Captain Thurmond’s Challenge: 2004
A Unique Triathlon featuring biking, running, and kayaking
by Jack Moe

The Captain Thurmond’s Challenge staged in the New River Gorge for the last nine years, is slated for June 12th this year. The Challenge has evolved from one event, a triathlon, to a multi-event festival. In addition to a very unique triathlon featuring biking, running, and kayaking in the heart of the New River Gorge, there is again this year a Kid’s Challenge and a 5k run that allows opportunity for the entire family to participate in these action events.

Captain Thurmond’s Challenge Triathlon is 30 miles of the most extreme whitewater, mountain biking and running in the state and the East Coast. Set in the spectacular New River Gorge,
the triathlon includes an 11 mile bike leg that begins with a Lemans start at 2pm from the historic Thurmond Train Depot and runs to Cunard along the banks of the New River. The 8 mile watercraft leg proceeds from Cunard to Fayette Station through Class III and IV rapids. The 5 mile run at the end tests the athletes endurance going up and out of the gorge finishing at the Fayette County Courthouse. The triathlon can be done either by a team or solo by one individual. Anyone interested in partnering with other athletes to form a team can contact the New River CVB at 304-465-5617.

If you are planning to race, there is a mandatory Race meeting at the Fayette County Courthouse at 11am on the 12th. The race categories are Expert, Sport, Amateur, Clydesdale and Raft Team. Fees for the triathlon events are $45 for individual, $90 for teams and $150 for Raft Team.

If the triathlon sounds too extreme for you or your group, you’re in luck. In order to open the event to all participants, the organizers have added the 5K Run and the Kid’s Challenge again this year. For details about these less strenuous events please call the New River CVB or visit their website at www.captainthurmondstriathlon.com

Some of the local sponsors for the event include Fayette County National Bank and the Plateau Medial Center.

For more information on any of the events of Captain Thurmond’s Challenge call:
304-465-5617
800-927-0263
or visit their website at:
www.captainthurmondstriathlon.com