The race consists of three stages along, and in, the New River. The trail is flat with a crushed cinder surface, and the river flows smoothly with small rapids under normal conditions. The race begins with a 40-mile out and back bike leg, followed by a 12.1-mile downriver kayak paddle, and ends with a half marathon run along the river for a total of 65.2 miles. Although the race is long, it's perfect for beginners and accomplished athletes due to its flattish nature.
Participants may compete solo or in teams of two or three.
We ask that you thoroughly read the rules and guidelines (PDF) before the race. They cover stage meeting times, transitions, requirements, courses, water and aid stations, and recommendations to make your race as trouble-free as possible. If you have any questions, please post them on the Facebook page — the New River Trail family is a friendly group, and someone from Virginia State Parks or the community will be happy to provide answers. You can also contact Steve Boyd with questions.
The race is limited to 300 entrants, so register early to ensure a spot. Solo competitors and teams with at least two students or faculty members from the same university qualify for a collegiate discount registration fee. In addition to their registered categories, sponsors' teams compete for a special award and bragging rights.
The Pulaski MTN-X is a new multi-surface event held in Pulaski County, Virginia. We will have three different distances--a 105 mile long course with over 12,000 feet of climbing, a 52 mile middle-distance course with just under 6000 feet of climbing, and a non-competitive 31 mile course. All of these rides will be about 65% gravel and 35% asphalt, although some asphalt sections will be backcountry, narrow rough roads.
This will be a “timed sectors" event, which means that you won't be racing from the start gun to the finish line. There will be timed segments throughout the course, and those are the race sectors. Your times from each of the segments will be added together for your finishing time on which you will be ranked. This format allows two things--foremost it allows for a safe event where riders won't be racing through stop signs and intersections. All of our timed sectors will be on stretches of road where the rider will have the right-of-way so that no rules of the road need to be broken to race. Secondly, it means that we can place our aid stations outside of these timed segments, so that there is no rush in filling up bottles and grabbing some snacks--those aid stations will be in untimed areas so you can wait for your friends and know that the clock is not ticking. We think you will love this format, and it also makes for a less lonely day on the bike.
All entry fees include a post-ride meal with a beverage and a t-shirt.
Be sure to plan on coming on Friday afternoon and join us for our shake out ride on the New River Trail along with an expo and festivities at the brewery!
38th Annual
Galax Autumn Days 5k Run
STARTING TIMES
10:00 am - 5K Run (3.1 miles)
9:00 am - 1-Mile Race for kids 12 & under
REGISTRATION
8:00 - 9:45 am Saturday, October 17, 2026 in the gymnasium at Felts’ Park. 5K Run registration closes promptly at 9:45 am and for the 1-Mile Kid’s Race at 8:45 am.
ENTRY FEE
$20.00 for the 5K if postmarked by October 14, 2026.
$25.00 October 15 through Race Day.
Entry includes an attractive t-shirt.
1-Mile Kid’s Race Free - no t-shirt.
AWARDS
Overall winners will receive special awards along with their overall awards
Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd each age group both Male/Female.
No Double-dipping awards. Higher award will be given if Master Runner (40+) places in the overall standings.
Bonus Awards will be given for breaking the Male/Female Overall & Master’s course records.
There will continue to be one award for the top Super Master winner (Age 60 +) both male and female.
If Super Master’s winners place in the overall or the Masters Div. they are not eligible for the Super Master award No Double-dipping awards in age groups/masters divisions.
RACE COURSE
The Galax Autumn Days 5K Run and 1-Mile Kid’s Race both start and finish in Felts’ Park at 601 South Main Street, Galax, VA. The 5K course is flat as it follows Chestnut Creek with a ½ mile stretch of the course being run on the New River State Park.
AGE GROUPS - MALE/FEMALE
10 & Under 35 - 39 65 - 69
11 - 14 40 - 44 70 - 74
15 - 19 45 - 49 75 - 79
20 - 24 50 - 54 80 & Over
25 - 29 55 - 59
30 – 34 60 - 64
COURSE RECORDS
Thomas Curtin 14:40 (2014)
Natalie Sherbak 16:58 (2008)
DIRECTIONS TO 5K RACE
Exit 14, I-77 at US 58. Go west 58 until the intersection of US 58 and Rt. 89 take a left on Rt. 89 (Main Street) and go 8 blocks. Felts’ Park is located on the left. Race begins and ends in the Felts’ Park area.
Race Director: Tony Quesenberry [email protected]