Race director strives to bring ultra running community alive

By Henry Howard

COVID tried to kill Melissa Londry’s favorite ultra but she wouldn’t let it.

After the New River Trail 50K in Southwest Virginia was canceled in 2020, Londry reached out to see when the event would continue. The previous race director had no plans to continue but agreed to let Londry take it over, which set her on a new path to becoming a race director.

Since then, she has expanded the offerings at the New River Trail race, created other events and brought the ultra running community together via Southwest Virginia Running.

Due to her contributions to the trail and ultra running community she is my featured race director for June. In January 2024, I kicked off this monthly feature to pay tribute to the trail and ultra race directors who make the sport great. To see previous RDs featured, they are all available here. If you have any nominations, feel free to email me here or fill out this form.

Meet Melissa Londry, Southwest Virginia Running race director

Question: Why did you get into race directing?

Answer: I got into race directing because of my personal connection to the New River Trail 50K, which was my first ultra in 2015 after the birth of my second child. When the race stopped due to COVID, I knew how much it meant to the running community and to me personally. I reached out to the previous race director to see if they were planning to continue the race, but they weren’t. I knew that this event, especially since I live just a mile from the trail, held a special place in the region, so I asked if I could take it over. When they agreed, I made it my mission to bring the race back in 2023. It’s always going to be close to my heart, as it represents both my own journey into ultra running and my desire to keep the race alive for others.

Question: How did you get your start as an RD?

Answer: I got started in race directing in 2023 when I took over the New River Trail 25K and 50K. In 2024, I expanded the event by adding a 10K option. That same year, I launched the Crystal Springs Ultras in August. In 2025, I continued to grow the race offerings by introducing a 100K distance to the New River Trail races.

Question: What's the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself since you became an RD?

Answer: I struggle with trusting others to take on my passion projects while staying true to my vision. However, I recognize that I need to trust that those involved will share the same goals and help guide the project in the right direction.

Question: What's your best piece of advice for someone who wants to become an RD?

Answer: Know your "why" and your values so you can use this as your guide in every decision. It can be easy to get caught up in all the distractions, comparisons and competition. I think if you stay true to who you are and why you do what you do, you will find the right people for you and the right runners for your race.

Question: What's your favorite race to direct?

Answer: New River Trail Races. It truly has my heart but my heart definitely extends across Southwest Virginia.

Question: What's your favorite race to run?

Answer: There are SO many good races! Where do I begin? What category? For a stage race, definitely Moab Run the Rocks by TransRockies Running. For a 100 in Virginia, Massanutten 100. A 50-miler in Virginia, Mountain Masochist. A 16- or 30-miler, Iron Mountain Trail Run. There are so many different races, terrains and distances so it's hard to say there is just one favorite. Plus so many, I haven't ran yet!

Question: Tell me about a funny experience as an RD and what you learned from it.

Answer: One funny experience I had as a race director was when I ordered finishers' medals for the first Crystal Springs Ultras. I thought I was ordering standard-sized medals, but a few days before the race, I realized I had accidentally ordered mini medals. They were incredibly cute, but so small! It turned out to be a happy little accident, though because people actually seemed to love them. This year, however, we’ll be sticking to the normal size medals!

Question: If a runner can only do one of your races ever, it would be ...

Answer: Crystal Springs is great for anyone wanting to try a technical trail with elevation for the first time. With nine hours to complete the race, it's the perfect chance to take on a new challenge without feeling rushed! This keeps it casual and approachable.

Question: What exciting project do you have in the works?

Answer: I am incredibly excited about the Damascus Festival of Miles, which I’m partnering on with Buddy Albro, a longtime runner, race director, and more recently, a member of the Damascus Town Council. This event is especially meaningful because Damascus has faced some tough times in recent years, from the hurricane to other challenges. But we’re bringing the community together through this race to celebrate Southwest Virginia resilience, the beauty of the area, and, of course, the love of running. It’s going to be a fantastic event with a 3-, 6- and 12-hour timed loop, live music, food trucks, and the opportunity to camp overnight. We’re truly making this a festival, not just a race, and I can’t wait to see the community come alive through this event! We hope to have a successful first year and expand to a 24-hour option next year.

Question: Where can runners find out more about your races?

Answer: https://www.swvarunning.com/