Run the Great Train Race!
The Great Train Race has been a tradition in Fredericksburg Virginia for over 30 years! The event is one of the largest timed kid’s races on the east coast. Young runners get the rare opportunity to compete in a race just for them.
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 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.
All runners receive a finishers medal and race shirt (shirts are only guaranteed when registered before April 1st).
Events
George Dashington 1/2 Mile - (10 & under)
Caboose Run 1/4 Mile - (5 & under)
Race Schedule (Subject to change)
1 MILE EXPRESS
7:30am - Heat 1 - Boys 14 & Up
7:40am - Heat 2 - Girls 14 & Up
7:50am - Heat 3 - Boys 12-13
8:00am - Heat 4 - Girls 12-13
8:10am - Heat 5 - Boys 10-11
8:20am - Heat 6 - Girls 10-11
8:30am - Heat 7 - Boys 9
8:40am - Heat 8 - Boys 8
8:50am - Heat 9 - Girls 8-9
9:00am - Heat 10 - Boys 6-7
9:10am - Heat 11 - Girls 6-7
9:20am - Heat 12 - Fun Heat*
GEORGE DASHINGTON 1/2 MILE
9:40am - Heat 13 - Boys 8-10
9:50am - Heat 14 - Girls 8-10
10:00am - Heat 15 - Boys 6-7
10:10am - Heat 16 - Girls 6-7
10:20am - Heat 17 - All 5 & Under
10:30am - Heat 18 - Fun Heat*
CABOOSE RUN 1/4 MILE
10:45am - Heat 19- Boys 4-5
10:50am - Heat 20 - Girls 4-5
10:55am - Heat 21 - Boys 3 & Under
11:00am - Heat 22 - Girls 3 & Under
*Fun Heats are intended for runners who may need a bit more time or have special needs. Contact us for more information at gtr@runfarc.com if your child would like to be included in a Fun Heat. Participants in the Fun Heats are not eligible for awards.
Packet Pickup Information
Location: Lucky Road - 1865 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Store Staff Supported:
- April 28th to May 1st from 11am to 6pm
Main Packet Pickup:
- Friday, May 1st from 5 to 9pm
- Saturday, May 2nd from 10am to 4pm
There is no race day packet pickup!
Coming in from out of town? Contact us at gtr@runfarc.com to discuss options.
Charity Partner
The Great Train Race supports Loisann's Hope House
Where Hope Begins and Families Rebuild
At Loisann’s Hope House, everything we do is centered around one goal: ensuring that no child has to grow up without a safe place to call home. As the Fredericksburg region’s oldest and largest family homeless shelter, we exist to walk alongside families during their most vulnerable moments, offering stability, compassion, and a path home.
Each day, we serve children and parents who are navigating the trauma of housing instability. Through our programs we work to prevent homelessness where possible, and end it where it has already begun.
For the families we serve, hope is more than a word — it’s a turning point. With every meal, every bed, every case management plan, we’re not just meeting urgent needs, we’re restoring dignity, rebuilding stability, and helping families reclaim their futures.
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Location
405 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 US
View Location on Map
Our Sponsors:
Title Sponsors Sponsors
Event Sponsors Sponsors
1st Class Sponsors Sponsors
Heat Sponsors Sponsors
Associate Sponsors Sponsors
