The 2026 Dahlgren Trail Half Marathon has been moved to a Virtual Event.
We will move everyone to the virtual race and you will be able to submit your time from 1/28/26-2/8/26 at 11:59pm. You will receive Grand Prix participation credit for completing the virtual race, but no GP points will be awarded based on time.
Events
Virtual Race Information
We are truly sorry that we had to make the tough decision to turn this race in to a virtual race. We know how hard you train and what a disappointment it is to not be able to run in person.
You can complete this race virtually by running anytime, anywhere (outdoors or on a treadmill) between now and February 8th. If you would like credit for completion, please submit your time online. You do not HAVE to submit a time if you don't want to.
Grand Prix Information
This race will give you participation credit in the Fredericksburg Area Running Club's Grand Prix Series, but you MUST submit your results by February 8th at 11:59pm in order to get credit for participating. Results will not count towards Grand Prix points standings.
Awards
There will be no awards given because there is no way to ensure fairness with some people running on a treadmill vs. running outside and because you're not running on the same outdoor course together at the same time under the same conditions.
Race Packets
If you are unable to come to packet pick up on 1/29 or 1/31, we will mail your race t-shirt, medal, and bib to you at no additional cost to you. If you selected the No T-shirt option during registration, we'll simply mail your race bib and medal. Please double check your mailing address in RunSignup and email Kristen by February 1st if your address has changed: kristen@arsenal-events.com.
Information
UPDATE: This race has been moved to Virtual Only due to unsafe parking lot and trail conditions due to the storm.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail. This is a scenic out and back course on a flat, smooth old railroad bed. Cash prizes, great competition, good food, and awesome swag all make this a memorable event. And because we understand it can be a bit chilly in January ;) we will be starting the race at 9:00 am to let it warm up and let you get a little more sleep.
All finishers receive a custom race medal! The t-shirt deadline is January 13th. If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to get the size you'd like! We enter inventory into the website, so if you see your size available, you're good to go!
The time limit for the race is 3.5 hours - around 16 minute/mile pace.
Join Us in Supporting the Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail!
The Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit group that is volunteer-based and works to develop, preserve, and maintain this historic rail-to-trail greenway as a major recreational, tourism, and educational opportunity for the citizens of King George County and the state of Virginia.
They are HUGE supporters of the half marathon, and we are thrilled to be able to support their organization through this race!
Please consider joining us in donating to the trail HERE.
With your help, the Friends of the DRHT can:
- Expand access to the trail
- Continue trail improvements and clearing of obstructions or hazards
- Restore the historic caboose and railroad cars
- Add safety and informational signage
- Enhance advocacy for joining state parks
Additional Race Information
Packet Pick Up
Thursday, January 29th from 3pm-6pm at River Rock Outfitter, 1382 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Saturday, January 31st from 10:30am-12:30pm at River Rock Outfitter
We will have 25 dozen donuts that will need to get eaten that day. Please take multiple donuts home with you! :)
If you are unable to pick up your race packet, we will ship your race packet to you.
Parking
Race day parking is available at the Route 605 Trailhead.
Please carpool if possible and arrive early. The parking lot will open at 7:30 am.
Overflow parking will be available off of Birchwood Creek Road.
Awards
Overall: Top 3 Men and Women.
Cash prizes of $100, $75, $50
Age Groups: Top 3 Men and Women in age group:
19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over
Overall awards will be based on Gun Time
Age Group awards will be based on Chip Time.
Course Details
The course is an out and back that starts at the Bloomsbury Road Trailhead and heads east from the start for ~6.5 miles before turning back.
There will be water at miles 1.5, 4, 6.5, 9 and 11.5. There will be Gatorade at miles 4 and 9.
There will be a porta potty at the Comorn crossing (Miles 4 and 9).
POSTPONED - New Date is TBD
The Estate at White Hall is not currently open due to the snow and ice and extremely cold temps. We'll coordinate a new weekend for you all to be able to go out to enjoy their wines!
Our incredible friends, Joel and Bethany Cassell, from The Estate at White Hall are offering a complimentary tasting of 5 of their wines OR one free glass of wine race weekend! Swing by their winery in King George and enjoy some sips with friends before or after the race. Show them your race bib for your free wine!
Cupless Racing Starting in 2026!
UPDATE: We will not be distributing SpeedCups at packet pick up due to the race switching to virtual.
We are excited to announce that we are including the Dahlgren Trail Half Marathon in cupless racing! Unnecessary waste and trash is something we are working to eliminate from our trail events. As an organization dedicated to maintaining a clean race and doing our part to keep our trails clean, starting in 2026 will be going cupless with this event. This means we are eliminating the use of disposable cups at the half marathon. Runners will have the option of carrying their own hydration vessels or using a HydraPak reusable SpeedCup provided at packet pick up. By going cupless, we are eliminating over 1,000 cups on race day, and are doing our part to keep the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail beautiful.
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Sponsors
FAQs
No, dogs are not permitted on the race course, so please leave your furry friends at home! Our race mascot, Sailor, may be on site on race day, and he loves people, so you can get your dog fix in with this big guy!
Yes, you have 3 and 1/2 hours to complete the half marathon.
Headphontes/earbuds are discouraged. If you wear them, please take them off/out at all road crossings.
Yes! It's helpful if they have your race registration confirmation email, but first and last name is all the info we need for them to pick up your packet for you.
Thursday, January 29th - River Rock Outfitter, 1382 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
3:30pm-6pm
Saturday, January 31st starting at 7:30am at the Bloomsbury Road Trailhead, 10431 Bloomsbury Road, King George, VA
Yes! Registration will be open through 8:55am on race morning. All registration is done online, no paper registration, so please have your phone available to register.
Parking is available at 10431 Bloomsbury Road, King George, VA 22485. Overflow parking will be available off of Birchwood Creek Road. Please carpool - parking is limited!
Yep, parking is 100% free. :)
The Start and Finish is located at Mile Post 0 (Bloomsbury Road Trailhead) on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail. It's a shared start/finish line for this out and back course.
We will provide a tarp near the start/finish line for you to drop any personal items. Please do not leave any valuables there. We are not responsible for any lost items.
There will be water at miles 1.5, 4, 6.5, 9 and 11.5. Gatorade will be available at miles 4 and 9.
We will have 3 porta-potties near the start/finish line and one porta-potty located at Mile 4 and Mile 9.
Yes, all finishers will receive a custom finisher's medal. All athletes who register by the t-shirt deadline will receive a race t-shirt. We will order extra t-shirts and will enter giveaway inventory into the website, so if you see your t-shirt size available, you're in luck! If you don't see your size, please select another size or select the No T-shirt option to save $5.
