Roy Gap Fun Run

Lost River Classic: Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 9 AM

The Lost River Classic returns for its third year on August 15, 2026! Registration opens Christmas Day 2025 at an early bird rate of $65 before going up to $85 on January 2 and $100 on August 1.

The Lost River Classic presented by the Lost River Trails Coalition is a gravel race to support the development of multi-use and mountain biking trails in Lost River State Park, Hardy County, West Virginia. Proceeds from the event are split between LRTC's general funds for trail maintenance/small projects and the Cryptids, Hardy County's NICA youth mountain bike team. This event is inspired by Jay Moglia, the founder of Raw Talent Ranch and the first President of the Lost River Trails Coalition. Jay once ran a road race in Mathias by the same name, and we thought it was a fitting tribute to recast his race as a collection of some of the most challenging and beautiful roads we can string together in Hardy County.

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This is a very challenging event. We recommend gravel bikes with low, almost mountain bike gearing and 38mm+ tires for most riders.

The Lost River Classic is part of the West Virginia Gravel Series. Qualifying participants across many categories for long, medium, and short routes can win additional cash or prizes. See the WVGS website for rules. There is an optional $5 surcharge to participate in the West Virginia Gravel Series.

For updates and information, follow at https://www.facebook.com/LostRiverClassic and https://www.instagram.com/lostriverclassic/

Routes and Prizes

The Lost River Classic (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49458335) consists of an 85 mile, mostly gravel route primarily in Hardy County, WV (8,500 feet of elevation in 85 miles).

• Men's, Women's, and Nonbinary Open: $500/3

• All other categories: prizes

The Medium Route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55899106) joins the 85 mile bike race for the first half of the ride and returns on Thorn Bottom and Mill Gap Roads to Lost River rather than heading as far north as Kirby. This route is less challenging and technical than the original WVGS Medium route, but will be about 60 miles long with 6,000 feet of climbing.

• All categories: prizes

The Cove Mountain Loop (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43630063) is a 28 mile circuit departing with the rest of the cyclists, but turns left toward Middle Cove Road and Aid Station 1 without crossing over Basore Road into Virginia. This is still a challenging route on beautiful roads, but without the sufferfest of the major climbs. There is still one gravel climb and descent on this route.

• All categories: prizes

Bail Outs and Time Cuts

The long route is very challenging, but it is possible to bail out after Squirrel Gap road to join the medium route.

Aid Stations

Aid stations are placed roughly 20 miles apart:

• Aid Station 1 (northern Squirrel Gap Road): Mile 25 of the medium and long routes

• Aid Station 2 (Grassy Lick Community Center, Kirby): Mile 43 of the long route only

• Aid Station 3 (Red's Broken Spoke, Baker): Mile 61 of long routes and mile 36 of medium route

• Aid Station 4 (Lost River Barn): Mile 78 of long route and mile 53 of medium route

• Aid Station A (The Lost River Yoga Barn/Inn at Lost River): Mile 15 of the short course only

Aid stations will be relatively minimalistic: water, HEED by Hammer Nutrition, and Coke and snacks like pretzels, chips, trail mix, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, pickles, etc.

Event Details

Package pick-up and same day registration will be available beginning at 7:30 AM on August 15.

All event categories will depart from the Mathias Community Center at 9 AM on August 15, with the family ride a few minutes later.

There will be a post-ride meal and party at the Mathias Community Center. A meal ticket is included for every category. The meal consists of traditional Hardy County pit chicken BBQ prepared by the Mathias Community Center with vegetarian sides of baked beans and mac and cheese from South Branch Smokehouse. The vegetarian main option will be a wrap from Drifter's Cafe.

Additional meal tickets can be purchased separately in the event registration for $20. One free T-shirt will be given to every participant, with a cutoff of July 25. Additional T-shirts can be purchased in the online event registration.

The event will be held rain or shine, although we may be course changes for heavy rain.

Farmer's Market and Live Music

This year's event will have a farmer's market at the Mathias Community Center from 1-5pm. You can read more about the market and vendors here.

CC Nichols will play a solo set around 1pm and Ben Townsend and Matt Metz will play in tandem from 3-5pm.

Equipment

All riders must wear a bicycle helmet.

The Lost River Classic route features more than 50% gravel. Some of this can be relatively rough and we recommend gravel bikes with tires at or above 36mm width. We do not recommend road bikes. Any type of bike is suitable for the family ride.

There are aid stations every 25 or so miles, but you should bring with you two full bottles (it can be hot in August).

Transfers and Changes

Registration transfers can be made from person to person and route changes may be made online until August 14 at 5pm. After this, only route changes may be made by informing the registration table a check-in before 9AM on August 15. These changes can be made in your Bikereg account.

Accommodations

There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby, ranging from Lost River to Wardensville, as well as the South Branch Inn in Moorefield. Guesthouse Lost River is among the most popular hotels in the area. Lost River State Park features a variety of cabins. These are in high demand, so we suggest booking them well in advance of the event weekend. Adjacent to the park is the private Big Ridge Campground that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Please see the Hardy County Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information about lodging.

Sponsors

Without the generous support of our sponsors, we would not be able to host this event:

• American Woodmark Foundation

• Lost River Pride

• Lost River Trading Post

• Lost River Trading Post Realty

• Hammer Nutrition

• South Branch Inn

• Walmart

• Pilgrim's Pride

• Mathias Community Center

• Hardy County Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Gerald Langan PLLC

• Red's Broken Spoke

• South Branch Smokehouse

• Hardy Telecommunications

• Lost River Barn

• Capon Valley Bank

• Burke and Herbert Bank

• Cove Mountain Bakery

• Drifter's Cafe

• King Technical Apparel

• RC Cola Bottling of Winchester

Join us for the 6th Annual Moonlight on the Falls Marathon on August 29-30, 2026, at beautiful Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County, West Virginia. Beat the summer heat run with us under the stars and enjoy the perfect running temperatures of our cool late summer mountain nights.

This race will be a nighttime race featuring a Marathon, Half Marathon, Distance Challenge (Ultra Marathon), Relay, and Quarter Marathon. It will be an approximately 6.55-mile (Quarter Marathon) looped course beginning and ending at Pendleton Point in Blackwater Falls State Park. The Distance Challenge will begin at 10 PM and go until 7:45 AM with options to run Solo, 2 Person Relay, 4 Person Relay, and 6 Person Relay. In addition to being held in one of West Virginia's most visited and beautiful state parks running conditions should be perfect, average nighttime temperatures during the end of August here in the mountains are 55 degrees.

As with all of our races, the Moonlight on the Falls Marathon is meant to be a true destination experience. We plan on a festival-like atmosphere for Packet Pick Up and Pre-Race on Saturday with live music, vendors, food, and more! In addition to our festivities, we encourage everyone to check out the endless outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as our funky little mountain towns of Davis and Thomas.

ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A REFLECTIVE VEST OR SIMILAR GEAR AND A HEADLAMP. The roads in the park are closed at night to outside traffic and anyone not staying in the park, however, for safety purposes, we will require runners to wear a reflective vest and have a headlamp. Have fun with your lighting; glow sticks and other fun lighting for your outfits are highly encouraged!

Swag - All participants will receive a Super Soft Triblend McClumsy long-sleeve T-shirt, finisher medal, and more!

Course - The Moonlight on the Falls Marathon Course is an all-paved 6.55-mile (Quarter Marathon Course) that starts and finishes at Pendleton Point in Blackwater Falls State Park.

Distance Challenge Teams - One person will be responsible for setting up their Teams. Once they register, they will set up a password to give to additional teammates. To make the Team Challenge more approachable, each participant in the relay will register and pay individually.

The below format is for 2025. We may change it slightly for 2026, but will be keeping the 'total cumulative laps' format.

We made some changes to our Teams Categories for 2027 because we want more of you to run with us all night long!

1. All Team Members will have a timing chip on their bib.

2. The Distance Challenge will be scored by total laps run (by Solo, or per team).

3. All/Any Distance Challenge Team Members can run at the same time and at any point throughout the night.

4. TEAMS ONLY: Each lap Run from 10 PM (Race Start) through 4:59 AM will count as 1 lap. All Laps started between 5 AM & 5:59 AM will be worth 2 laps.

5. Final Laps for the Distance Challenge must be started before 6:00 AM

6. On-course parking is allowed for all Distance Challenge Participants to set up your own aid stations and make refueling easy.

7. At 7 AM, we will have a Sunrise Celebration for all Distance Challenge Participants, which will include breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and more! Show your Distance Challenge bib and get it marked for breakfast (Non-DC and spectators can purchase).

8. Last But Not Least We are also going to be giving away: 2 Nights of Lodging and Free Entry to the 2027 Moonlight on the Falls for the Solo Distance Challenge Male and Female Winners, 2 Person Team Winners, 4 Person Team Winners, and 6 Person Team Winners.

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and Allegheny Highlands Trail running from Thomas, WV to Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV. Please join us for this epic event in support of the Highlands Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to trail development in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia.

The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. The trail is made of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone. The race course will descend about 1400'. The 9:00 am race start is located on the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV. The race finish is in Parsons, WV. At 8:00 am, a bus will transport runners from Parsons to the race start in Thomas.

RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 200 RUNNERS!

Individual Entry Fees:

• Before August 12, 2026 - $60

• After August 12, 2026 - $75

Awards

Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:

• Overall Top Male and Female finisher - $100 gift certificates

• Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

• Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

SWAG: Gender specific shirts, speed cup and locally made finishers medallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 12, but will try to have one that works for you.

Black-Hel Double

Looking for a challenge? In coordination with the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners' Helvetia 10k Mountain Run, we have the Black-Hel Double! This is a two part racing event. First complete the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon on Saturday. Then travel to Helvetia on Sunday and finish the 10k Mountain Run. Finishers of both races receive a special hat with the Black-Hel Double logo. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run. No additional purchase necessary. More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/

RACE WEEKEND DETAILS

Packet Pickup:

Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. Race day packet pickup will take place at the Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 - 7:45 am.

Shuttle Bus Leaves:

Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Please board the bus as soon as you can. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes.

Race Start:

The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (on State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parralles the North Fork Blackwater River and East Street.

Bag Drop Off:

Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.

Aid Stations/Restrooms:

Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch hydration, and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle, we won’t have cups at the aid stations.

Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.

See you there!

Join us for the second annual Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure on Saturday, September 19, 2026!

About the Race

Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure is presented by the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia. This year's 88th annual event will be held September 26 - October 4. The MSFF is a real cultural landmark that showcases WV in all its autumn glory. Due to the changing fall leaves and the Mountain State Forest Festival, autumn is a great time to visit the Elkins area with family and friends. Visit Mountain State Forest Festival | Elkins, WV to see all that the MSFF has in entertainment, food, and events while in town for the ride!

The race will traverse through the beautiful Cheat-Potomac District of the Monongahela National Forest. Race headquarters will be stationed in Stuart Recreation Area nestled along the banks of the Shavers Fork River. Stuart Recreation Area is 7 miles east of Elkins and was built in 1937 by CCC labor. Known to locals as Stuart's Park, the area provides great hiking trails and excellent fishing.

Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure is part of the WV Gravel series. Please visit WVGS website www.wvgravelseries.com for rules and regulations.

The majority of the race will be on gravel roads with some rail trail and paved roads mixed in.

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Aid Stations

2 aid stations will be along the course. The short course will pass only one aid station. The medium and long course will go by two. We recommend bringing appropriate fuel and drinks. Please monitor the weather and dress accordingly. Elkins weather can range from hot to snow in the autumn season.

Package Pick-Up

Package pick-up will begin Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 AM at Stuart Recreation Area in the small pavilion. (we were in the large pavilion last year, the small pavilion is a little past the large in Stuarts Recreation Area).

The Start

All riders will begin at the Small Pavilion in Stuart Recreation Area and head out of the park to Forest Road 91 and turn left on Shaver Fork Road. All riders will continue approximately 16 miles to the first aid station. Long, medium, short and e bike riders will start at staggered times. Long course rides will begin at the start finish line beside the small pavilion at 9:00 AM, Medium course will begin at 10:00 AM and Short course and e bikes at 10:30AM.

Short Course

Once leaving Stuarts Recreation Area the short Course will continue along Shavers fork road which runs beside the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River until reaching the the first aid station, approximately 16 miles. At this point you will turn and go back to Stuart Recreation Area and the finish line following the Shavers Fork road for a total of 33 miles. Tentative course is posted here. Click here for: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53598614?privacy_code=9FmkGxzNAnA49KPVGykAeBXJexGSZzAp

Medium Course

The Medium Course will follow the short course until the first aide station. At this intersection a sharp right turn will be made onto Forest Road 828 to enter the Fernow Experimental Forest. At the intersection with Forest Road 709 a right turn will be made. Then a slight right will be made onto Forest Road 701. We will continue to 701 through the Fernow Forest until intersecting with Brooklyn Heights Road just East of the town of Parsons. At this intersection a left turn will be make onto a paved road. Brooklyn Heights Road will become Billings Avenue. We will continue on Billings Avenue into the town of Parsons. Billings Ave will become Railroad Ave and after a few blocks will intersect with River street. A sharp right and then left will be made to put us on the Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail. The Rail trail will take us through the Town of Parsons and then continue on the trail until intersecting Shavers Fork Road. Take a left onto Shavers Fork Road. Continue on Shavers

Fork Road and it will become Clifton-Nail Run Road. We will continue along Clifton-Nail run road until coming to the Second aid station. At this point a left turn will be made to cross the river and intersect with Shavers Fork road. Turn right onto Shavers Fork Road and continue to the finish line in Stuarts Park Recreation Area for a total of 48 miles. The Course is posted here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53599343?privacy_code=JCHJNuC8ct14apg3jiZSMLhraOVlulDk

Long Course

The Long Course will follow the short course and medium course into the Fernow Forest. After traveling on forest road 701 for a short ways a right turn will be made onto forest road 324 towards McGowen Mountain. We will travel about 7 miles to the Yellow Creek trail head and turn around to return to to Forest Road 701. We will turn right off of 324 back onto 701 and continue on the Medium course route as seen above until reaching the second aide station. At the second aid station the Long Course will turn right and continue on Clifton-Nail Run Road until turning left on Log Lick Run road (also known as Timbucktoo Road). Log Lick Run will intersect with Stalnaker Run Road. A left turn will be made onto Stalnaker road. Continue on Stalnaker Run Road until coming to the “graffiti bridge.” After crossing the bridge continue until taking a right onto Shavers Fork Road and continue to Stuarts Park Recreation area and the finish line for a total of 75 miles. The Long Course is posted

here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55908392

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E-Bike Route.

The E-bike route will begin at the Stuarts recreation area and head out of the park on Forest Road 91. As soon we leave the park we will turn left onto Shaver Fork Road. We will continue on the Shavers Fork road until reaching the aid station at the Clifton Nail Road intersection. At this point the e bike route will follow the medium course loop back to the Stuarts recreation area for a total 48 miles. Click here for: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53599343?privacy_code=JCHJNuC8ct14apg3jiZSMLhraOVlulDk

All riders will receive a meal and t-shirt with registration and a ticket to the Forest Festival Kickoff Party and Chili Cook-Of (scheduled from 4-8pm September 26th in Elkins). Additional meals and t-shirts can be purchased.

Prizes

First, second, and third finishers for male and female open riders for the long course will receive a cash prize. All winners from each category will have prize table selection.

Lodging and Camping

Stuart Recreation Area has individual camping sites that must be reserved for tents and campers. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov Stuart Recreation Area, Monongahela National Forest - Recreation.gov

A group campsite that accommodates 40 people tent camping is also available. This site is available first come, first serve Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 for $5.00 and can be paid for day of event.

Bear Heaven Recreation Area, known by locals as Bear Haven, is a few miles away from Stuart Recreation Area, and has campsites available first come, first serve for $5.00

Monongahela National Forest | Bear Heaven Campground | Forest Service

Other local lodging can be found by visiting Elkins-Randolph County Tourism.

Sleep - Elkins-Randolph County Tourism

Visit our website to see the full Mountain State Forest Festival Schedule of Events.

Events | Elkins, WV | Mountain State Forest Festival

Thank you to our sponsors!

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This is an old school, classic single loop backcountry race. The name is from an on course incident with a rattlesnake. You have to be tough for this 24 mile back country loop in the heart of Dankness…Canaan. This is a fundraiser for Blackwater Bicycle Association. It starts in Davis on River Road Trail to Yellow Birch and then climbs up a virtual creek bed, The Davis Trail (Allegheny Trail) to Plantation Trail . You'll make a right onto Plantation Trail and then a left onto Fire Trail #6 Trail. Make a left onto Canaan Loop Road (Forest Road 13) and enjoy several miles on the gravel to Fire Trail 3. A water station will be there. Descend Fire Trail 3 to Plantation. Take a left onto Plantation back to Davis Trail (Allegheny Trail). Make a right on Davis to descend what you climbed earlier to Blackwater Falls State Park and do Yellow Birch(again) and the River Road Trail back into Davis to the full aid station. If you are a DUO Team, this is where you will tag your partner for the next

leg. After fueling up, you'll tackle the rock tech of Splashdam Trail and will start to feel the hard, slow miles. No rest for the weary as you then climb Hoodoo and descend the Moon Rocks searching for that sweet locals line. Hammer back on Trials Trail. Wet lube and extra chamois cream are recommended! Registration opens at 8:30 at Davis City Park Pavillion. Racers meeting is at 9:45 at Start. The Start of the race is at 10am at the beginning of the River Road Trail(South side of Rt 32 Bridge/Also Aid Station) Finish is at Camp 70 Trailhead. Post race meal by the fabulous SIRIANNI'S Pizza and FREE t-shirt are included in the race entry at the DAVIS CITY PARK

ROR 2025 SAME COURSE FOR 2026

This race is made possible through permission of the land owners. We would like to thank the West Virginia Land Trust for use of the trails on the Yellow Creek Natural Area that includes the Moon Rocks and Hoodoo Rocks. We thank National Youth Science Academy for use of their land. We thank the U.S. Forest Service for the permit to use Plantation, Fire Trail 6, and Davis Trail and Fire Trail 3. We also want to thank the West Virginia DNR for use of their trails in Blackwater Falls and Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area. We also want to thank Blackwater Bikes for helping with the race and all the amazing volunteers who helped with trail work and putting on the race.

PLEASE BE AT REGISTRATION AT 8:30am at Davis City Park (please park there as well) to sign waiver, pick up your race tag and pick up your free t-shirt. There is a porta potty on site.

PARKING : please park at the Davis Riverfront Park across from the Shop N Save.