The River to Ridge Triathlon is not your typical triathlon. There’s no pool, no road bike, no wetsuit-optional debate. There’s a river, a trail, and a ridge — and you’re going to earn all three.

Set entirely within the Shenandoah River State Park, this off-road tri sends athletes down the South Fork of the Shenandoah by kayak, then back along the river trail on foot, then up into the amazing single track on mountain bike — all at the peak of fall foliage season. Three disciplines. Three completely different landscapes. One unforgettable day.

The course is designed around the natural geography of the state park: paddle the river with the current, run the trail between the water and the forest, then ride the trails where the October canopy puts on its full show. Whether you’re a triathlete looking for something wilder than pavement, an adventure racer, or simply someone who wants to experience this valley on its own terms, this event was built for you.

This is a first year event and entry will be capped at 50 participants, so make sure you sign up early.

Start/Finish: 

• Downriver Canoe Company

• 884 Indian Hollow Road

• Bentonville, VA 22610

• Soloist

• Kayak: 3.3 miles

• Trail Run: 3.2 miles

• Mountain Bike: 9.0 miles

$120 through August

$140 through September

$160 through race day

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Downriver Canoe Company
884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610

7:00 am - Packet pickup
7:00 am-8:45 am: Transition setup
9:00 am: Race Start

12:00 am: post race food and awards.

1:00 pm: Course closes

884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610
Saturday October 3, 2026
7:00 am - 8:30 am

During packet pickup, you will receive race numbers and SWAG. 

Supplied Gear

• Kayak

• Paddles

• PFD

Your Recommended Gear 

• Enough food for replenishment

• Hydration system (hydration pack, water bottle, etc.)

• Bike - Mountain bike recommened with at least front suspension

• Bike helmet (CPSC, ANSI, or SNELL certified)

• Closed toe trail running shoes

Boats will be provided. Kyaks are 12' Old Town Loon open cockpit kayaks. You may not bring your own boat. You may bring your own paddles and PFDs .  Personal PFDs must be class III (non-inflatable).

Mountain or gravel bikes only; road bikes are prohibited. Racers must use the same bike throughout the entire race. Bikes will not be checked for mechanical worthiness, but we recommend your bike be in good working order. The course contains a mix of gravel road, and smooth single track.  Front suspension is highly recommended. No eBikes.

T1 - Paddle to Run.  You must carry all your run gear with you in the boat.  You will not be allowed to stage any gear with you at T1.  Any personal paddle gear will be transported for you back to the start from T1. Water abnd electrolytes will be available at T1.

T2 - Run to Bike. 

Click here for the course map

General

1. All participants must complete registration and sign a liability waiver before race day.

2. Competitors race at their own risk. Race officials' decisions are final.

3. Unsportsmanlike conduct, cheating, or course-cutting results in immediate disqualification.

Safety

1. Helmets are mandatory during the bike leg — must be buckled before mounting and remain on until dismounting.

2. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory during the kayak leg and must be worn at all times on the water.

3. Trail and river markings must be followed at all times; leaving the marked course without distress is grounds for DQ.

4. Participants are not permitted to wear earbuds or headphones tha block outside noise. Ear buds with transparancy or headphones that do not block the ear cannal are permitted.

Equipment

1. No outside kayaks are permitted.

2. Mountain or gravel bikes only; road bikes are prohibited.

3. No motorized assistance, pacers, or outside equipment hand-offs.

4. Bike must pass safety inspection at check-in.

Course & Transitions

1. Transition areas are not timed — no assistance from spectators permitted inside transition zones.

2. Athletes must rack their own bikes and stow their own kayaks in assigned spots.

3. Littering outside designated waste stations results in a time penalty.

Timing & Results

1. Chip timing is mandatory; lost chips result in a DNF unless otherwise verified.

2. All legs must be completed under own power — no towing on the water or drafting on the bike leg.

3. Medical withdrawals must be reported to a race marshal immediately.

Race directors reserve the right to modify rules due to weather, course, or river conditions.

Clikc here to see the competition.

Timing is through MYLAPS disposable bib tag.  You must wear your assigned bib at all times during the race.

Participants will be timed using MYLAPS Chip timing. All bibs will have a timing chip. Please attach your bib to your front during all disciplines.  All awards are based on chip time. 

Once you cross the finish line, you can head over to the timing tent to get your results on-site.

Prizes will go to the top 3 finishers in each division.

• Male & Female Open

• Male & Female 40+

• Male & Female 50+

Looking for things to do or a place to eat while you or your fans are in town? Check out our handy-dandy guide to our hometown!  

Lodging:

Our campground at Golden Rock (Compton) will be available for rustic camping. The campground has bathrooms, water, and an amazing view of the river.  Camping is availbe for $10 per person for the weekend. Trailers and RVs are not recommened.

You can also check out Shenandoah River State Park for cabins, campsites, and RV hookups. A most excellent park to race and stay in.

Address: 350 Daughter of Stars Dr, Bentonville, VA 22610

Phone: (540) 622-6840

Low Water Bridge Campground is about 4 miles from the race start. Lots of racers have stayed here over the years.

Address: 192 Panhandle Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610

Phone: (540) 635-7277

Pizza and drinks will be served post race.

We'll have a professional photographer on the course trying to catch you in your greatest moments.

Click here for information.