High Bridge Half Marathon & 5k

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.

LOCATION / COURSE UPDATE (As of 9/23/2026)

The race will start and finish at the High Bridge Station Visitor Center. Both the 5K and the Half Marathon will cross High Bridge twice. The Half Marathon will be an out and back to the east and then a short out and back across High Bridge. The 5K will be an out and back the heads west over High Bridge and then finishes back at the Visitor Center. 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.

Community event in Rice, VA 23966.