Who doesn't love a good 24 hour ultra endurance human foot race that challenges mind, body, and…read moresoul? Enter Crooked Road 24 Hr ultra.
Virginia has many options to choose from, but I decided to sign up for this one because it seemed like a good one. I found this race on runningintheusa website when looking for a race in early March to kickoff the 2026 racing season. I was nervous about the weather being so close to the winter / spring cut off, but as luck would have it, the forecast for this year was warm enough to where I didn't pack any layers and it worked out really well. Registration was done online at ultrasignup.com and requires a credit card for payments. Upon arrival on race morning, they had packet pick up on the morning of the event. My friend and I arrived around 7:05am and secured parking near the start / finish line at Waid Recreational Park here in Rocky Mount. It was nice to see real restroom facilities on site. After finding packet pick up the start line, I checked in, received my race kit and waited around for the start of the event. The loop was set and it was just over 1 mile inside the park's asphalt path including the loop next to the parking lot. We had 24 hours to do whatever desired distance we wanted to do. The weather was cool and crisp as it was in early March 2026. It warmed up to where I didn't need to put on layers, which is fine by me. The race started at 8am. The race had a large television next to the timing station at the start/finish line, so you can see how much miles and laps you've already done. It's helpful when after a certain point during the race, your brain doesn't want to function anymore.
The overall experience here at the 2026 Crooked Road 24 hour ultra in Rocky Mount, Virginia was very good and definitely a runner friendly ultra. It was definitely a running event where you can be a beginner or an advanced runner with multiple marathons under your belt. I met up with friends along the race course, who kept me going and inspired. It was nice that the race course included the park's main restroom facilities so participants and pop in and out of there when we needed to. There was one main aid station since it was just a 1 mile loop. They had the usual foods and drinks that helps runners and walkers to accomplish their own goals. Most of the race aid is unhealthy but that's how it is. A lot of carbohydrates, fats, and sodium, among other things to keep things going. Thank you to the race director and the volunteers who cheered us on throughout the day and into the night hours. It was nice to see other participants over and over again. Makes the miles more comfortable especially when you want to accomplish something significant during your time here in Virginia. 4 talented people completed 100 miles in 24 hours here, whereas I just did 50km just to be able to knock off Virginia in my quest to run a marathon or beyond in 50 states for the second time around. I was able and blessed to be able to do that in March 2026. I did the Richmond marathon in 2012. And so, if you are a newbie or dislike trying to pass tough time cut offs that are prevalent in so many road marathons, consider the Crooked Road 24 hour ultra if you're in the Southwest Virginia area or willing to travel to. The ambiance is great and you can go at your own pace and reach your own personal goal.
Crooked Road 24 hour ultra event is staged at the Waid Recreational Park in Rocky Mount, Virginia. The course is approximately a little over 1 mile and is generally timed electronically, so you know how much you've done over the course of 24 hours. Race day is probably in the month of March, but can change due to weather and other factors. Registration to participate is found online and you'd need a credit card. Double check online for the most current information on the year you want to come and enjoy yourselves. As far as parking goes, I mentioned that there is a lot of parking next to the start / finish area. Just get here early enough to secure parking and prepare before the race start. Your best bet would be to have a car or rent one. While there is public transportation in the form of the Ferrum express, you'd need to be able to get to Waid Recreational Park from your hotel or where you are staying in the morning of the event. And of course, finding your way back after the event has ended. Of course, there is always uber and lyft at your disposal, but it can get costly. For the most part though, running loops can be fun but the mind gets tired of it after a while. And so, if you want to dip your toes in ultra running and can travel to southwestern Virginia, consider Crooked Road 24 hour running event. If you're like me and running the 50 states marathons, this one is a good one for Virginia. Laid back vibe and the ultra community is amazing. The price for entry is good and competitive for a 24 hour event.
5.0 stars for the overall experience.
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