Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 05, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series returns for 8th year
A race for every pace, adventure for every racer

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: High Bridge Time Trial)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: MonsterX)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New River Trail Challenge)

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks’ one-of-a-kind multi-sport race series kicks off on March 8, 2025. This year’s Adventure Series, presented by Dominion Energy, consists of 20 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races and more. The competitions will be held at 11 different parks across the state, from the coast to the mountains.

Long-time Adventure Series participants will notice some exciting changes this year, including a broader range of race difficulties and distances to suit all levels of adventure, scoring on the best of six races instead of eight and the removal of bonus races.

While many Adventure Series favorites are returning in 2025, including the Tour de Pocahontas and New River Trail Challenge, participants have one new race option: the Seven Bends Aquablaze. The 7-mile sprint combines running and kayaking and will be held on June 14 at Seven Bends State Park.

Adventure Series participants win prizes by earning points in the competition category or the achievement category. These prizes include Virginia State Parks gift cards, cash and REI gift cards.

"The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series, presented by Dominion Energy, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the thrilling sporting events our state parks offer," said Promotions Manager Steve Boyd. "This series includes something for everyone—whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete—with events ranging from 5Ks and adventure races to triathlons and ultramarathons. Join us for an unforgettable race weekend and experience the incredible beauty and activities our parks provide!"

To learn more about the categories and prizes or to register for one of the 20 races below, go to virginiastateparks.gov/adventure-series.

Adventure:

March 8: Frozen Foot at Pocahontas State Park
April 27: Spring Bloom Adventure Race at York River State Park
Sept. 6: Shenandoah River Adventure Race at Shenandoah River State Park

Bike:

March 15: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park
May 4: Middle Mountain Momma at Douthat State Park
May 10: Shenanduro at Shenandoah River State Park
May 18: High Bridge Time Trial at High Bridge State Park
June 14: Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
Aug. 3: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park

Running:

March 22: Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
April 12: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
June 1: Taskinas Creek Half Marathon at York River State Park
June 14: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
Sept. 20: Paw Paw 5 and 10-Miler at Powhatan State Park
Oct. 4: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
Oct. 5: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park

Duathlon:

June 14: Seven Bends Aquablaze at Seven Bends State Park
Sept. 7: Shenandoah River Aquablaze at Shenandoah River State Park

Triathlon:

May 3: Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Sept. 20: New River Trail Challenge at New River Trail State Park

For more information about Virginia State Parks or to find a race at a park near you, go to virginiastateparks.gov/find-a-park.

-30-

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

Share this news release: