The Craig County Field of Dreams Recreation Complex near New Castle will be the headquarters for the first Craig County Ole Railroad 5K Fun Run, scheduled for May 18 at 10 a.m. The course begins at the Field of Dreams, then along Old Railroad Avenue and eventually continues for a distance along the Greenway, returning along the same course to the Field of Dreams. The event is open to all ages.
The Fun Run name is a result of the fact that the course follows the abandoned railroad that once connected New Castle to Eagle Rock. The rail bed is still there, but the railroad spur was abandoned in the late 1950s. From the mid-1800s until the 1930s and ’40s, the railroad spur was used to move iron ore and timber from Craig County.
Early signup with a reduced fee of $20 continues until April 15. Then the fee increases to $25 until the day of the event, when it increases to $30. The first 150 runners to register receive a free T-shirt. Online registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/NewCastle/olerailroad. More information on the event may be obtained by emailing craigcountyrun@gmail.com or by calling 540-765-7787.
This first-time event is being sponsored by the Craig County Recreation and Conservation Association – Field of Dreams and by the Craig County Volunteer Rescue Squad. Any individuals, organizations or businesses wishing to support their endeavors are urged to contact Debbie Snead at dsnead@vt.edu or 540-864-5047.
