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Falling Creek 24-hour Running Event

October 17 - 18, 2026
Falling Creek Park
Bedford, VA 24523 US

Events

24-Hour Solo

Price: $145
Date Range: 10/17 10/18
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00AM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

12-hour solo

Price: $125
Date Range: 10/17
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00PM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
Big team will consist of 5-8 runners.

24-hour "Big Team" Relay

Price: $95
Date Range: 10/17 10/18
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00AM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
small team will have 2-4 runners

24-Hour "Small Team" Relay

Price: $95
Date Range: 10/17 10/18
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00AM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
big team will consist of 5-8 runners

12-Hour "Big Team" Relay

Price: $85
Date Range: 10/17
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00PM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
small team will consist of 2-4 runners

12-Hour "Small Team" Relay

Price: $85
Date Range: 10/17
Time: 8:00AM EDT 8:00PM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

6-Hour Solo

Price: $95
Date Range: 10/17
Time: 8:00AM EDT 2:00PM EDT
Registration ends October 15, 2026 at 8:00am EDT

 

Race Categories

  • 24-Hour Solo
  • 12-Hour Solo
  • 6-Hour Solo
  • 24-Hour Big Team
  • 24-Hour Small Team
  • 12-Hour Big Team
  • 12-Hour Small Team

 

Event Description

Falling Creek 24-Hour Running Event

The Falling Creek Trail 24-hour Running event is an adventure for everyone! Whether you're challenging yourself in the solo divisions or running the relay with friends, you will have an unforgettable experience at the beautiful Falling Creek Park during the stunning fall color season. This Bedford county park has an onsite playground, skate park, pump track, a pond for fishing, and disc golf for the whole family to enjoy. Even better, there are plenty of spots to camp, so bring the family and friends to make it a memorable weekend for everyone.

Event Divisions

  • 24-hour Solo
  • 24-hour "Big Team" Relay (5-8 runners)
  • 24-hour "Small Team" Division (2-4 runners)
  • 12-hour Solo
  • 12-hour "Big Team" Division
  • 12-hour "Small Team" Division
  • 6-hour Solo

Prizes will be awarded for all distance options!

Contact Us!

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Event Location

Falling Creek Park
1257 County Farm Rd.
Bedford, VA 24523 US View Location on Map

FAQs

  • What exactly is a 24-hour running event? How does it work?
    • Runners (solo or relay team) complete as many laps of the course as possible within 24 hours. Solo runners run continuously (with breaks as needed); relay teams take turns running laps with one runner from each team running a loop and tagging in/out at the designated exchange zone.

  • Where does the race take place, and what is the course like?

    • The event is held at Falling Creek Park. The course is a 4-mile loop through single track, double track, and a short section of pavement.

  • What time does the event start and end?

    • The race begins at 8am on Oct. 17, 2026 and concludes exactly 24 hours later at 8am on October 18, 2026..

  • Is the course open 24 hours straight, or are there breaks?

    • The course is open continuously for the full 24 hours. There are no mandatory breaks or pauses.

  • What happens if there’s bad weather?

    • The event is rain-or-shine! In the case of severe weather (lightning, dangerous conditions), we may briefly pause the course. Any time lost due to a mandatory weather hold will be communicated and handled as fairly as possible.

  • Are there bathrooms? Showers?

    • Portable toilets will be available at the start/finish. Showers are still tbd. 

  • Will there be aid stations?

    • Yes! There will be a stocked aid station at the start/finish area and an additional aid station at approximately halfway on the course. Expect water, electrolytes, and a variety of traditional aid station food.

  • What if I start with a big team but people drop out and we become a smaller team?

    • No problem! It happens! Just notify the timing team at the exchange tent. You'll be recategorized into the appropriate division based on your actual team size, and your laps will count accordingly.

  • Can I switch from solo to relay (or vice versa) after registering?

    • Yes, division changes are allowed up until 10/15. Contact us to make the switch. Note that pricing differences may apply. Refunds will not be offered, but if a runner is switching to a more expensive division, they must pay the difference.

  • Is this a backyard-style event?

    • No! This is a traditional 24-hour continuous format where you run as many laps as possible in 24 hours. There are no elimination rounds or fixed loop start times like a backyard ultra.

  • How is the winner determined?

    • The runner or team with the most completed laps wins. In the case of a tie, the runner who completed their final lap in the shorter time wins.

  • What happens if I'm mid-lap when the 24 hours ends?

    • Only completed laps count toward your race mileage, but even if you don’t quite make it to the finish before the end of the race, the total finished mileage always counts on Strava for kudos!

  • Are there cutoff rules or minimum pace requirements?

    • There are no pace cutoffs. As long as you're moving before the 24-hour mark, you're good. You must begin each new lap before 24 hours expires.

  • For relay teams, when and where can exchanges happen?

    • All exchanges must take place at the designated exchange zone near the start/finish area. 

  • Can I have a pacer or crew running alongside me?

    • Crew members may support you at the aid station and start/finish area. Pacers are allowed after 8pm for solo runners only. Crew may not accompany runners on the course outside of designated areas.

  • Is there a drop bag or gear area for runners who are NOT camping?

    • Yes. There will be a designated gear/drop bag area near the start/finish for runners who aren't camping. Space is limited, so please keep your setup reasonable.

  • What lighting or equipment is required for nighttime running?

    • A front-facing light (headlamp, waist lamp or handheld) is required after dusk. A rear-facing red blinky light is strongly recommended. Reflective gear is encouraged.

  • Can I bring my own food and have crew hand it to me on course?

    • Crew may hand you food and supplies at the start/finish and crew access areas. Crew are not permitted on the course. You're welcome to carry your own nutrition at all times.

  • Does each relay team member need to register separately?

    • Each person registers individually and signs up for their specific relay team. 

  • Is there a required minimum or maximum distance per leg?

    • No, your team can structure legs however you'd like. One person can run one lap or ten; it's entirely up to your team strategy.

  • Can one person run multiple legs in a row?

    • Absolutely. There's no rule against a team member running back-to-back legs. Just make sure an official exchange is logged at the timing tent between each leg.

  • Can team members sleep or leave the venue between legs?

    • Yes! Team members not currently running are free to sleep, eat, and relax. If you leave the venue, just make sure you're back in time for your next leg.

  • Can solo runners take breaks or sleep during the 24 hours?

    • Yes! You can rest, eat, sleep, or take breaks whenever you need. The clock doesn't stop, but there's no penalty for resting.

  • Will I lose my lap count if I take a break during the race?

    • No! Your completed laps are saved in the timing system. Breaks will not affect your official lap count.

  • Is there a separate start corral or wave for solo runners?

    • No, all runners start together.

  • Is on-site camping allowed?

    • Yes! Tent camping is available for runners and their crews, families, friends, teammates, etc.

  • Are there cabins available?

    • No cabins are available, but there are several hotels/lodging options in nearby Bedford. 

  • Are there awards for both solo and relay divisions?
    • Yes! Awards will be given for top finishers across solo and relay divisions. 
  • Where will results be published?
    • Final results will be posted at RunSignup of the event.
  • What type of food will I need to bring?
    • We will have food trucks available during the day and the race will provide "aid station food" and drinks. Bring everything else you'll need to have a great race!
  • Can non-participants camp?
    • YES! We want this to be a family-friendly atmosphere for young kids and friends alike.
  • What is the camping fee?
    • The fee is covered under the registration cost.
  • What if I have more questions after I read the FAQ? 
    • Contact us via the contact form.

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