Virginia Adventures LLC

12/13/2024

2024 was the first year we gave out Grandmaster awards at Night Train and Freight Train. Ram Kumar Pai (33rd overall) and Vicky Bentley-Condit (39th overall) were our Grandmaster awardees in the 50k. State Parks employee Tim Shrader (12 overall) and Sandy Henderson (15th Overall) took the awards in the half marathon. John Soscia (15th overall) took the award in the 100k. In addition to this, we had a number of runners in their 50’s earn spots on the podium.

12/12/2024

A theme of our stories this week has been how running, even on trails, can be a community event. Around 13 hours into the 100k, I was outside waiting at the finish line for our 1st Grandmaster finisher. As I saw them a couple hundred yards away I heard tremendous cheering. I looked over and there were a bunch of folks cheering for John Soscia and William Shepherd as they finished. It was Shannon Megroz, Anne Spillane and Mary Delk. All 3 had run different distances but were hanging around to cheer on other folks they knew. A couple other runners commented on how supportive they had been on the course and at aid stations throughout the day.

As I say, I merely provide the canvas. It’s the runners and volunteers that paint the picture. I love this sort of community and cheering for other runners. I believe this group came mostly from the Virginia Beach area.

12/11/2024

Was the original Top Gun better or was Top Gun Maverick the best?

Sometimes things are so good they deserve a sequel.

I shared this story last year. But this deserves another mention. During Covid, William Schultheis had to defer two consecutive years. Normally, people that defer do not show up the next year. But he stayed in contact with me. Last year, it was great to see William and Floyd Crawford finish the 50k together

This year, I looked up at the halfway point and who do I see? William Schultheis and Floyd Crawford once again tackling the race together. They were all smiles at the halfway point. They would finish together in a little under 9 hours. We think of trail running as a solitary pursuit. But it is so much better with friends. I look forward to seeing them return next year with friends.

12/10/2024

Photos by crew member Eldon Yoder

12/10/2024

One of the best things about directing a number of events is getting the chance to see people over time. I met Amy Foster when she registered for Dogwood in 2023. She told me that she had never run 20 miles. She managed to get almost 24.

She signed up for the 48 hour option at Dogwood last year with the goal of a 50k. She met that goal on the second afternoon. And if you recall how bad the rain was, she earned it.

After that, she told me that wanted to do another 50k but wanted it to be during an actual 50k. So she registered for Freight Train knowing it is not technical and she had plenty of time.

She snuck into the train depot around 7 hours into the race, on pace to meet her goal. She took time and rested, fueled and warmed up. Then back out she went.

After 14 hours, I would see Amy cross the finish 50k (well maybe a 51 or 52k) complete. Amy Foster is your 50k DFL recipient for 2024. I know she was cold. I know she had low moments.

This is why hiker and walker categories are so important. Trail races are for everyone.

I am so proud of her heart in finishing this race. It takes dedication to stick to a plan. Especially in 20 degree weather. I know she would hate the spotlight. But she truly embodies the quote on the back of our volunteer shirt;

“Speed isn’t a requirement for trail running; determination is.”

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116769

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=116508

12/09/2024

Pamplin Turnaround volunteer photos

12/09/2024

Ram Pai is a marathon coach for the Sports Backers in Richmond. He ran Freight Train 2 years ago. Earlier in the year he approached me about running it again. He wanted to celebrate 10 years of distance running with friends he asked about getting a discount for 5 friends. I agreed since I do offer incentives for groups.

5 became 10. 10 became 15. Then it was 20. Then 25. The. 30. In the end, he brought something like 35-40 out to Freight Train to experience Ultras and the community out on the trails. He and his crew had contagious energy on the trails all day. This was so awesome to see! They also brought people who volunteered, which was so helpful to me.

One of his runners,Rohit Kumar made a YouTube video for the group. We love community. I just put on the races. You all as runners make the community and fellowship happen on the trails!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SHP5brl0JW8

12/08/2024

Pics from Wayne Sale and Regina Schwabe

12/08/2024

Yesterday marked the 5th edition of the Freight Train 100k/50k and Half Marathon. It was our largest year yet. I enjoyed talking to every one of you. I apologize if I didn't get around to chat or congratulate you.

Freight Train also closes out our 2024 running calendar. It has been our busiest and most successful year yet.

I have a lot of stories to share from yesterday's race. I will share them over the course of the week.

Thank you for once again choosing to run with us at Freight Train!

12/08/2024

12/06/2024

See folks tonight at packet pick up. 510 West 3rd Street. 5:30-7.

We have a record number of participants this year. That is awesome! I may be able to fit in a late registration or two.

I would still love to have 1-2 more daytime volunteers and 1-2 for the night. Every volunteer gets a free race.

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111843

12/05/2024

Registration closes tonight at midnight. We are only 1 or 2 away from capacity.

Tomorrow from 5:30-7 I can use help checking runners in at the train depot. Saturday evening I can still use 1-3 volunteers to help in various locations. Saturday night volunteers earn free entry into any event I direct, including events up to 24 and 48 hours.

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111843

12/04/2024

We are lucky to have Aga Prokop coming out again to take photos at Freight Train this weekend. She will get photos on the bridge, downtown and anywhere else on the course she sees runners.

I am still looking for Friday night and Saturday night volunteers. Friday only takes 2 hours to volunteer. Saturday helps support the 100k runners as they finish and clean up.

https://www.prokophoto.com/

https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111843

12/03/2024