Ready, Set, Register
Walk or Run 250 Miles to Celebrate America’s 250th!
Lace up your sneakers and get moving in the free Run America 250 Challenge: a country-wide virtual walk/run event celebrating 250 years of American history!
Between July 4, 2025 and July 5, 2026 we’re challenging you to walk or run 250 miles – anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hitting the trails, the treadmill, or your neighborhood sidewalk, every mile brings us closer to honoring America’s incredible journey since 1776.
COUNTING DOWN TO THE 250TH
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Lace Up and Let’s Go
How you hit 250 miles is totally up to you! From grocery runs to evening dog walks, teeing off on the golf course to exploring scenic trails, every step counts.
Registration for the Run America 250 Challenge is now open, and it’s completely free to join! Sign up by April 30, 2026, to start working toward your 250-mile goal and a commemorative medal.
To log your miles, make sure you’ve downloaded the RaceJoy app. Use the app’s GPS feature to log your miles in real-time. This will help make it easy for you to track your progress and help you reach your goal.
How do you use the app? It’s super simple!
1) Find Race: Click Featured Races to access the event you are doing.
2) Set up Tracking: Click PhoneTrak and follow the prompts carefully.
3) Carry Your Phone: Participants must carry their claimed device during their run/walk.
4) Click START MY RACE when you begin. This starts your personal start time.
Download the free RaceJoy app before the challenge starts.
Prefer the treadmill or forgot to use the app on your run? No worries! Head to the “Submit Virtual Results” page on the Run America 250 site and upload your steps there! You can upload your miles anytime between July 4, 2025, at 12 am and July 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Your race, your route
Need some suggestions for how to complete your 250 miles? We’ve got you covered! Check out what’s going on in Stafford County, VA!
Stafford County has plenty of beautiful parks and scenic trails for you to explore while you‘re racking up those steps.
Widewater State Park Aquia Landing Beach Belmont Ferry Farm Trail Crow’s Nest Natural Preserve Curtis Memorial Park Duff McDuff Memorial Park Smith Lake ParkStafford County is home to key moments in U.S. history. Visit the childhood home of George Washington and see the Aquia Sandstone that shaped Washington D.C.’s landscape.
George Washington’s Boyhood Home Government Island Gari Melcher’s Home and Studio National Museum of the Marine Corps Stafford Civil War Park Chatham ManorPatawomeck Museum & Cultural Center
There is always something to do here in Stafford! Stay up to date with all of our events, campaigns and programs by checking out our Things To Do Page.
Run in the Stafford Race Series Attend a VA250 event Complete the VA250 On Tap Beer TrailComplete the Kegs and Corks TrailVisit Long Family MarketExplore Seasonal Events
The Finish Line
After conquering your 250 miles, pick up your Run America 250 Medal at Widewater State Park. Medals are available April 1 through July 31, 2026. The Visitor Center is open for pickups Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For all the pickup details, check out the blog.
Once you’ve got your medal, don’t just take it home, wear it out. Show your medal at local spots to unlock a few well-earned perks:
- Laudenbach Brewing – complimentary VA250 growler + half off your first fill
- Barley Naked Barely Naked Co. – 30% off a pitcher (Wednesdays only)
- Full Distance Brewery – 15% off purchase
- 6 Bears and a Goat Brewing Co. – $2.50 off your 1st beer, seltzer, hard soda or cider
- Cinnaholic – $2.50 off any signature roll
- Monster Mini Golf – $2.50 off (July 4–August 31)
- George Washington’s Ferry Farm – $1 off admission
Rules and Regulations
1. Participants must complete all 250 miles between July 4, 2025, and July 5, 2026.
2. All mileage must be accurately recorded using the RaceJoy app or manually entered on the RunSignup website under the Results Tab.
3. Medals will be available for in-person pickup at Widewater State Park between April 1 and July 31, 2026.
4. Only registered participants are eligible to receive a medal upon completing the 250 miles.
