Events
New River Gorge 50k
New River Gorge Half Marathon
Description
Experience America's Newest National Park
Join us for the exhilarating New River Gorge Trail Festival Winter Edition! Set against the stunning backdrop of New River Gorge National Park in Fayetteville, WV, this half marathon and 50k race promises breathtaking views and thrilling terrain. Experience the rush of crisp winter air as you navigate scenic trails, rugged cliffs, and picturesque riverbanks. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or a passionate newcomer, this event offers a unique challenge and a chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Celebrate the beauty of winter in one of America’s most iconic national parks—adventure awaits!
The same course as the June event with enhanced gorge views
"The course is well marked so you can't get lost!" - 2021 Participant
50k Course Description
Traveling the same course as the Half Marathon, the 50k is 2 loops with a scenic out and back along the rim of the gorge. With nearly 5,000 ft. of elevation gain and loss on trails, the 50k is a course that will push you...but the views will be worth it. The rhododendron tunnels, high passages along the rim, breathtaking vistas, and historic forests perfectly represent West Virginia as Wild and Wonderful!
Half Marathon Course Description
Explore the National Park Trail System with this challenging yet scenic course. The trail surface consists primarily of dirt and gravel. Take in stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge on Fayetteville Trail and gaze at the gorge below while running over Kaymoor Top!
Race Swag
- Long Sleeve Performance Shirt
- Beautifully Designed Finisher Medal
- New River Gorge Bumper Sticker
Awards
Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Open & Masters Finishers as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over.
Restrooms and Aid Stations
- Portable restrooms will be placed at start/finish area and Kaymoor Top. See course maps below for more detail.
- Aid stations will be equipped with first aid kits, water, a sports drink, cookies, bananas, granola bars, candy, etc. A more detailed list of exactly what foods will be at each aid station will be released in an email closer to the race date. Aid station locations are listed on the race maps below in the Course Details section.
Packet Pick Up
- Friday 12/6 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM @ Range Finder Coffee (104 S Court St, Fayetteville, WV 25840) RECOMMENDED
- Saturday 12/7 from 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM @ the Start/Finish (Park Dr, Fayetteville, WV 25840)
Referral Refunds
Refer 4 Friends and Receive a Refund for your Entire Entry Fee!
After registering for this event, you will receive a unique referral link that you can share with your friends. If one of your friends registers for this event through your unique link, you will be credited with a referral. If you reach a total of 4 referrals, you will be refunded your entire entry fee! In order for a registration to count as a referral, it must be a separate transaction from your original registration. If a family of 4 people sign up together at the same time in a single transaction, that will not qualify for a refund. The unique link must be used.
Course Information
New River Gorge 50k Course Map
Click Here for an Interactive 50k Map
For course directions, click on the above map and go to the menu. Select directions and view the turn by turn directions
Elevation - The 50k has 4996 ft. of elevation gain and loss which is 159 ft. per mile.
50k Aid Stations
Aid stations will have water, snacks, Hammer Nutrition HEED Sports Drink, and first aid kits. Aid stations are listed below and on the map.
- (1) Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.0 and 15.1 (has restrooms)
- (2) Craig Branch - Miles 7.3, 19.5, and 25.6
- (3) Fayette Station Road - Miles 10.9 and 29.2
New River Gorge Half Marathon Map
Click Here for an Interactive Half Marathon Map
For course directions, click on the above map and go to the menu. Select directions and view the turn by turn directions
Elevation - The Half Marathon has 2040 ft. of elevation gain and loss which is 156 ft. per mile.
Half Marathon Aid Stations
Aid stations will have water, snacks, Hammer Nutrition HEED Sports Drink, and first aid kits. Aid stations are listed below and on the map.
- Kaymoor Top - Mile 3.0 (has restrooms)
- Craig Branch - Mile 7.3
- Fayette Station - Mile 10.9
Travel
Lodging Options (Distance from start/finish area)
Adventures On The Gorge (3.6 Miles)
The Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast (0.8 Miles)
Quality Inn New River Gorge (1.8 Miles)
Country River Inn (1.9 Miles)
Comfort Inn New River (3.8 Miles)
Flights
Check for flights into these local airports:
Raleigh County Memorial Airport (28 Miles)
Yeager Airport (59 Miles)
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (142 Miles)
Pricing
50k
Opening: $70 (August 4-8)
Early: $85 (August 9-31)
Regular: $100 (September 1- October 31)
Late: $140 (November 1 - December 2) *Late registration pending availability
Half Marathon
Opening: $65 (August 4-8)
Early: $75 (August 9-31)
Regular: $90 (September 1- October 31)
Late: $110 (November 1 - December 2) *Late registration pending availability
FAQs
Should I wear Trail Shoes or Road Shoes?
We would recommend trail shoes if you have them but the course is mostly packed dirt and gravel. There are some rockier sections and the possibility of some mud where it would be nice to wear trail shoes. You can definitely run this course in road shoes as well.
Is there a course time limit?
Yes, participants in the 50k must run under 10 hours. Participants in the Half Marathon must run under 6 hours.
Is there an awards ceremony?
Not in person. All awards will be mailed.
Can I walk?
Absolutely, as long as you can finish the race in the given course time limit.
Will there be race day registration?
No.
Are pets allowed?
No.
Are strollers allowed?
No.
Place
Fayetteville, WV US 25840
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
