Run, ruck, or relay your way through one of the most unforgettable ultra marathons in the Appalachian Mountains. The Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay is a point-to-point 50 Mile, 50K, and 50 Mile Relay adventure through the heart of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia—a bucket-list race for trail runners seeking epic scenery, adventure, and a finish line celebration like no other. Taking place Sunday, May 16, 2027, this race blends rugged singletrack, rocky climbs, and small-town energy with the challenge of racing the clock—and the train—to the finish.
The Highball name comes from an early railroad signal meaning “track ahead is clear—proceed at full speed.” That same spirit drives this event, as athletes tackle steep climbs, technical trails, and jaw-dropping overlooks before finishing in historic Thurmond, WV—a ghost town brought to life by the cheers of spectators.
No matter your distance, you’ll experience wild and wonderful West Virginia, the camaraderie of the trail running community, and a race-day story you’ll tell for years. Secure your spot, train hard, and get ready to raise the ball.
May 16, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
00:00
$50.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
00:00
$50.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
05:30
$165.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
05:30
$10.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
05:30
$90.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 49.9K
Type — Running
07:00
$150.00
May 16, 2027
Distance — 49.9K
Type — Running
07:00
$150.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Thurmond.
Learn more about the host city, Thurmond.
Thurmond is a town in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States, on the New River. The population was recorded as 5 in the 2020 census. During the heyday of coal mining in the New River Gorge, Thurmond was a prosperous town with a number of businesses and facilities for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.
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