The highball was used in early railroads to signal the track was clear.  When the ball was hoisted, trains were cleared to proceed at full speed! We’re raising the ball on this unique 50 Mile, 50K, and 50 Mile Relay event, encouraging athletes to proceed on this epic destination, trail race, ultra marathon adventure. Participants run through New River Gorge National Park and finish in Thurmond, West Virginia. 

More information here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/Thurmond/Highball2Thurmond