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West Virginia > ACE New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Walk
Minden, WV
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Date
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Event
Details
Slightly longer than most other half marathon races – with
13.2 miles of up-and-downhill trail running through the deep hardwood
forests of West Virginia's New River Gorge National River area, vs. the
traditional 13.1 miles – the ACE New River Gorge-ous Trail
Run & Walk is an event that lives up to its name. Participants
follow a natural trail of both loose and packed dirt, tree roots, rocks
and streams that runs above the river gorge as well as the nearby town
of Thurmond, which they look out over as they run from a vantage point
of roughly 1,000 feet above the town.
One of seven events on the calendar in West Virginia's Mountain State
Trail Run Series, the out-and-back race starts and finishes at the New
River Gorge park's dining lodge, where runners can also register on the
morning of the race if they haven't signed up in advance. Once runners
leave the starting line, the course follows a meandering route through
the woods and forested areas above the river, along trails like the
Thurmond Mountain Loop, the North Froghopper Loop, the Oather Ridge and
through lower-elevation areas like Aspen Cove and Deer Hollow.
The race features little flat terrain to speak of and some steep grades
along the way, including one deep descent into the gorge of roughly 500
feet. For runners who aren't up to that level of challenge, race
organizers also offer a 7.5-mile run and a 4.5-mile walking race as
part of the event. And thanks to its date on the calendar, participants
can expect to the area's fall colors on full display, with the trees in
the gorge hitting their peak with all shades of red, yellow and orange.
While you're there, over the weekend or even just during the race, take
in the full measure of the beauty of the area. Along the 53-mile
stretch of the river – which is one of the oldest rivers in
the world – protected today by the National Park Service, you
can go whitewater rafting, fishing and boating while looking up at the
massive
sandstone cliffs that overlook the river. There's also plenty of
historical (and pre-historical) sites scattered throughout the park,
including abandoned coal mines and company towns deep in the forest.
Race
Weather & Climate
Located about 70 miles southeast of the capital Charleston, the town of
Minden (which lies just a few miles from the New River Gorge park area)
tends to see mild to moderately cool weather conditions in the early-
to mid-fall season, with relatively even rainfall and precipitation
throughout the year (except in summer, when rainfall amounts are at
their highest). In October, area temperatures average between 65F and
41F, while rainfall averages around 3.05 inches for the month
– the town's lowest on average for the year.
Fees
(2007 fees)
$30 for the half marathon
$20 for the 7.5-mile run
$15 for the 4.5-mile walk
Registration
To reserve your spot in this year's running of the 2008 New River Gorge
half marathon, register online at Active.com
or print out and mail in this downloadable entry form.
Websites
www.aceraft.com
New River Gorge National River
at the National Park Service's website
Course Map
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Larger Map
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Your Race Story
Ever run in the New River Gorge-ous Half Marathon Run or Walk?
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impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
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