New River Gorge Trail Festival 2026

Description

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

FRIDAY 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM – at Town Park (Park Drive, Fayetteville, WV) SATURDAY 6:00 – 6:50 AM – at Fayetteville PK-8 Track

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)