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, and celebrates its 30th year. On Sunday, May 5th, kids can run through downtown and enjoy the history and aesthetics that Fredericksburg has to offer.
Brian Pessolano is President of the Fredericksburg Area Running Club, the non-profit organization that hosts the Great Train Race. The Running Club 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. Pessolano is proud to benefit such an organization, and believes that a race for children is the perfect way to support a charity that will help underprivileged children in the area.
The Great Train Race began in 1995, initially as a one-mile and quarter-mile event. The Race is split into three separate courses: The Express (one mile), George Dashington (half-mile), and Caboose (quarter-mile). The George Dashington is meant for kids ages 6-12, and the Caboose is meant for kids 5 and under. “There is something really for everyone as far as distance or athletic ability,” Pessolano said. The Race starts at Caroline Street underneath the railroad bridge, continues onto William Street, hooks around at Chatham Bridge, continues onto Sophia Street, and finishes at City Dock. The first heat begins at 7:30am, and the last heat is at 11:30am. Pessolano recommends that families and participants arrive early for parking.
The Great Train Race, above all, is meant for participating kids to have fun as they stroll through Fredericksburg. According to Pessolano, “One of the best things about being a runner, when you do a race, is the atmosphere around that race.” Pessolano says that the support from the community, from sponsors to local residents cheering on the runners, has been, and continues to be, an incredible help.
In addition to the Race itself, there will also be a festival area in the Fredericksburg Station, with food vendors, a gaming truck, and Gus, the mascot of the Fredericksburg Nationals, available for pictures.
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. Pessolano noted that there are very few kid-oriented races like the Great Train Race, and he is looking forward to another successful race through downtown Fredericksburg.
Follow the Great Train Race on Facebook.