The Shenandoah Fall Foliage Off-Road Triathlon is not your typical triathlon. There’s no pool, no road bike, no wetsuit-optional debate. There’s a river, a trail, and a ridge — and you’re going to earn all three.

Set entirely within the Shenandoah River State Park, this off-road tri sends athletes down the South Fork of the Shenandoah by kayak, then back along the river trail on foot, then up into the amazing single track on mountain bike — all at the peak of fall foliage season. Three disciplines. Three completely different landscapes. One unforgettable day.

The course is designed around the natural geography of this place: paddle the river with the current, run the trail between the water and the forest, then ride the trails where the October canopy puts on its full show. Whether you’re a triathlete looking for something wilder than pavement, an adventure racer, or simply someone who wants to experience this valley on its own terms, this event was built for you.

Total Distance: ~15.5 miles

·         Kayak: 3.3 miles

·         Trail Run: 3.2 miles

·         Mountain Bike: 9.0 miles

Come for the race. Stay for the river. Make a weekend of it.

 
Course Details
Leg 1 — Kayak: 3.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Drop: ~16 ft

The race begins at Downriver Canoe Company on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. From the first paddle stroke, the river does some of the work — this is a downstream run, losing a gentle 16 feet over 3.3 miles as the current carries you north through one of the most scenic stretches of the Shenandoah Valley.

The paddle is a true warm-up: calm water, little technical challenge, and stunning October scenery on both banks. You’ll pass beneath trees blazing with color, with the Blue Ridge to the east and George Washington National Forest to the west framing the valley. 

Kayaks will be provided. Boats are Old Town 12’ Loons with an open cockpit.

Athletes exit the water at the boat landing in Shenandoah River State park to Transition 1 (T1).

 
Transition 1 (T1) — Water to Trail
Rack your paddle, swap your PFD for running shoes. T1 is located at the river take-out where the trail run begins.

 
Leg 2 — Trail Run: 3.2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Elevation Gain: ~125 ft

Leaving T1, the run traces the river trail south — a nearly flat, 3.2-mile cruise back along the Shenandoah that returns athletes to Downriver Canoe Company and Transition 2. 

Athletes arrive at Downriver Canoe Company and proceed to Transition 2 (T2).

 
Transition 2 (T2) — Trail to Bike
Rack your run shoes, mount your mountain bike. T2 is co-located with the race start/finish area at Downriver Canoe Company

 
Leg 3 — Mountain Bike: 9.0 Miles
Difficulty: Challenging | Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft

The bike leg is where this race separates itself. After 6.5 miles of relatively flat terrain, the course sends athletes up into the ridge system above the park — a 9-mile mountain bike loop with 1,000 feet of climbing, two distinct climbs, and a fast, technical descent home. It is the defining leg of the day.

Gear Requirements: Personal flotation device (PFD), paddles and boats are provided.  No outside paddle equipment permitted. Trail running shoes, mountain bike with helmet (mandatory), hydration for bike leg. Aid station at T1 & T2— details to follow.