James River Gauntlet
Three Days. Three Races. One Ultimate Challenge
Take on the ultimate challenge at the James River Gauntlet. Over the course of one action-packed weekend, you’ll tackle three races across different disciplines. It all kicks off with the Mountain Bike Time Trial on Friday, May 16, followed by the James River Scramble on Saturday, May 17, and wrapping up with the Downriver Paddle on Sunday, May 18. With three races in three days, this stage race is designed to test your endurance and push your limits. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?
Events
- MTB Time Trial – May 16 @ 6:30pm
- James River Scramble – May 17 @ 8am
- Downriver Paddle – May 18 @ 1pm
Event Format and Scoring
The James River Gauntlet is a three-day, multi-discipline race designed to test your endurance and versatility. Competitors will take on three distinct events across three challenging days, each pushing different aspects of athletic performance.
Friday – MTB Time Trial
The weekend kicks off with the MTB Time Trial. where riders will race against the clock on a demanding course designed to challenge both skill and stamina. The event will be timed, with each rider’s performance contributing to their overall standing for the Gauntlet.
Saturday – James River Scramble
On Saturday, competitors will lace up their trail running shoes for the James River Scramble, navigating the rugged terrain of the James River trail system for a 10k-ish. Expect steep climbs and fast descents, all while racing for the best time and positioning in the overall event standings.
Sunday – Downriver Paddle
The Downriver Paddle wraps up the weekend on Sunday, where athletes will take to the water for a fast-paced, thrilling race down the James River. Racers are required to complete a mandatory ferry, testing their strength and technique to complete the Gauntlet.
James River Gauntlet Standings
The James River Gauntlet is a stage race, meaning your performance in each event contributes to your overall time and rank. To claim the title of James River Gauntlet Champion, competitors must compete in all three events, with cumulative times determining the final standings. Awards will be presented immediately following the Downriver Paddle, celebrating the best of the best across all disciplines.
Cost & Registration
MTB Time Trial
Opening Price: $20
March 15 – April 30: $25
May 1 – May 12: $30
May 13 – May 18: $35
James River Scramble
Opening Price: $40
March 15 – April 30: $45
May 1 – May 12: $50
May 13 – May 18: $60
Downriver Paddle
Opening Rate: $20
March 15 – May 12: $25
May 13 – May 18: $30
Includes a finisher t-shirt, chip timing,, and drink ticket*.
Entries are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable, even in the case of race cancellation and/or if you are unable to participate.
Packet Pickup
You must pick you your packet before the start of the MTB Time Trial event. Bib numbers must be worn in order to access the Start Area of all events. A Photo ID is required to pick you your packet. You may pick up a packet for another pre-registered participant, provided you have a copy of their photo ID.
Time and Location
- Friday, May 16 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Located near the MTB Time Trial start line on the North Bank Trail (at the trail entrance near the Oregon Hill Overlook)
Rules
- Participants must be at least 12 years old to participate
- The MTB Time Trial and James River Scramble are cupless events. You must bring your own hydration device.
- In the MTB Time Trial, only mountain bikes are allowed. Helmets are required.
- In the Downriver Paddle, boats must be under 4 meters in length and have no keel. All competitors must wear life vests and helmets.
- Consumption of alcohol before the event is PROHIBITED
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers at the conclusion of the Downriver Paddle.