Looking for a Challenge?  We’ve got a fun one for you

So you love the outdoors?  Are you a cyclist, kayaker, maybe a runner?  How about all three?  If so, Virginia State Parks has just what you’re looking for, the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon, a 40 mile bicycle, 12 mile kayak, and half marathon run in magnificent New River Trail State Park. It takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2015

Let the games begin!  The team start of the New River Trail Challenge

Started in the year 2000 by a handful of local outdoor enthusiasts, the event has grown into Southwest Virginia’s premiere adventure triathlon with nearly 200 participants in 2014.  Competitors run the gamut and include all age groups and skill levels ranging for the super serious solo competitor to teams of “bucket listers” out for a challenge.

All skill, age (and apparently effort) levels can be found in The Challenge.  Did we forget to tell Brian Sweeney it’s a race?

Not only is The Challenge a great race in which to compete regardless of skill or age, it’s also one of the friendliest events around.  Most of our competitors come out the night before to register and drop off their equipment, and this year we’ll be hanging out at the park for dinner, music and the inevitable tales of past conquest.  It’ll be a great chance to pick up that tip to make you a winner, form an alliance, or just chew the fat with friends old and new.

Bring the whole family and join the Georgia Dawgs gang in rooting mom and dad to the finish line!

Check out the New River Trail Challenge website for more information, Ron Bell’s New River Trail Facebook page for tips and advice, and last year’s collection of photos from the event.

Now lace up your shoes, put some air in the bike tires, shoo the squirrels out of the boat, put on your serious face and think of a goofy name for your team and start training.  We'll see ya on the trail Saturday, September 19, 2015!