2026 New River Trail Races

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.