Shenandoah River Adventure Race — 5 & 12 Hour Challenges
Seventh Annual Edition — Shenandoah River State Park, Virginia
The Shenandoah River Adventure Race returns for its eighth exhilarating year on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026, set amid the scenic beauty of Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, Virginia. This iconic adventure race blends river paddling, mountain biking, and off-trail trekking into an unforgettable test of strategy, endurance, and outdoor skill for both individual racers and teams.
Race Overview
Both the 12-hour and 5-hour formats take place along the scenic Shenandoah River and surrounding state park, offering competitors a variety of terrain and challenges that reward smart navigation and efficient pacing. The race is part of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series, with electronic scoring and pre-plotted maps to maximize racer experience and results tracking.
Racers are treated to:
-
River paddling on Class I-II whitewater sections of the Shenandoah River
-
Single-track mountain biking on quality trails with flow, climbs and descents
-
Trekking/navigation through wooded terrain with multiple route options
-
Electronic “e-punch” scoring for fast, accurate results
-
Awards, plaques, and swag for standout performances
-
Hot Food Post Race (Pizza, Sodas, Snacks) w/ Firepit Social at Night
12-Hour Adventure Race — Advanced Endurance and Strategy
The 12-hour race is designed to push competitors’ limits without breaking them. Ideal for seasoned adventure racers and those looking to step up to longer formats, this race challenges competitors to earn as many points as possible in the allotted 12 hours. With multiple route options and strategic checkpoints across paddling, biking, and trekking legs, success comes down to smart route planning and consistent pace.
Highlights:
Extended mountain biking sections with rewarding climbs and flowy trail descents
A scenic paddle stretch along the Shenandoah River
Pre-plotted maps for all disciplines so racers spend less time planning and more time racing
Solo and team entry options (up to 4-person teams)
This race is perfect for competitors targeting advanced adventure racing experiences and those looking to build toward longer multi-day or 24-hour events.
5-Hour Adventure Race — Stepping Into Adventure Racing
The 5-hour race is crafted for racers at the beginner to intermediate level who want a rich adventure racing experience. With a course covering an estimated 20–40 miles of combined paddling, trekking, and mountain biking, this format provides a balanced challenge that introduces racers to key adventure racing skills in navigation and endurance.
Typical Race Breakdown:
~3 miles of paddling on the scenic Shenandoah River
4–6+ miles of trekking, featuring creative route choices through varied terrain
8+ miles of mountain biking on quality single-track trails
Pre-plotted maps and multiple route options to enhance navigation strategy
This format is an excellent entry point for racers new to the sport — offering enough challenge to grow skills, while still being accessible. Transition areas allow racers to resupply and reorient throughout the event.
Race Experience & Community
Both race formats take place in one of Virginia’s most scenic outdoor settings, with gentle river views framed by the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains. Competitors often stay at Low Water Bridge Campground or nearby park cabins, making race weekend an immersive outdoor adventure full of camaraderie and unforgettable landscapes.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, stepping up into your first adventure race, or seeking a strategic day of multi-discipline racing with friends and teammates, the Shenandoah River Adventure Race delivers a richly rewarding challenge in a truly iconic natural setting.