On 25 April 2026, Promise Land 50K++ returns as one of the classic East Coast spring ultras, run on a big loop through the Blue Ridge above Bedford and Big Island. The course is a “Horton 50K”, widely accepted to be closer to 34 miles with about 7,400 ft of elevation gain, starting around 1,200 ft, climbing above 4,000 ft, dropping back near valley level and then climbing again toward 3,800 ft before the final descent. Runners tackle a mix of grassy forest roads, rocky and rooty singletrack, jeep tracks and multiple creek crossings, with the brutally steep climb beside Apple Orchard Falls late in the race as its signature feature. A generous 10-hour cutoff, five stocked aid stations, free camping at the youth camp and a social pre-race evening with bonfire and food give it a strong old-school community vibe. As part of the Lynchburg Ultra and Beast Series, it’s known both for its difficulty and for being one of the most beloved mountain ultras in the region.
Race
The Promise Land 50K++ 2026 takes place on Saturday 25 April 2026, starting and finishing at the Promise Land Youth Camp between Bedford and Big Island, Virginia, USA, and is organised by Extreme Ultrarunning / Dr. David Horton as a roughly 50 km Blue Ridge Mountains trail ultra with about 7,400 ft (≈2,250 m) of cumulative gain/loss on a mix of gravel roads, grassy doubletrack and steep, rocky singletrack in the second race of the Lynchburg Ultra Series.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Promise Land 50K?
How long is the Promise Land 50K?
Where does the Promise Land 50K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Promise Land 50K?
How can I prepare for the Promise Land 50K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Promise Land 50K?
The Promise Land 50K++ 2026 takes place on Saturday 25 April 2026, starting and finishing at the Promise Land Youth Camp between Bedford and Big Island, Virginia, USA, and is organised by Extreme Ultrarunning / Dr. David Horton as a roughly 50 km Blue Ridge Mountains trail ultra with about 7,400 ft (≈2,250 m) of cumulative gain/loss on a mix of gravel roads, grassy doubletrack and steep, rocky singletrack in the second race of the Lynchburg Ultra Series.
The Promise Land 50K is 50km long.
The Promise Land 50K takes place in Lynchburg, VA, USA.
The Promise Land 50K elevation gain is 2250 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Promise Land 50K?
The Promise Land 50K++ 2026 takes place on Saturday 25 April 2026, starting and finishing at the Promise Land Youth Camp between Bedford and Big Island, Virginia, USA, and is organised by Extreme Ultrarunning / Dr. David Horton as a roughly 50 km Blue Ridge Mountains trail ultra with about 7,400 ft (≈2,250 m) of cumulative gain/loss on a mix of gravel roads, grassy doubletrack and steep, rocky singletrack in the second race of the Lynchburg Ultra Series.
How long is the Promise Land 50K?
The Promise Land 50K is 50km long.
Where does the Promise Land 50K take place?
The Promise Land 50K takes place in Lynchburg, VA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Promise Land 50K?
The Promise Land 50K elevation gain is 2250 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Promise Land 50K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Promise Land 50K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Promise Land 50K or Extreme Ultrarunning. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Promise Land 50K website.
