New River Trail Races

New River Trail Races

The New River Trail Races take place along the New River and Chestnut Creek inside New River Trail State Park. The course surfaces are entirely dirt and flat, and each distance follows an out and back route. The start and finish area is located on Firehouse Road in Fries, VA.

Available distances include:

• 100k
• 50k
• 25k
• 10k
• 5k

Aid stations serve the longer distances with electrolyte drink, water, Coke, PB and J, salty snacks, candy, fruit, and hot foods at selected stations. The 100k uses the same aid stations as the 50k. The event is cupless; runners must carry at least one personal water bottle or cup as no disposable cups are provided.

Drop bags are accepted for the 50k and 100k at the start area on race morning and are transported to the Cliffview turnaround; bags should be clearly marked and waterproofed. Forgotten or abandoned drop bags cannot be mailed after the event.

Packet pick up is provided at the start area before the event. Headlamps or flashlights are required for the 100k and are recommended for 50k participants when collecting race numbers. Parking is across a grassy field with limited lighting; Virginia State Parks charge a daily parking fee or require a valid park pass.

There are no refunds for entry fees. Transfers, rollovers for medical reasons, and same year entry transfers to another runner are permitted under stated conditions. Awards include medals for 10k, 25k, and 50k finishers and a buckle for 100k finishers, plus overall and age group prizes for male, female, and nonbinary categories.

Limited to no cell service exists on portions of the trail. Hand radio operators will support course communications. The trail remains open to other users during the event, so runners should be courteous at road crossings and when encountering cyclists, e bikes, and horseback riders. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.