Virginia Adventures: The Races, Trails & Community Behind Central Virginia's Ultra Scene

What makes a great race? Is it the course, the challenge, the aid stations—or the people who create an experience that keeps runners coming back?

In this episode of Running Miles with CHD, Josh talks with Dan Pulskamp, owner and race director of Virginia Adventures, about the races, the trails, the challenges of race directing, and the community behind the events.

Virginia Adventures was created in 2014 with the goal of bringing high-quality trail races to Central Virginia while creating a family-oriented experience through partnerships with Virginia State Parks, local trails, businesses and the community. Dan serves as race director, course designer, timer and organizer, while his family also plays a major role behind the scenes.

We talk about the Virginia Adventures race lineup, including:

🏃 Willis River Fat Ass — a challenging winter trail adventure with creek crossings and tough conditions.

🌲 James River Trail Runs — one of the most scenic races in the series, with 10-mile, 50K and 50-mile options.

🚂 Night Train Ultra Marathon — the signature event, featuring nighttime running across the historic High Bridge Trail.

🚂 Freight Train Ultra Marathon — a 100K, 50K and half-marathon experience on the historic rail trail.

🔥 High Bridge Challenge — a unique challenge combining Night Train and Freight Train in the same calendar year.

🌳 Dogwood Ultra Marathon — a timed loop event with longer-duration options for runners looking to push their endurance.

🎃 Pawpaw 5 & 10 Miler and Piedmont 8-Hour Run — approachable events that welcome newer trail runners and families.

The conversation also explores Virginia Adventures' philosophy of inclusion, volunteer-powered races, adaptive athletes, veterans, families, local businesses, race logistics, weather challenges, aid stations and what it takes to put on an ultramarathon.

If you're looking for your first trail race, your first ultra, a 100K challenge, or simply a beautiful place to run, Virginia Adventures has something worth exploring.

🌐 Website: Virginia Adventures

📘 Facebook: Virginia Adventures on Facebook

📸 Instagram: Follow Virginia Adventures through the Instagram link on their official website: Virginia Adventures

🎥 YouTube: The official Virginia Adventures website also links to its YouTube channel.

🏞️ Virginia State Parks — Many Virginia Adventures races take place in or around Virginia's beautiful state parks.

📋 Race Calendar & Registration: Virginia Adventures Race Calendar

📍 Contact Virginia Adventures: Richmond, Virginia | (757) 784-8730

Thanks for listening, and as always:

Keep running. Keep exploring. Keep pushing your limits.

Find Virginia AdventuresAdditional Resources