Join us for the 31st annual Great Train Race
The Great Train Race will return to downtown Fredericksburg, VA on May 4th 2025! This 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.
Race Swag!
Race Shirt
All registered participants will receive a race shirt*. Stay tuned for the 2025 shirt design.
*Sizes are not guaranteed after April 1st.
Finisher Medal
All race finishers will receive a medal.
Participants Guide
All the information you need for race day can be found in our Participant Guide!
Be sure to download it and read up on everything from parking, course maps, start times, and the award ceremony times.
In order to hold a safe and fun event for our young runners it over a 100 volunteers. People willing to come out and donated their time for nothing more than a t-shirt and our gratitude.
Please consider helping. You can register to volunteer here: Volunteer Registration
If you have other talents that you’d like to share outside of the listed jobs please contact us: gtr@runfarc.com
Be sure to thank each and every volunteer you see on race day! The Great Train Race could not happen without them.
The Great Train Race benefits Loisann’s Hope House and their efforts to help homeless children and their families.
Since opening their doors in 1987 Loisann’s Hope House has striven to improve the quality of life for families by helping them move from homelessness to permanent housing.
Listen to the Race Director on Town Talk
The Race Director for the Great Train Race, Brian Pessolano sat down to talk with Ted Schubel on Town Talk.
our Sponsors
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors!
If you would like to become a sponsor please send an email to gtr@runfarc.com and we will send you a sponsor packet to review.
The sponsor packet can also be accessed here: 2025 Great Train Race Sponsor Packet
gtr@runfarc.com