Piedmont 8 Hour

The Piedmont 8 Hour is an eight-hour trail loop race held in Powhatan State Park. All race options begin in the morning from the Equestrian Trailhead Parking area. Participants can compete solo or in a relay, repeating a 2.7-mile loop as many times as possible before the eight-hour limit. Only completed loops are counted, simplifying the format and allowing easy stops for aid, breaks, or continuous running without the complexity of a point-to-point course. The loop follows Coyote Run, Pine, Cabin, and Big Wood trails, with approximately half the distance on open fields and half through forest. The course is flat, non-technical, and runnable, featuring about 80 feet of elevation gain per lap and no significant hills. This makes it suitable for novice trail runners and those aiming for consistent mileage. The open field sections utilize wide equestrian trails that may become muddy following rain. A Parent Loop is available, enabling children to join their parents on the trails during the race, adding a family element that complements the relaxed loop structure.