New River Trail Races
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New River Trail Races
The New River Trail Races take place in Fries, Virginia, along the New River Trail State Park. All courses are 100% dirt, flat, and run entirely along the New River and Chestnut Creek. Each distance is an out-and-back course.
Available distances:
- 100K
- 50K
- 25K
- 10K
- 5K (free untimed community event)
Aid stations are provided on the longer distances. The 50K and 100K share aid stations at multiple mile points along the course; the 25K uses the same aid stations at different mile locations; the 10K has aid near mile 2 and 4.2. Stations are stocked with electrolyte drink, water, Coke, PB&J, salty snacks, candy, and fruit, with hot foods at select stations. This is a cupless race; runners must carry at least one bottle or cup because no disposable cups are available.
50K and 100K runners may leave drop bags at the Start/Finish area on race morning; bags are delivered to the Cliffview turnaround and returned to the finish area later the same day. Packet pick-up occurs at the Start/Finish area the night before and on race morning. Headlamps or flashlights are required for the 100K; 50K runners should consider them. Parking is across a grassy field with limited lighting and a state park parking fee applies.
The trail remains open to other users during the event, including cyclists, e-bikes, and horseback riders, and course communications use hand radio operators where cell service is limited.
Finish awards and recognition: 10K, 25K, and 50K finishers receive a finisher's medal; 100K finishers receive a buckle. Overall awards are given for top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers, plus age-group awards from 20 and under through 70 and up. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
