New River Gorge Trail Festival
- Date
- June 19–20, 2026
- Distance
- New River Gorge 50k · New River Gorge Half Marathon · New River Gorge 5k & more
From the Organizer
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)
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
82°
Typical Low
60°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Anstead Hawks Nest Sp, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Fayetteville, WV
Elevation
1,729 ft
Nearest Airport
BKW
Raleigh County Memorial Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 150 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at New River Gorge Trail Festival, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
11
Days to train
- Race
- New River Gorge Trail Festival
- Date
- June 19–20, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Fayetteville, WV
Captain Thurmond's Challenge 2026
Less than a mile away
Alderson 4th of July Run for Snacks
33 miles away
WVMTR Annual Meeting
Less than a mile away
West Virginia Water Festival Trail Race
30 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the New River Gorge Trail Festival?
- New River Gorge Trail Festival is a running race held in Fayetteville, West Virginia on June 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the New River Gorge Trail Festival?
- Friday, June 19, 2026 in Fayetteville, West Virginia at New River Gorge National Park, Fayetteville, WV. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the New River Gorge Trail Festival?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
New River Gorge Trail Festival
Jun 19, 2026