discount.
This race is cupless! Cheap, portable cups are available on Amazon for $5-15. You have to carry water for this race so carrying a small, portable cup should be no big deal.
There are no refunds for this race! Runners may defer to next year due to injury or COVID. Cutoff dates for shirts is May 15th. Any registrations after that date will receive a leftover shirt or one from previous years
