New River Trail Challenge Triathlon

Presented by

Sept. 20, 2025
Part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series

Registration opens January 1, 2025.

*IMPORTANT! -DUE TO EXTENSIVE TRAIL DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE HELENE, THIS YEAR’S COURSE MAY BE ALTERED TO AVOID IMPASSABLE TRAIL SECTIONS. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP LEG LENGTHS AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO OUR PAST CHALLENGES, BUT THE DISTANCES AND COURSE MAY VARY TO SOME DEGREE.

Welcome to Virginia's longest and longest-running adventure triathlon. First held in 1999 as a small, local event, the Challenge now attracts competitors from all over the Mid-Atlantic. With many racers still competing from the early years and a cap of 275 participants, the Challenge still has that family feel of days past and maintains its reputation as one of Virginia's friendliest events. Located in beautiful Southwest Virginia's New River Trail State Park, the race attracts athletes of all fitness levels competing in various age groups and categories, from hardcore solo competitors to "bucket-listers" of all ages.

The Race | Registration | Useful Links

winners from the 2024 NRT Challenge

Look who's back! Congratulations to our 2023 and 2024 solo winners, Fran Hughes and Trent Koopman!

The Race

The race consists of three stages along and in the New River. The trail is flat with a crushed cinder surface, and the river flows smoothly with small rapids under normal conditions. The race begins with a 40-mile out and back bike leg, followed by a 12.1-mile downriver kayak paddle, and ends with a half marathon run along the river for a total of 65.2 miles. Although the race is long, it's perfect for both beginners and accomplished athletes due to its flattish nature.

Participants may compete solo or in teams of two or three.

We ask that you thoroughly read the rules and guidelines before the race. They cover stage meeting times, transitions, requirements, courses, water and aid stations, and recommendations to make your race as trouble-free as possible. If you have any questions, please post them on the Facebook page — the New River Trail family is a friendly group, and someone from Virginia State Parks or the community will be happy to provide answers. You can also contact Steve Boyd with questions.

Overall male and female winners will receive a $250 gift Virginia State Parks gift certificate, with a $300 gift certificate awarded to the fastest team. Certificates are good for annual passes, camping and cabins at Virginia State Parks.

The Friends of New River Trail will once again provide delicious "backyard barbeque style" meals with the proceeds used to fund special projects at the park. Creek Bottom Brewing Company will return with premium brews, with the first two beverages included in the registration fee. Food and drink will be available between noon and 6 p.m. Hot showers will be available for those camping on Friday and on race day.

Be sure to join the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon Facebook group. It contains useful tips, updates, and race info. The Facebook page is also a great place to ask questions, find teammates, post relevant gear for sale, and stay updated on the race's latest news.

Dave Burkwall

Dave Burkwall finished a close second, but brought home the gold in the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series! Great job Dave!

Registration Information

Discounted Fee Deadline: June 30 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Second Fee Deadline: Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Individual
$85 through June 30 
$100 July 1 through August 31
$110 Sept. 1 through race day* 

Team
$225 through June 30 
$250 July 1 through August 31 
$280 Sept. 1 through race day* 

No cancellations

*T-shirts will only be guaranteed for those registering before August 15.

Jim Williams with Steve Boyd

Long-time competitor and all-around great guy Jim Williams gets an unwanted assist across the finish line!

Directions

From I-77, take Exit 24, go east on Route 69 to Route 52 (Fort Chiswell Road), go north to Route 608 (Foster Falls Road), go east and follow the brown park signs into the Foster Falls Access.