Beginning under the railways of Fredericksburg Station is an annual tradition that will delight children of all ages. The Great Train Race will return to Fredericksburg on May 4th for its 31st year!
The Fredericksburg Area Running Club, the non-profit organization that hosts the Great Train Race, hosts a number of competitive races each year, all of which donate proceeds to local charities. The Running Club will be donating their earnings from the Great Train Race to Loisann’s Hope House, an organization that supports families struggling with homelessness.
The race consists of 3 events for kids under 18:
- The 1-mile Express for ages 6 to 17
- The 1/2-mile George Dashington for ages 10 and under
- The 1/4-mile Caboose Run for ages 5 and under
The Express and George Dashington will be chip timed races. The Caboose Run is a fun run and will not be timed. See the course maps here.
The race starts near the Fredericksburg Train Station and runs through historic downtown. Runners cross the Crown Trophy Finish Line at the City Docks. Runners and families are invited to the Race Festival located in the commuter lot behind the Train Station for awards, music, vendors, and treats.
The Running Club is also looking for sponsors for the Great Train Race. Donations can range from $250-2,000, as well as potential presenting sponsors for promotion (B 101.5 is a presenting sponsor). The support from the community, financially and otherwise, has provided young runners in Fredericksburg with a great way to be active and have a race to look forward to each year.
Follow the Great Train Race on Facebook.
Updated April 16th, 2025.