
From the Organizer
The James River Rush is Richmond’s only urban triathlon: run trails, bike singletrack, paddle Class III+ whitewater. Born from the legendary King of the James, this Nov 9 race brings community, rad trails, a little chaos, and the power of the river to an official competitive format. Race individually or as a team!
Starting and finishing at the 14th Street takeout upper lot, the James River Rush winds through the city and into the shaded woods of the James River Park System. Riders hit Richmond’s legendary singletrack—Northbank and Buttermilk—laced with switchbacks, roots, creek crossings, and the kind of rhythm that built our MTB reputation. From there, a gritty trail run through the heart of the park keeps the momentum rolling. The finale? Pure unadulterated RVA whitewater. Paddlers charge Class III+ rapids from Reedy to 14th, dropping Hollywood, slicing Pipeline, and hammering the whitewater core of downtown. It all ends with a post-race party at Riverside Outfitters only RVA can deliver.
This years course will be the exact same as last year's KOTJ Course and can be found HERE.
The James River Outdoor Coalition (JROC) hosts this race each year to raise money for our park. Founded in 1997, we’re a Richmond nonprofit dedicated to improving the James River Park System through volunteer projects, community support, and education. From building trails and kiosks to protecting access and enhancing park experiences, JROC works to steward this natural gem of a green space right in the heart of the city. If you love the river like we do, join us!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
63°
Typical Low
41°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Richmond Intl Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
227,595
as of 2023
City Elevation
60 ft
Nearest Airport
RIC
Richmond International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at James River Rush, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Dirty Lion Mud Run & 1 Mile Leo Mud Run
56 miles away
Seven Bends Adventure Race
107 miles away
Youth Adventure Race Camp
92 miles away
Shenandoah River Adventure Race
102 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Trek, mountain bike, and paddle with navigation between checkpoints — from a few hours to multi-day expeditions.
Trek, mountain bike, and paddle with navigation between checkpoints — from a few hours to multi-day expeditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
James River Rush
Nov 8, 2026