Sept. 15, 2012 - Foster Falls, Va.

We're glad to announce that the 2012 Virginia New River Trail Challenge will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15. After a hiatus, the 2011 race was a resounding success, and this year's challenge promises to be bigger and better than ever. You'll find the entry form and race rules below.

Those interested in volunteering for the even should contact the New River Trail State Park office at 276-699-6778.

GalaxOutdoors.com team members Pat Sharpe, Fred Mitchell and Jacob Haynes (l to r)
gather at the finish line a few minutes after completing the race. The team was first
to complete the unique triathlon.

Dominion representative Jim Beamer (l) and AEP representative Ron Jefferson (r)
present Del. Bill Carrico a donation for the SWVA Food Bank.

The Race

There are three stages. It starts at Foster Falls with a 40-mile mountain-bike ride followed by a 12-mile kayak stage and ends with a half marathon (13.1 miles). Racers must check in at race headquarters between 6 and 7:30 a.m. and be at the starting line by 7:45 a.m. for a mandatory pre-race meeting.

Click here to download the New River Trail Challenge Rules and Guidelines (PDF). Stage time starts, transitions, requirements, courses, water and aid stations, and recommendations are described in the document. Read it carefully before arriving at the race.

Individual competitors must bring their own support crew. Team competitors in the running stage are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Allisonia transition. A gear-only shuttle will be available to return kayaks from Allisonia to the Foster Falls access area.

For individuals, it's $50 through Aug. 17 and $70 from Aug. 18 through Sept. 7. For teams, it's $100 through Aug. 17 and $140 from Aug. 18 through Sept. 7. T-shirts are included. Click here (PDF) for the entry form. The race is limited to the first 300 to sign up. To encourage college-age participation, a special discount of $25 for individuals and $45 for teams (at least half the team members must be in school) is being offered. Click here (PDF) for the form that must be completed to get this special rate.

Individuals - Competitors must be at least 18 on race day to compete in the race. Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers. Awards are also given to the top three finishers in four age groups: 18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 and up. Read the rules and regulations (PDF) for more detail.

Teams - Competitors may also race in two or three-person teams. The teams may be female, male, mixed, senior male or senior female. Mixed teams may be any combination of genders, and senior team members must be at least 50 years old on race day. Read the rules and regulations (PDF) for more detail.

The 2012 race features three new team award categories: The Collegiate Challenge, with awards presented to the top three college or university teams; the Sponsor Challenge, with awards presented to the top three sponsor teams; and the Local Heroes Challenge, with awards to the top three teams made up of police, sheriff offices, and fire and rescue squads.

Restrooms, etc. - Restrooms, changing stations and portable toilets will be Foster Falls, Buck Dam, Fries Junction, Ivanhoe, Indian Branch, the bike-kayak transition, Allisonia and Lone Ash.

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

Click here for an entry form (PDF). Click here for the rules and regulations (PDF).

2011 Results

With a time of 5:43:46, the GalaxOutdoors.com team was first to cross the finish line. Click here (PDF) to download results, including split times.