Thurmond Triathlon

The Thurmond Triathlon, a bike-paddle-run race in historic Thurmond, West Virginia, requires every participant to complete all three legs. It begins in the morning from the Dun Glen Day Use Area and is organized by Active Southern West Virginia. Participants can compete solo, as a duo, or as a team of three or more, with teams remaining together throughout the event and crossing the finish line as a unit. The format is designed to be accessible: a 2-mile bike ride, a 1.5-mile paddle, and a 2-mile run. The bike leg travels from the Historic Thurmond Depot to Stonecliff over a course of pavement and gravel, suggesting a mountain or hybrid bike is more suitable than a road bike. From Stonecliff, participants paddle back toward Dun Glen on moving water featuring small whitewater rapids and obstacles. Single and double inflatable kayak rentals are available for those not bringing their own short, self-propelled watercraft. The run proceeds from Dun Glen, looping around Thurmond, crossing the Thurmond bridge, and utilizing both pavement and gravel surfaces. Racers must wear helmets for biking and paddling, label their gear with duct tape and a race number, and exercise caution when crossing CSX railroad tracks. The event includes chip timing, water stops, awards by category, finisher medals for children, and post-race food.