Captain Thurmond's Challenge 2026

Captain Thurmond's Challenge 2026

June 27, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Captain Thurmond’s Challenge! Discover the ultimate adventure triathlon in the East, where challenge meets excitement. Tackle 16.5 miles of scenic mountain biking, 7 miles of exhilarating Class IV whitewater, and 9 miles of inspiring trail running through the heart of the New River Gorge. Whether you race Solo, share the journey in a Relay, or join a Team with rafts and guides ready to support you, you’ll experience an unforgettable mix of fun, challenge, and adventure. Fayetteville, West Virginia’s original signature adventure triathlon is waiting, are you ready to answer the call?

Race Overview

Captain Thurmond’s Challenge is a three-sport 32 mile loop adventure race through New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. You’ll complete the course in this order:

1. Mountain Bike — 16 miles
   From the historic streets of downtown Fayetteville, riders climb toward Town Park and drop into the Town Park Loop. From there, the course flows through the Fayetteville Trail, crosses near Long Point, and continues onto Dalton, Craigs Branch, and Kaymoor Trail before descending all the way to the river at the Cunard River Access. Expect a mix of fast flow, steady climbing, technical roots, and classic Appalachian singletrack.
2. River Section — 7 miles
   Launch from Cunard and paddle your way down the New River toward Fayette Station. This stretch brings Class III–IV big water, strong currents, wave trains, and technical features. Safety teams will be positioned at key points. Allowed river craft: Kayaks Packrafts Canoes Rafts Any suitable NRG-appropriate craft Raft team registration includes a raft, certified guide, and all needed river safety gear with registration, or you may bring your own raft, guide and gear if preferred. Required: Helmet Minimum Type III PFD Competency in whitewater environments
3. Run Section — 9.5 miles
   From the Fayette Station take-out, racers head up to Kaymoor, climb toward Kaymoor Top, and enter the Arrowhead Trails for a full clockwise lap of Clovis Loop. The run continues on Butcher’s Branch, Long Point, Timber Ridge, and returns via Town Park Loop back into Fayetteville for a strong finish downtown. A mix of punchy climbs, flowy singletrack, and that classic Fayetteville finish-line energy.

Race Divisions

You may compete in:

• Solo: Men’s Solo, Women’s Solo
• Relay (3-person teams): Men’s Relay, Women’s Relay, Mixed Relay
• Raft Teams (4–6 participants): Men’s Raft, Women’s Raft, Mixed Raft

Raft teams may bring their own raft + certified guide or use the raft and guide included in registration.