Races
Rim to River
West Virginia New River Gorge. Rim to river. Sixteen thousand feet. Sandstone and rhododendron.
101 mi+2,663 ft-2,689 ft32 hours1,520 ft to 1,716 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookNew River GorgeWSER qualifierOctober
Distance101 mi
Gain+2,663 ft
Loss-2,689 ft
Altitude1,520 ft to 1,716 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 75°F
- Start1,699 ft
- High1,716 ft
- Low1,520 ft
- Finish1,673 ft
Field, 2024 · 6-year samplescraped
Starters241
Finish rate78%
Median28:14
Sub-2436
Geometryderived
Steepest drop161 ft-1.4% over 2.1 mi
Night miles47 misunset near 18:00 local
Course records
Men15:34:12Dan Green
Women19:00:27Hollyann Swann
The cruxNew River Gorge rim descent on sandstone (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Rim to River runs 100 mi through West Virginia. +2,663 ft gain and -2,689 ft loss. Surfaces skew 80% trail / 20% forest road. New River Gorge rim descent on sandstone. High point near 1,716 ft. Low near 1,520 ft. October temps run 40°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 2,663 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 32 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
October in West Virginia: plan for 40°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 32 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 80% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. New River Gorge rim descent on sandstone near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Rim to River finish lines.
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Sources (3)
- Field stats (2024): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=110630
- Course record (M): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=90461
- Course record (F): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=81105