:: Race Information ::

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General Overview of the Race

The Captain Thurmond’s Challenge staged in the New River Gorge for the last eleven years, is slated for August 16th this year. The Challenge has evolved from one event, a triathlon, to a multi-event festival. In addition to a very unique triathlon featuring biking, running, and kayaking in the heart of the New River Gorge, there is again this year a Kid’s Challenge and Kids Races. This is an event that allows opportunity for the entire family to participate in these action events.

Captain Thurmond’s Challenge Triathlon is 30 miles including some of the most extreme whitewater, mountain biking and running in the state and the East Coast. Set in the spectacular New River Gorge, the triathlon includes an 11 mile bike leg that begins with a Lemans start at 12 noon from the Historic Fayette county courthouse and runs to Cunard along the ridge lines of the New River George. The 8 mile watercraft leg proceeds from Cunard to Fayette Station through Class III and IV rapids. The 8 mile run at the end tests the athletes endurance going up and out of the gorge finishing at the Fayette County Courthouse.

The triathlon can be done either by a team or as a solo, one individual. Put a Team together!!

Race Day Schedule for 2008 is Coming Soon

Race Course Description

Bike: This off road challenge begins with a Lemans start from the Court House steps with a prolog through the town of Fayetteville then shoots onto the town park trails. Continuing on single track until you come out on the access road to the Cunard put in for the New River.

Watercraft: Cunard to Fayette Station on the New River. Class III to IV rapids. Approx. 8 miles.

Run: From Fayette Station a trail run up the gorge, behind the town park then into the town of Fayetteville. Approx 8 miles.

LENGTH may vary due to weather conditions.

Race Categories / Divisions

NOTE: You must enter the expert class if you have extensive race experience in any of the 3 aspects of the race.

Expert

• Kayak - Any boat longer than 4 meters (13'2") is in the expert class.
• Bike - Riders that compete in the expert class in Mountain Bike Races, full time, or is a sponsored rider.
• Run - Runners that compete on a regular basis and their 5-mile time is under 30 minutes.

Sport

• Kayak - Any boat less than 4 meters (13'2") is eligible for the sport class.
• Bike - Riders that compete in the sport class in Mountain Bike Races.
• Run - Runners that compete in races and their 5-mile time is over 30 minutes.

Amateur (the fun class!)

• Watercraft - Any boat-kayak, canoe or ducky is eligible for the amateur class.
• Bike - Any biker that wants to race.
• Run - Any runner that would like to run or walk.

Clydesdale

• 200lbs.+ per individual or team member

Raft Team

• Minimum of 4, maximum of 6. Male or Female or both.

Race Registration:

Fees: Individual Fees (if you wait until race day add $10.00 per category) $45.00 Team $90 Raft $150
Let us know ahead of time that you will be there and pay pre-registration prices on race day! 8am-11am at the Fayette County Courthouse.

General Info

PRE-RACE MEETING is at 11am in front of the courthouse and is mandatory.

NUMBERS for individuals need to be pinned on the left front leg of shorts.

NUMBERS for teams should be on front of PFD for water craft, on front of shirt for bikers, and on front of shirt or shorts for runners.

SHUTTLES for individuals will be provided by the West Virginia National Guard. Gear pick up and drop off will be in the roped off area of the courthouse parking lot beside the courthouse. Individuals should make sure all gear is labeled with their number. Shuttles for bikes and kayaks will be leaving the parking lot at 11 am. Please place running shoes into bags for transport to Fayette Station. (Bags available at registration table.)

MEAL TICKETS are worth $5 off a meal at any participating restaurant.

Race Guidelines

START time for the race is 12PM sharp at the Historic Thurmond Train Station. Bike racers need to be in Thurmond no later than 11:30AM!

WRISTBANDS are a must for teams. The team runner must have the wristband on when crossing the finish line.

COMMUNICATE with fellow racers before passing on trails.

TREAT EVERYONE with courtesy and consideration!

The Course / Safety / Awards Ceremony

KNOW the correct course. Changes to the course will be available at the pre-race meeting.

BIKERS look for blue arrows.

RUNNERS look for red arrows.

KAYAKS will be staged at the top at Cunard. Please make sure all kayaks begin from the top.

AID STATIONS: WATER stops will be available at Cunard, Kaymoor Top and intersection with Park Drive.

AMBULANCES will be at the beginning and end of the Mary Ingles Trail, Cunard, Kaymoor Top, and Fayette Station

RESULTS NOTIFICATION to officials of any withdrawal/dnf is each racer's responsibility.

RESULTS will be posted at the finish line.

AWARDS ceremony will be held immediately after the last racer finishes at the stage in front of the Courthouse.