Course Overview
Almost all of the 14-mile course follows the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT) through rural King George, Virginia. The only exception is the first 1.4 miles. Once leaving the Sheetz near KG High School, we'll cross Route 3 (Kings Highway) and follow the westbound lanes. We'll stay to the right, using turn lanes and the shoulder. Don't worry -- we'll have a police escort to keep any early morning traffic at bay. After a mile, we'll turn right onto Comorn Rd (Rt. 609) just before Pern's Market. After less than a quarter mile, bear right to stay on Comorn, then look for the DRHT intersection on the right after another quarter mile. We'll have signs posted at each of these intersections. The rest of the directions are easy: stay on the trail until it ends at the Dahlgren Sheetz. See below for more information on trail conditions and a short detour along the way. For a dynamic map that you can follow on your phone (assuming you have signal out in the boonies), visit the shared route on MapMyRun.com.
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Click here for course map.
The Details...
Starting Line
We'll assemble at Sheetz #573, but please don't take up their limited parking. Instead, simply park across the street at King George Middle School and use the signaled crosswalk to safely cross Route 3. Come on in out of the cold to check in and enjoy water and bananas (courtesy of Sheetz) until it's time for a group photo at 7:00 a.m. and the start at 7:10.
Trail Conditions
Slicing through farmland, secluded woods and quiet neighborhoods, the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail ends at the finish line Sheetz. It is a trail, so expect varying surfaces (dirt, rocks, sand, puddles) and obstacles (roots, holes and vegetation). Click here for a detailed, printable map. And click here for an interactive map.
MARCH 2019 UPDATE: Expect soggy conditions around mile 12.25.
Aid Stations
The course will feature two unmanned aid stations with water and sports drinks (map). We'll also have bike support roaming the course with water, gels, first aid supplies and a phone. Even with water drops and bike support, 14 miles on a fairly secluded trail can be intimidating. Runners are encouraged to bring gels, electrolytes, a phone and anything else they feel necessary.
Detour
Once on the trail, it's a straight shot all the way to the finish line...with one exception. Just after course mile 12, you'll follow a well-marked short detour around Little Ark Baptist Church's historic cemetery. Please respect the congregation's property and stay on the well-marked trail. Click here for more details on the detour.
Finish Line
After 14 miles, you'll emerge from the woods at Sheetz #259 in Dahlgren. Come inside the dining room for free food and drink provided by Sheetz, and be sure to collect your Shwag Bag for a job-well-done!
Transportation
We'll have limited capacity to shuttle runners back to the KGMS parking lot in a 10-passenger van. It will depart the Dahlgren Sheetz every half hour from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. During registration, you'll have an opportunity to reserve a seat. If the shuttles are full or you prefer to do your own thing, you'll need to arrange your own pickup or shuttle. If you leave a vehicle at the finish line Sheetz, please do not park in the spaces adjacent to the store - use the remote spots. If those are full, please park nearby at the Wal-Mart complex.