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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 18, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series returns for 7th year

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New River Trail Challenge)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Tour de Pocahontas)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon)

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia State Parks’ one-of-a-kind multi-sport race series kicks off on Feb. 18, 2024. This year’s Adventure Series presented by Dominion Energy consists of 24 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races and more. The competitions will be held at 13 different parks across the state, from the coast to the mountains.

While many long-time Adventure Series favorites are returning this year, including the Tour de Pocahontas, Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon and New River Trail Challenge, participants have four new options to choose from: the DMV Adventure Race, Arbor Day 15k Run, Shenandoah River Aquablaze and Fall Foliage Adventure Race.

Adventure Series participants can win prizes by earning points in the competition category or the achievement category. These prizes include Virginia State Parks annual passes and gift cards, cash and REI gift cards.

"The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series presented by Dominion Energy is our way of spotlighting some of the exciting sporting events held in state parks and letting people know that parks aren’t just for camping and hiking,” said Promotions Manager Steve Boyd. “The series features events for all skill levels and ages, from 5ks and adventure races to triathlons and ultramarathons. Come for a race weekend and enjoy all our parks have to offer.”

To learn more about the categories and prizes or to register for one of the 24 races below, go to virginiastateparks.gov/adventure-series.

Adventure:

April 6: DMV Adventure Race at Leesylvania State Park
April 27: Spring Bloom Adventure Race at Leesylvania State Park
June 8: Seven Bends Adventure Race at Seven Bends State Park
Sept. 7: Shenandoah River Adventure Race at Shenandoah River State Park
Oct. 19: Fall Foliage Adventure Race at Mason Neck State Park

Bike:

Feb. 18: Monster Cross at Pocahontas State Park
March 16: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park
May 5: Middle Mountain Momma at Douthat State Park
May 11: Shenanduro at Shenandoah River State Park
June 9: High Bridge Trail Time Trial at High Bridge Trail State Park
June 15: Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
Aug. 4: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park

Running:

March 23: Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
April 13: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
April 28: Arbor Day 15k at York River State Park
June 2: Taskinas Creek Half Marathon at York River State Park
June 22: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
Sept. 7: Odyssey Trail Running Rampage at Douthat State Park
Sept. 21: Powhatan 10 Miler at Powhatan State Park
Oct. 5: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
Oct. 6: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park

Duathlon:

Sept. 8: Shenandoah River Aquablaze at Shenandoah River State Park

Triathlon:

May 4: Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Sept. 21: New River Trail Challenge at New River Trail State Park

For more information about Virginia State Parks or to find a race at a park near you, go to virginiastateparks.gov/find-a-park.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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