Participant Reviews
View testimonials below from past Highball to Thurmond participants...
“WORTH driving all the way from Florida to RUN! If you want to experience some good trail running in the mountains of West Virginia, meet fun people, and be challenged to ‘catch the train’ back to the start, THIS is the race to do. We would recommend to all of our running friends!” - Mae Barker and Zach Hanna
“From the start line to the finish line, the support was incredible. Runners were kept up to date on any changes and even informed of the upcoming course conditions at aid stations. I could not have asked for a better race day.” - Brooke
“This was a great race. The staff and volunteers are great. There are a few challenging climbs, but one you finish, you will definitely be proud of your accomplishment and the medal you earned.” - Ben Leach
“H2T is a fun, challenging race set on a beautiful course through the New River Gorge where strangers become instant friends.” - Joe Matthews
“This was my first ultra and it has helped me fall in love with trail running. I’m turning 20 this summer, and as a young ultra runner, this race has fueled me into (hopefully!) a lifetime of racing.” - Sarah Copeland
“It was a super fun race. I love how runnable the course was while still being in the forest.” - Stephanie Carlson
“This was a fantastic race. Extremely well organized & supported by enthusiastic & efficient volunteers. The trail was generously marked & drop-dead beautiful. The swag was great. The medal (which I usually don’t care much about) is a keeper (doubles as a coaster 😉). “ - Kate Larsen
“For my first "destination" Ultra Marathon 55k I was truly impressed with the effort it took to put this race together with runner's from many different areas. Also, with runners from different levels "first timers" to more experienced runner's involved. The information and communication provided from initial sign up, finishing and post race was terrific.” - Mike Dieffenbacher
“One of the most beautiful race courses I've run. Not super technical run, which makes it challenging but very doable. It's very clear that the race director and volunteers care deeply about the racing experience and work hard to ensure everyone has a great time. Big fan.” - Kelaine Conochan
“I had a great time at this race. The park was beautiful and the course was the perfect mix of challenging and runnable. The course markings were plentiful. I never questioned whether or not I was on the course. The aid stations had everything a runner could want. The pre-race meeting and post-race celebration fostered a great atmosphere for camaraderie and good times.” - David Olsen
“I spent this weekend checking off another bucket-lister, the Highball to Thurmond WV 50 mile Ultra!!! The sights were extraordinary to say the least! WV has stolen my ❤️! I finished my first ultramarathon in 9 hours, 25 minutes taking 3rd place female and 7th overall and spent time with our amazing Hillsborough Run Club peeps and befriended some other fellow runners. Running on my paternal ancestors stomping grounds was something I will never forget. My husband and I spent an afternoon driving through winding mountains chasing family legends and finding them.❤️By far one of the coolest trips and races to take part in. Until next time WV!” - Elissa Tubergen
“The Highball to Thurmond 50 Miler and 55k is a great trail run! This was our first 55k and it was very doable with lots of on trail support and aid stations. It’s a great race for anyone who enjoys being outside in a beautiful setting. The scenery is spectacular! The course was well-marked and easy to follow. Communications on race day and prior to the race were top notch. Trivium did an excellent job organizing everything and keeping participants informed. The volunteers were very helpful! Food and snacks at the aid stations were varied and plentiful! We have already recommended the race to others! Thanks to everyone for making it a memorable experience!” - anonymous 2023 finisher
“I used this race as my well planned positive mid life crisis about turning 40 in June. Running 50 miles in the beauty of WV was exactly what I needed to head into this next adventure. I also saw a black bear at mile 21 and that was pretty incredible!” - Heidi Shaw
“Great job as always! I’ve done several races with Trivium and they are always well done. Looking forward to the next one!” - Kyle Brown
“This was by far the greatest experience for a first time ultra. Everything from all the information leading up to race day, the meetings the day before all of the prep work, outstanding!!! 10/10 stars for sure!! Thank you! “ - Sarah Hampton
“I really enjoyed the Highball to Thurmond 55k. I ran the 50-miler last year and it was also a lot of fun. Per Trivium standard, the aid stations were well-stocked and had positive, energetic volunteers who were ready to help any runner out, and the course was incredibly well-marked. The food offerings afterwards were great, and I thoroughly enjoy any race I run with Trivium.“ - Katie M.
“An awesome race with great views, challenging course, and great energy. The trivium race group can put on a solid race! Highly recommend.“ - anonymous 2023 finisher
“This was my first 50k and it was an absolutely great time. Thanks so much to everyone who worked to make this race so awesome. Can't wait to see you again next year!” - Lucas mcintire
“The views were fantastic and the people as well.” - Cleber Rodrigues
“Awesome race, great crew and great course! The Trivium Team was very helpful and supportive every step (92,378) along the way. What a great experience for my first 50 mile race.” - anonymous 2023 finisher
“The communication leading up to race day was very informative and greatly appreciated. All questions I had were answered. Everything about the course was given ahead of time so I could walk the entire course before I ran it on race day. Loved that! Thank you to all involved! It can't have been an easy task.“ - anonymous 2023 finisher
“The course is beautiful, offers a variety of trail conditions, the stone stairs make the race interesting. Highly recommend this race!” - anonymous 2023 finisher
“The course markings were excellent, it was impossible to get lost and I never had to question if I was on the right path. As someone who is bad with maps/directions I really appreciated this! The athlete guides and pre-race zoom meeting were also great and gave me peace of mind about my safety. As a young female it can be scary to run in the woods alone but knowing that people were always monitoring our location made me feel safe the whole way. The volunteers at the aid stations were wonderful. Also the food after the race was delicious. This race was so well organized and I hope to do it again in the future! It was my first ultra and I had nothing but great experiences.” - anonymous 2023 finisher
“This organization and race are amazing. I felt very well taken care of on the course and it was so well marked. Staff and volunteers are absolutely the best! My favorite race in a truly incredible location.” - Brittany Nichols
