Back by popular demand, Virginia’s New River Trail Challenge will be held September 24, 2011 at the Foster Falls Access of New River Trail State Park. This unique triathlon experience consists of a 40 mile bike stage, 12 mile kayak stage and 13.1 mile run.
Along with this year’s race, the park will be hosting activities for the entire family. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. displays and demonstrations from several agencies will be available for the public to view including:
Carilion Clinic: Information Booth
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries: Hunter Education
Virginia State Police: Educational Displays
Wythe County Sheriff’s Office: Child Seat and Driver Safety
Virginia Department of Forestry: Forestry Education
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Invasive Species Control
Lead Mines Rescue: Extrication unit
An inflatable jump around castle will be available for the kids to enjoy
…. AND MORE
An afternoon full of great Bluegrass music will begin at 2:30 p.m. starting off with Rusty Wire from Galax, VA. Next to play will be The Kelley Nelson Band, from Southwest Virginia. Bring the family out for some great music and cheer on the Challenge participants as they cross the finish line next to the Amphitheater.
A parking fee of $3.00 per vehicle will be charged when entering the park. For further information please contact the park office at (276) 699-6778.
LOCATION: This is a 57-mile long state park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. There are several entrances into this park. The park meanders through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties in southwestern Virginia and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. This park is part of the Rails to Trails Program as it was donated to the state by Norfolk Southern Railroad when the railroad discontinued the line and removed the tracks. This park also serves as a link to numerous other outdoor recreational areas, including a town park in Fries, Mt. Rogers National Recreational Area, the Dannelly Fitness Complex in Galax, four Department of Game and Inland Fisheries boat launches and Shot Tower Historical State Park. New River Trail is minutes from Claytor Lake State Park. This unique park features 57 miles of continuous trail.
Click here for a Google map to the Foster Falls section of the park. Latitude, 36.884589. Longitude, -80.852549.