
New River Gorge Trail Festival
New River Gorge Trail Festival half marathon runs through America's newest national park.
Race Date
Jun 19, 2026
Location
Fayetteville, WV
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, June 19, 2026
- Location
- Fayetteville, West Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50K, 5K, 16.2 Miles, 55K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,576
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The New River Gorge Trail Festival half marathon is a rugged, scenic romp through the newest national park in the United States. Starting in the small town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the course plunges into the forested heart of New River Gorge National Park, climbing 1,400 feet along singletrack trails that offer dizzying views of the river gorge hundreds of feet below. It's a challenging, rewarding course that draws a tight-knit field of about 211 runners from 24 states each year.
Though only in its fifth edition, the race is already earning a reputation for its stunning setting and well-organized support. The atmosphere is low-key and community-focused, with a premium performance shirt as swag, and aid stations stocked at strategic points. With the gorge's dramatic cliffs and dense forest, this is a destination-worthy half for trail runners seeking an authentic adventure in a national park.
Race-provided description
An Epic Adventure Through America's Newest National Park! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of New River Gorge National Park with this extraordinary trail race! Starting in the charming town of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the course winds through the heart of the National Park, taking you deep into the forest and along trails that showcase stunning views of the river gorge, hundreds of feet below. With significant elevation gain, these challenging yet rewarding routes promise an unforgettable experience for runners seeking adventure and spectacular scenery. After crossing the finish line, extend your journey by exploring the diverse activities and iconic sights the New River Gorge National Park has to offer—making it a perfect destination for both athletes and outdoor enthusiasts! Start Times 5K Start - 7:00 PM on FridayHalf Marathon Start - 7:00 AM on Saturday50K Start 7:00 AM on Saturday Packet Pickup TBA Drop Bags All drop bags must be labeled with name and phone number. There will be a spot at packet pickup where you can leave your drop bags before the race. All drop bags will be brought back to the finish. Drop bags are available at the following aid stations: Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2 Elevation 5K ~ (400 ft. of elevation gain)Half Marathon ~ 1400 ft. of elevation gain)50K ~ (3,200 ft. of elevation gain) Aid Stations Half Marathon Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Mile 3.5 (crew access)Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Mile 6 (no crew access)Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Mie 9.5 (crew access) 50K Aid Station 1 - Kaymoor Top - Miles 3.5 & 13.3 (crew access)Aid Station 2 - Craig Branch - Miles 6 & 15.7, 23.6 (no crew access)Aid Station 3 - Fayette Station Rd. - Miles 9.5 & 27.2 (crew access)
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, June 19, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Premium Performance Shirt
Start Location
New River Gorge National Park, Fayetteville, WV, 25840
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick445 years running
~211 finishers a year
growing or steady
5% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 24 states
winner 1:46:31
typical high 81°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
61°
Afternoon (High)
81°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,576 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,576
Median time
3:01:11
Latest turnout
213
States
36
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the New River Gorge Trail Festival?
The New River Gorge Trail Festival is held on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the New River Gorge Trail Festival take place?
It takes place in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
What distances does the New River Gorge Trail Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50K, 5K, 16.2 Miles, 55K.
Is the New River Gorge Trail Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The New River Gorge Trail Festival is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the New River Gorge Trail Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,576 runners who have completed the New River Gorge Trail Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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