Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 03, 2011
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Virginia's New River Trail Challenge running again on Sept. 24
Virginia’s New River Trail Challenge running again on Sept. 24
(RICHMOND) – After a four year hiatus, a unique athletic competition, Virginia’s New River Trail Challenge, returns to New River Trail State Park Saturday, Sept. 24. Entry forms are available online at www.virginiastateparks.gov. Volunteers for the race are still needed.
Competitors bike 40 miles, kayak 12 miles and run 13.1 miles along southwestern Virginia’s 57-mile-long New River Trail State Park. The race is presented by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Alpha Natural Resources, Appalachian Power and Dominion.
Athletes from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania and other states will compete individually and in teams of two or three.
The race course begins at the Foster Falls complex and includes the counties of Wythe, Carroll and Pulaski. Foster Falls will serve as the start-finish line and staging area, and will host a race festival expected to attract hundreds of visitors.
For individuals, registration is $50 through Aug. 17 and $70 from Aug. 18 through Aug. 31. For teams, it's $100 through Aug. 17 and $140 from Aug. 18 through Aug. 31. T-shirts are included. The race is limited to the first 300 to sign up.
Competitors must be at least 18 on race day to participate. 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.
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.
The 35 award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For more information about Virginia State Parks, or to download an entry form, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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