Grand Canyon of the South Ultras
Presented by Southwest Virginia Running.
Welcome to the inaugural Grand Canyon of the South Ultras, a trail running experience unlike anything else in Virginia.
Registration cutoff is September 9, 2026
Race Distances:
Morning 10k
Start Time: 9:00 AM
The Morning 10K offers the perfect introduction to trail running at Breaks Interstate Park. Runners will enjoy scenic overlooks, rolling mountain terrain, and beautiful forested trails while experiencing some of the park's most iconic scenery.
Perfect for:
First-time trail runners
Road runners looking for a new challenge
Hikers wanting a timed event
Families participating together
Expect:
Stunning canyon views
Moderate climbs and descents
Technical but approachable trail sections
A memorable mountain running experience
Sunset 10K
Start Time: 5:30 PM
There may be no better place in Virginia to watch the sun set than Breaks Canyon.
The Sunset 10K allows runners to experience the canyon as the evening light paints the cliffs and mountains in shades of gold, orange, and crimson. The course is designed so that most participants finish just before darkness settles across the gorge.
Expect:
Cooler evening temperatures
Incredible photography opportunities
Unforgettable canyon views
A finish line celebration under the fading Appalachian sky
Double 10K (20K)
Why choose one when you can experience both?
The Double 10K allows runners to participate in both the Morning 10K and Sunset 10K, giving you the opportunity to experience Breaks Interstate Park from two completely different perspectives in a single day.
Start your morning exploring the trails, overlooks, and rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon of the South in the crisp mountain air. Then return in the evening to watch the canyon transform as the sun begins to set, casting golden light across the cliffs and ridgelines.
Together, the two races create a unique 20K challenge that showcases the park's beauty from sunrise to sunset.
Participants in the Double 10K will:
Complete both the Morning 10K and Sunset 10K
Receive official results for both races
Be recognized as Double 10K finishers
Experience the canyon during two of the most beautiful times of day
Enjoy a full day of adventure at Breaks Interstate Park
Whether you're a trail runner looking for extra miles, a visitor wanting to maximize your time in the park, or someone who simply doesn't want to choose between the two races, the Double 10K offers the best of both worlds.
Run the canyon by day. Experience it again at sunset.
Grand Canyon of the South 50K
Start Time: 8:00 AM
The signature event of the weekend.
The 50K is designed to showcase the incredible trail system located on the Virginia side of Breaks Interstate Park. Runners will traverse a diverse network of trails featuring canyon overlooks, ridgeline running, rocky sections, flowing singletrack, forested hollows, and challenging mountain climbs.
This course serves as a true tour of Virginia's most spectacular trail destination.
Expect:
Significant elevation gain and loss
Technical mountain terrain
Multiple scenic overlooks
Fully stocked aid stations
Rugged Appalachian beauty around every corner
This is a mountain adventure worthy of the name Grand Canyon of the South.
All distances have the cutoff time of 8 PM.