The Friends of James River State Park is announcing a NEW three race series at James River State Park in Gladstone, Va. (sponsored by Devils Backbone Brewing Company) in 2015 called Adventure on the James Games!

Three new Races at James River State Park in 2015

This new race series will consist of an Adventure Triathlon on April 18, an Adventure Race (think Amazing Race/Orienteering…with a twist) on July 18, and a Night Adventure 5K Trail Run on October 17, 2015.   

The first race of the series is just around the corner (April 18, 2015), so register soon! The race will consist of a 6.5 mile river paddle, followed by an 8 mile mountain bike course, finished off with a 5K run along the park’s scenic River Trail.

 6.5 mile river paddle - sure, that's easy!

While diehard triathletes may think this is a short event, we feel the terrain and distances will provide a great training run for some, and an extreme challenge for others! Online registration is available now.

The second race of the series (July 18, 2015) will be an Adventure Race requiring both speed and strategy. Designated points throughout the park will have to be located, with the fastest person/team to find all points the winner. But don’t think it’s just a foot race, there may be times when a bike or boat is required for the advanced participants. Different classes of challenge will be available for those who want to choose how tired they will be. More details to follow.

Register for the race series today

The final race of the series (October 17, 2015) will be held in conjunction with James River State Park's Annual Fall Festival. It will be a 5K night trail run, and there will be hills involved! The Fall Festival will run during the day, and at dusk we’ll transition the racers onto the race course. The rest of the family can enjoy a movie at the Amphitheater. More details to follow as the date gets closer.

Prizes for individual races will vary(please see individual race registration page for event prizes), and the top male and top female of the series will win a weekend cabin stay at a Virginia State Park!

Each event will have a number of family activities available before and after the races, with programming for the kids encouraging them to enjoy the outdoors (like their parents that are racing). Compass classes, geocaching, archery, wagon rides, and other activities will be available. Please see the James River State Park Events page online for more details.

We are also extremely happy to have Devils Backbone Brewery as our primary sponsor.  Please use #FinishWithGold when referencing this event in your posts.  They will be on site at each event, so come check out their award winning craft beers.

For general park information click here, contact the park office at 434-933-4355 or e-mail James River State Park.  James River State Park is located at 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone, VA 24553.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK or click here.