New River Challenge

The eighth annual Virginia’s New River Trail Challenge, a unique athletic competition, will be held in New River Trail State Park Saturday, Sept. 15. Entries are available by mail and online at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 31.
Competitors bike 40 miles, canoe 12 miles and run 13.1 miles along Southwestern Virginia’s 57-mile-long New River Trail State Park. The race is presented by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
For individuals, registration is $35 before Aug. 18 and $45 between Aug. 18 and Aug. 31. For teams, registration is $90 before Aug. 18 and $110 between Aug. 18 and Aug. 31.
Athletes from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania and other states compete individually and in teams of two or three in this unique athletic event.
The race course begins at the Foster Falls complex and includes the counties of Wythe, Carroll and Pulaski.
There’s also a one-mile fun run for children 12 and under. The race starts at 9 a.m.; registration is from 7 - 8:45 a.m. The cross-country style race takes place on the trails and grassy areas around the Foster Falls access area. A $5 entry fee includes a T-shirt, and the top five boy and girl finishers receive an award.
For more information about Virginias New River Trail Challenge call 1-800-933-PARK, or visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov  for a race registration form.