An official press release of theVirginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia’s New River Trail Challenge running again, Sept. 24, registration underway
Are you up for the challenge?
(RICHMOND) – After a four year hiatus,a unique athletic competition, 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. Click here
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 click here for rules and guidelines (pdf file).
Directions to Race Headquaters: 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.
For more information, contact DCR Public Relations Specialist Jim Meisner, Jr at 804-786-8442 or email[email protected]