
James River Rush is an adventure race on November 8, 2026 in Richmond, VA, with an entry fee of $35.
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.
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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.
Adventure racing strings together trekking, mountain biking, and paddling — with navigation by map and compass — across a course you have to find as much as finish. Most events are raced as a team, often over many hours or even multiple days.
It rewards the all-rounder and the problem-solver as much as the pure athlete: route choice, teamwork, and staying steady when you're tired and off the map are as much the challenge as the miles.
Trek, mountain bike, and paddle with navigation between checkpoints — from a few hours to multi-day expeditions, usually in teams.
Coming Up
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102 miles away
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161 miles away
Buff Betty Adventure Race
40 miles away
Coastal Traverse Adventure Race
148 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Richmond than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to RichmondFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
James River Rush
Nov 8, 2026