The 2026 New River Trail Races will take place on April 11, 2026, in Fries, Virginia, within New River Trail State Park. The event features a flat, 100% dirt course that follows the New River and Chestnut Creek, offering runners a scenic and challenging trail experience. The weather on the event day is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 60°F and mostly clear skies. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in various distances, including 100k, 50k, 25k, 10k, and a free untimed 5k. The races will follow an out-and-back format, with start times ranging from 4:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The event emphasizes sustainability, with cupless aid stations requiring runners to bring their own bottles or cups.
What is the event format and race rules?
→The event is a trail race with a 100% dirt surface, entirely along the New River and Chestnut Creek within New River Trail State Park.
→All distances follow an out-and-back format.
→The race is cupless, meaning runners must carry their own bottle or cup to aid stations.
→Drop bags are available for 50k and 100k runners only, with specific drop-off and retrieval times.
What distances are available for this event?
→100k race starting at 4:00 AM with a 8:00 PM cutoff
→50k race starting at 8:00 AM with a 5:00 PM cutoff
→25k race starting at 8:30 AM with a 5:00 PM cutoff
→10k race starting at 8:30 AM with a 5:00 PM cutoff
→Free untimed 5k race starting at 9:30 AM with a 5:00 PM cutoff
What is the schedule for race start times?
→100k: 4:00 AM start (8:00 PM cutoff)
→50k: 8:00 AM start (5:00 PM cutoff)
→25k: 8:30 AM start (5:00 PM cutoff)
→10k: 8:30 AM start (5:00 PM cutoff)
→Free untimed 5k: 9:30 AM start (5:00 PM cutoff)
→Early start option for 25k and 50k runners at 7:30 AM
What is included in registration?
→Participants in the 100k race will receive a commemorative buckle upon finishing.
→Race shirts are included for registrations made before April 1, 2026.
→The Virginia State Parks day-use fee of $7 per vehicle is required for parking and covers all park locations for the day.
What are the aid station details?
→50k and 100k aid stations are located at miles 2, 5, 11.82, 15.94, 20.06, and 25.73.
→25k aid stations are located at miles 2, 5, 7.5, 10, and 13 (using the same stations as 50k).
→10k aid stations are located at miles 2 and 4.2.
→All aid stations are stocked with electrolyte drink, water, Coke, PB&J, salty snacks, candy, fruit, and hot foods at select locations.
What are the drop bag guidelines?
→Drop bags for 50k and 100k runners must be dropped off at the Start/Finish area by 7:15 AM (50k) or 3:45 AM (100k).
→Bags are delivered to the Cliffview turnaround and must be clearly marked with the runner’s name and bib number.
→Drop bags are returned to the finish area by 4:00 PM.
→Forgotten or abandoned bags cannot be mailed and will be recycled, donated, or disposed of after 6:00 PM.
What are the packet pick-up times?
→Packet pick-up for all distances is available on Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Start/Finish area.
→Race day packet pick-up times:
• 100k: 3:00–3:45 AM
• 50k: 6:30–7:45 AM
• 10k: 6:30–8:15 AM
• 25k and 5k: 6:30–8:45 AM
What gear is required or recommended?
→Headlamps or flashlights are required for 100k participants.
→Headlamps or flashlights are recommended for 50k runners, especially for bib pick-up and navigating the grassy, dimly lit parking area.
What is the registration and refund policy?
→No refunds of entry fees are available.
→Distance transfers are allowed up to the day before the race, with no refund for downgrading and a fee for upgrading.
→Bib transfers to another runner are permitted for same-year use only.
→Deferral or rollover is allowed for medical conditions, including pregnancy and post-partum.
What is the event's weather consideration?
→The event is scheduled for April 11, 2026, in Fries, Virginia.
→The expected weather conditions are mild, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 60°F and mostly clear skies.
→Runners should prepare for varying weather conditions and bring appropriate gear.
What are the event's amenities and facilities?
→The event is held in New River Trail State Park, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
→The race is cupless, requiring runners to bring their own bottles or cups to aid stations.
→Parking is located across a grassy field with limited lighting, and a Virginia State Parks day-use fee of $7 per vehicle is required.
