NEW RIVER GORGE
Convention & Visitors Bureau

The 15th annual Captain Thurmond’s Challenge will once again be staged in historic downtown Fayetteville, WV and throughout the New River Gorge. The Challenge has evolved from a triathlon to a multi-event festival including a 5k race, Kids' Challenge and Kids' Races.

About the Triathalon

The Captain Thurmond's Challenge Triathalon consists of 28.5 miles of the most extreme whitewater, mountain biking and running in the state and the East Coast. The triathlon can be done as a relay team, solo, or raft team. If you're looking for teammates, contact us and we'll help you get a team together.

Bike

The 12 mile bike leg begins with a Lemans start at the Historic Fayette County Courthouse, and leads to Cunard on singletrack trails along the ridge lines of the New River George.

Paddle

The 8 mile watercraft leg proceeds from Cunard to Fayette Station through Class III and IV rapids. Raft teams as well as individual paddlers are welcome.

Run

The steep 8.5 mile run tests the athletes' endurance going up and out of the gorge. The running leg begins at Fayette Station and finishes at the Fayette County Courthouse.

Youth Events

Kids' races will be held after the Captain Thurmond's start. Shorter races are offered for the youngest athletes with race lengths increasing for every age category. There will be a lot of activites for all ages including inflatable bouncers on the courthouse lawn. Spend the day in town while waiting for the racers to come in.

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