New River Gorge Trifecta

An Epic Adventure Through America's Newest National Park!

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of New River Gorge National Park with this extraordinary trail race! Starting in the charming town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the course winds through the heart of the National Park, taking you deep into the forest and along trails that showcase stunning views of the river gorge, hundreds of feet below. With significant elevation gain, these challenging yet rewarding routes promise an unforgettable experience for runners seeking adventure and spectacular scenery. After crossing the finish line, extend your journey by exploring the diverse activities and iconic sights the New River Gorge National Park has to offer—making it a perfect destination for both athletes and outdoor enthusiasts!

Start Times

• 5K Start - 7:00 PM on Friday

• Half Marathon Start - 7:00 AM on Saturday

• 50K Start 7:00 AM on Saturday

Packet Pickup

• TBA

Drop Bags

All drop bags must be labeled with name and phone number. There will be a spot at packet pickup where you can leave your drop bags before the race. All drop bags will be brought back to the finish. Drop bags are available at the following aid stations:

• Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3

• Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2

Elevation

• 5K ~ (400 ft. of elevation gain)

• Half Marathon ~ 1400 ft. of elevation gain)

• 50K ~ (3,200 ft. of elevation gain)

Aid Stations

• Half Marathon

• Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Mile 3.5 (crew access)

• Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Mile 6 (no crew access)

• Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Mie 9.5 (crew access)

• 50K

• Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3 (crew access)

• Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Miles 6 & 15.7, 23.6 (no crew access)

• Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2 (crew access)

Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026

Location: 125 North Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840

Welcome to the 2026 Captain Thurmond’s Challenge! Discover the ultimate adventure triathlon in the East, where challenge meets excitement. Tackle 16.5 miles of scenic mountain biking, 7 miles of exhilarating Class IV whitewater, and 9 miles of inspiring trail running through the heart of the New River Gorge. Whether you race Solo, share the journey in a Relay, or join a Team with rafts and guides ready to support you, you’ll experience an unforgettable mix of fun, challenge, and adventure. Fayetteville, West Virginia’s original signature adventure triathlon is waiting, are you ready to answer the call?

🏁 Race Day Information

Pre-Race Meeting & Packet Pickup

📍 Freefolk Brewery

25385 Midland Trail, Hico, WV 25854

Race Day Schedule

Friday Night

Pre-Race Meeting & Packet Pickup: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Freefolk Brewery

25385 Midland Trail, Hico, WV 25854

Saturday Morning

Packet Pickup: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

📍 Freefolk Brewery

25385 Midland Trail, Hico, WV 25854

Race Start: 10:00 AM

Race End: 5:00 PM

Gear Transportation Provided: We provide transport for

• Mountain bikes (from T1 to town)

• Kayaks / canoes (to T1 and from T2 to town)

• Rafts

• Personal gear bins

Transportation will be done using large moving trucks or similar vehicles.

Important: While volunteers and staff will take great care when loading/unloading, CTC is not liable for damage to high-value bikes or boats. If participants have gear they are especially concerned about, they are strongly encouraged to arrange their own transport. More details about how to tag and stage gear will arrive in a future email.

Shuttle Reservations: Shuttle reservations (for bikes, rafts, and gear transport) will open soon. You’ll receive a detailed email one month out, but please note: All shuttle reservations must be submitted by the end of that weekend, so our team has a full three weeks to plan final logistics.

Spectator-Friendly Points: Your crew, friends, and family can cheer you on at

• Start/Finish line in downtown Fayetteville

• Kaymoor Miners Trail parking area

• Cunard River Access

• Fayette Station River Access

Full spectator guidance will also be included in upcoming emails.

Embrace the adventure and run wild at the New River Gorge Wilds Trail Run this fall at ACE Adventure Resort! Set against the stunning backdrop of the New River Gorge, runners can choose from three exciting distances: a full marathon, half marathon, or a 5K. Whether you're an experienced trail runner or a first-timer looking to enjoy the scenic beauty, there's a challenge for everyone.

With awesome prizes and awards the competition is fierce! But it’s not just about the race—participants will also enjoy awesome runner perks:

🏕️ Free camping on Friday and Saturday nights

🏅 Finisher medals for all distances

👕 Race shirt to commemorate your run

🌯 Burrito buffet to refuel after crossing the finish line

Come for the run, stay for the adventure, and soak in the thrill of fall at ACE Adventure Resort. This is your chance to experience the wild beauty of the Gorge in one unforgettable race. Ready to Run Wild?

Sign up now and claim your spot!