
From the Organizer
Seven Bends Adventure Race & Aqua Blaze
July 11–12, 2026 | Shenandoah Valley, VA
Tucked along the banks of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, with the Blue Ridge Mountains rising in the background, the Seven Bends Adventure Race Weekend delivers a race experience that’s equal parts scenic, challenging, and seriously fun.
This is your invitation to unplug, get a little lost (on purpose), and test yourself in one of Virginia’s most iconic landscapes.
Saturday: 7-Hour Adventure Race
Navigate your way through a dynamic, multi-discipline course designed to challenge both mind and body.
Disciplines:
Mountain Bike | Trek | Paddle
(Trek-only option available)
Expect a thoughtfully designed course with:
Flowing singletrack and scenic gravel riding
Strategic navigation decisions
River sections that keep things cool (literally)
Unique, fun challenges along the way
Whether you're new to adventure racing or a seasoned competitor, this course meets you at your level, and gives you just enough to push beyond it.
✔ Boats provided by race organization
✔ Earn USARA + Virginia State Parks Adventure Series points
Sunday: 7-Mile Aqua Blaze (Paddle + Run)
Cool off and cap off the weekend with a fast, fun, and refreshing river adventure.
Format:
~5 Mile Run | ~2 Mile Paddle
Perfect for:
Beginners looking for an approachable intro to multi-sport racing
Experienced racers wanting a high-energy, low-barrier challenge
✔ Boats provided (or bring your own watercraft if you prefer)
🍷 Race Weekend Experience
This isn’t just a race—it’s a full weekend adventure.
Optional camping nearby to stay immersed in the experience
Strong, welcoming community of racers and outdoor enthusiasts
Post-race awards celebration at Muse Vineyards, just minutes from the finish line
Yes—you can go from river to wine glass in under 10 minutes.
Why Seven Bends?
Because it’s more than just miles and checkpoints.
It’s:
The moment you realize you’re more capable than you thought
The team decision that pays off (or doesn’t 😄)
The shared experience that turns into a story you’ll tell all year
7 Hours. 7 Miles. The 7 Bends.
Come see what you’re capable of.
👉 Register now and be part of one of Virginia’s most unique adventure race weekends.
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
86°
Typical Low
63°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Woodstock 2 Ne, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
912 ft
Nearest Airport
SHD
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport · 48 mi
Major Hub
IAD
Washington Dulles International Airport · 57 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Seven Bends Adventure Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
33
Days to train
Coming Up
Sherando Youth Cross Country Running Camp
22 miles away
Run at the Top Summer Family Track Series
22 miles away
Seven Bends Aqua Blaze
Less than a mile away
SHENANDOAH VALLEY RUNNERS Presents SPEAR TRAIL SERIES
22 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.
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.
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)
Seven Bends Adventure Race
Jul 11, 2026