The Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra, set for March 7, 2026, in scenic Waid Park, Rocky Mount, VA, offers an exhilarating endurance challenge for both seasoned ultrarunners and those looking to test their limits for the first time. This unique 24-hour event invites participants to run as many miles as they can or desire on a USATF-certified 1.178-mile loop course, which is primarily a crushed-cinder path. The course, described as mostly flat with some gradual elevation changes (around 50 feet per lap), winds beautifully through Waid Park, alongside the Pigg River, and past athletic fields, providing a visually engaging experience. Typical race day conditions in early March often see highs around 56°F and lows near 32°F, with a 14% chance of precipitation, creating a variable but often ideal environment for long-distance efforts.
Runners praise the Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra for its supportive and encouraging atmosphere, making it more than just a race—it's an experience that embodies perseverance and community. The well-organized event features a main aid station conveniently located at the start/finish area, stocked with Tailwind, water, and an assortment of snacks, with pizza and other hot food provided later on Saturday. Participants can also set up personal aid stations right alongside the course, and the availability of heated bathrooms near the start/finish adds to the comfort. Whether you're aiming for your first ultra, pushing for a personal best, or eyeing the coveted 100-mile buckle, this race offers the perfect looped format for consistent fueling and strategy.
Revived in 2025 by Blue Ridge Racing, the Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra continues its legacy as a rewarding ultramarathon that has attracted runners from across the country since its founding in 2011. Its flexible nature, allowing solo runners to go as long as they wish or teams of 2-4 to tackle the challenge in a relay, truly sets it apart. Overnight camping is available, fostering camaraderie and a deep immersion into the ultrarunning experience at Waid Park.
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