New River Gorge Trail Festival

An Epic Adventure Through America's Newest National Park!

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of New River Gorge National Park with this extraordinary trail race! Starting in the charming town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the course winds through the heart of the National Park, taking you deep into the forest and along trails that showcase stunning views of the river gorge, hundreds of feet below. With significant elevation gain, these challenging yet rewarding routes promise an unforgettable experience for runners seeking adventure and spectacular scenery. After crossing the finish line, extend your journey by exploring the diverse activities and iconic sights the New River Gorge National Park has to offer—making it a perfect destination for both athletes and outdoor enthusiasts!

Start Times

• 5K Start - 7:00 PM on Friday
• Half Marathon Start - 7:00 AM on Saturday
• 50K Start 7:00 AM on Saturday

Packet Pickup

• TBA

Drop Bags

All drop bags must be labeled with name and phone number. There will be a spot at packet pickup where you can leave your drop bags before the race. All drop bags will be brought back to the finish. Drop bags are available at the following aid stations:

• Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3
• Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2

Elevation

• 5K ~ (400 ft. of elevation gain)
• Half Marathon ~ 1400 ft. of elevation gain)
• 50K ~ (3,200 ft. of elevation gain)

Aid Stations

• Half Marathon
  • Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Mile 3.5 (crew access)
  • Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Mile 6 (no crew access)
  • Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Mie 9.5 (crew access)
• 50K
  • Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3 (crew access)
  • Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Miles 6 & 15.7, 23.6 (no crew access)
  • Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2 (crew access)

Interested in partnering with us on this event? Email: info@wolfcreektrackclub.com 

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. Participants in the 5k must run under 1.5 hours. 

Is there an awards ceremony?

We will hand out awards immediately at the finish line.

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.

ABC 4 WOAY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9IlE-scGSA

Half Marathons Net: https://www.halfmarathons.net/national-park-half-marathons/

New River Gorge Bridge (1.7 Miles from Start/Finish & Over 5k Course)

Long Point Trail (3.9 Miles)

Endless Wall Trail (4.3 Miles)

Grand View (34 Miles)

Thurmond (17 Miles)

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. 

This event will be chip timed with MyLaps - the most accurate RFID timing system in the world. Results are brought to you by Wolf Creek Race Management. 

Rules: You will receive a bib number with a disposable chip. Do not bend, fold, wrinkle, twist, rip, wet, remove, or alter the chip in any way. You must wear your bib number on your front torso and it must be visible at all times. Failure to follow this rule will result in automatic disqualification.

Text/Email Result Notifications: LIVE in-race updates of all participants. When you register, you must select "enable" results text/email notifications in order to receive the notifications. This is highly recommended. LIVE RESULTS AT EVERY AID STATION - KAYMOOR TOP, CRAIG BRANCH, & FAYETTE STATION RD.

Split Points:  All runners and walkers must cross the split points. You should hear an audible beep each time you cross a timing mat. 

Start/Finish: If you do not cross the start mat & finish mat, you will be automatically disqualified.

Live Online Results: Available at wolfcreektrackclub.com/results

All overall results will be based on Gun Time as per United States Track & Field Rules. 

What is Gun Time? Gun Time is the time from the mass start (when the starter officially starts the race) until when you cross the finish line. Gun Time is the time used for top rankings and awards. 

What is Chip Time? Chip Time is the time from when you cross the start line timing mat. This will provide you with your actual time, however, this time is never used for top overall rankings and awards.

About Wolf Creek Race Management
Wolf Creek Race Management offers professional event management and timing services for event directors everywhere. These services include FinishLynx fully automatic timing, RFID chip timing, live results, registration management, start/finish line archways, USATF course certification, custom medals, bibs, and awards, equipment rental and more. Wolf Creek Race Management has the most up-to-date technology in race timing and offers affordable rates to keep events on budget and help race directors raise more money for their causes. Wolf Creek Race Management times a variety of racing events including track meets, road races, trail races, triathlons, and cross country meets.

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)