Report

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, 214 runners toed the line at the 31st Bull Run Run 50 miler. While temperatures were on the warmer side, cloud cover ruled most of the day, allowing runners to beat the worst of the heat until the afternoon. The bluebells lined the northern section of the course, offering a welcome to runners and the spring season.

Top efforts in tough conditions
Andrew Simpsn won the race with a blazing time of 7:06:35. He looked strong at every aid station and was on pace to set the course record for much of the race. Jim Blandford, the returning champ, followed behind in 7:52:53. Randolph Shingler took third in a time of 8:02:55.

On the women’s side, Justyna Wilson crossed the line in 8:13:41. Justyna is making quite the splash on VHTRC races, having won the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 in May 2024. Denise Gravelle placed second in 8:27:05, followed by Alexandra Austin with a time of 8:51:27.

A strong team showing
While the team competition was a bit smaller than past year, it was just as strong as it’s ever been. The Tortoise Club won the Fastest All-Male competition, although the team name isn’t fully accurate! The Mud Sluts won the Fastest All-Female competition, and team Between a Rock and a Hard Pace led the Fastest Co-Rec division. Congrats, all!

BRR on repeat
This year’s BRR saw the return on many regular runners, most notably Suzie Spangler finishing her 21st race and Gaynor Bourgeois finishing her 19th (we can’t wait to see her reach #20 in 2026). Christopher Mortenson finished his 15th Bull Run Run, with many 5- and 10-year finishers on his heels. We love to see it!

A community effort
The volunteer scene was top-notch in 2025, following decades of VHTRC tradition. With over 120 volunteers, our runners were supported from the moment they checked in to the moment they finished and indulged at Furbutt Café. Volunteer efforts begin on Friday, April 4 with course marking and early check-in. On race day, volunteers support the runners with parking, day-of check-in, aid station and finish line support, timing, and post-race noshes. On Sunday, long after the race is over, volunteers still gather to organize race gear in our storage unit, ensuring we’re ready for 2026.

BRR aid stations are known for their creativity, from Christmas-themed aid stations to unexpected treats throughout (can someone say smashburgers?). Runners are greeted with cold water and a comfy chair upon finishing, before refueling with delicious post-race chili and potatoes at the Furbutt Cafe. It truly takes a village to put on Bull Run Run year after year and our volunteers are especially caring and dedicated to making the race an excellent experience for all runners. Bull Run Run couldn’t exist without them! Thank you, volunteers!

We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the critical support of Horizons, the host facility at Hemlock Overlook.

They’re an essential partner in Bull Run Run planning and are more than generous with allowing us to use their facilities and responding to pre-race and day-of issues (you never know what will pop up!). We’re thankful to have full use of the property throughout the weekend, allowing us to welcome hundreds of runners and crew alike.

Finally, NOVA Parks plays an important role as well, providing us with well-kept trails and preserving the beauty and history of the area.

Fresh swag in 2025
Runner check-in swag included beautiful handmade magnetic bottle openers from Brie at Wicked Skins, a postcard of the new course map made by Nathan at Map Craft. Custom dry bags were given to all finishers, and the top awards were handmade by Wicked Skins.

Photos

• Shared photos from RD, runners, and volunteers
• Geoff Livingston’s photos from the Bluebell Loop (thank you, Geoff!)

Runner race reports

• Michelle Pelszynski’s report

Team scores

• Fastest All Male: Tortoise Club (223 points)
  • Christian Bernabe (42)
  • Scott Nussel (43)
  • Elliot Kumpe (69)
  • Stuart Armstrong (69)
• Fastest All Female: Mud Sluts (475 points)
  • Gaynor Bourgeois (111)
  • Jill Jacobs Diss (113)
  • Jamie Greenawalt (113)
  • Patricia Scott (138)
• Fastest Co-rec: Between a Rock and a Hard Place (265 points)
  • Heather Dougherty (11)
  • Justin Faul (25)
  • Chelsea Smith (99)
  • Dan Aghdam (130)