The Bull Run Run is a 50 mile run hosted by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Entering its 32nd year, it’s a staple race for trail runners near and far during the height of Virginia’s spring beauty.

The race is held on trails paralleling the Bull Run and Occoquan River that traverse mixed terrain. With less than 1% of the course on asphalt, runners will be challenged with constant ups and downs, a handful of stream crossings, with intermittent rocks and roots. The northern section of the course is lined with bluebells – a welcome sight early in the race.

While we have had both warm and cold weather, brutally hot, humid weather on race day is unlikely. Most years the weather is pleasant, but some years the race has been held on one of the first truly warm days of the year; in other years it has been chilly, with snow a remote possibility.

Logistics

Date: Saturday, April 5
Time: 6:30 a.m. ET (no early starts)
Location: Hemlock Overlook Regional Park (13220 Yates Ford Road, Clifton, VA)
Time limit: 13 hours (with cutoffs throughout – read more about cutoffs here)

Entry premiums and food

Pre-race breakfast
A light pre-race breakfast will be served in the lodge. It will include light fare, such as bananas, muffins, bagels, and coffee.

Post-race feast
Bull Run Run is known for it’s post-race feast. Runners can expect a full spread of food that satisfies even the pickiest of eaters (and addresses all diet types as well).

Showers
Showers are available for all runners. Bring a towel and freshen up before heading home!

Swag
All starters will receive premium entry swag and all finishers will receive another piece of premium swag.

Accommodations

Camping and onsite bunkhouses are available for all runners the night before the race. There are several nearby hotels. Review the Accommodations + Area Resources page for more information.

Awards

• Top male and female in the following categories: overall, masters, seniors, super-seniors, and VHTRC club member.
• Five-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year finishers awards.
• There will be no team competition in 2026.

Questions

Review all pages of this site; if you still have questions, please contact the RD, Lauren Gabler Masterson.