Run. Ride. Paddle.
James River Rush. 2026.
Richmond’s only urban triathlon — trail running, mountain biking, and Class III+ whitewater paddling through the James River Park System.
Price increases after August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Richmond’s only urban triathlon.
The James River Rush is Richmond’s only urban triathlon: run trails, bike singletrack, paddle Class III+ whitewater. Born from the legendary King of the James, this race brings community, rad trails, a little chaos, and the power of the river to an official competitive format. Race individually or as a team!
Starting and finishing at the 14th Street takeout upper lot, the James River Rush winds through the city and into the shaded woods of the James River Park System. Riders hit Richmond’s legendary singletrack — Northbank and Buttermilk — laced with switchbacks, roots, creek crossings, and the kind of rhythm that built our MTB reputation.
From there, a gritty trail run through the heart of the park keeps the momentum rolling. The finale? Pure unadulterated RVA whitewater. Paddlers charge Class III+ rapids from Reedy to 14th, dropping Hollywood, slicing Pipeline, and hammering the whitewater core of downtown. It all ends with a post-race party at Riverside Outfitters — only RVA can deliver.
This year’s course will be the exact same as last year’s KOTJ Course.
♥ Register Now — $50
One race. All of it.
Mountain Biking
Hit Richmond’s legendary Northbank and Buttermilk singletrack — switchbacks, creek crossings, and the rhythm that built our MTB reputation.
Trail Running
A gritty run through the heart of the James River Park System. Roots, rocks, and rhythm — this is Richmond trail running at its finest.
Whitewater Paddling
Charge Class III+ rapids from Reedy to 14th — dropping Hollywood, slicing Pipeline, and hammering the whitewater core of downtown RVA.
Race solo or build a team.
Individual
Take on all three disciplines yourself — run, bike, and paddle the full course. Officially timed from start to finish.
- All three legs: run, bike, paddle
- Officially timed
- Individual finisher recognition
- $50 entry
Team of 3
Split the disciplines — one person runs, one bikes, one paddles. Relay format, officially timed as a team.
- One leg per team member
- Officially timed as a relay
- Team finisher recognition
- $50 per person entry
What you need to know.
Saturday, November 8, 2026
Race starts at 8:00 AM EST
14th Street Takeout Upper Lot
James River Park System · Richmond, VA
Solo or Team of 2–3
Each team member completes one discipline
Party at Riverside Outfitters
Food, drinks, awards, good vibes
Price increases after August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Make it happen.
The James River Rush runs on volunteer power. Whether you’re marshaling the trail, cheering at the put-in, or helping at the finish line — your energy makes this race what it is.
Guide racers along the trail and bike legs. Keep the course safe and the energy high.
Station on the river to support paddlers through the rapids. Swiftwater experience preferred.
Check in racers at the start. Hand out bibs, answer questions, set the tone for race day.
Cheer racers in, help with timing, and celebrate with the community at the post-race party.
Got questions?
What is the James River Rush?
The James River Rush is Richmond’s only urban triathlon — combining trail running, mountain biking, and Class III+ whitewater paddling through the James River Park System. It’s a competitive race open to individuals and teams of 3.
Can I race as a team?
Yes! Teams of 3 race in relay format — one person runs, one bikes, one paddles. Each team member completes one leg and the team is officially timed together.
What kind of boat do I need for the paddle leg?
A whitewater kayak or canoe rated for Class III+ rapids is required. Sit-on-top kayaks and inflatables are not recommended. Paddlers must have prior Class III experience.
Do I need to be an expert in all three disciplines?
Not at all — but you should be comfortable in each. The trail run and bike legs are challenging but accessible to fit athletes. The paddle leg requires genuine whitewater experience due to Class III+ rapids.
Where does the race start and finish?
Both the start and finish are at the 14th Street Takeout upper lot in the James River Park System, Richmond, VA.
What is the course?
This year’s course is the same as last year’s KOTJ Course. It includes the Northbank and Buttermilk singletrack trails, a trail run through the park system, and the whitewater paddle from Reedy to 14th Street.
How much does it cost to register?
Regular: $50 (through August 31). Late / Race Day: $65. Team pricing is $50 per person.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day, or 16–17 with a signed parental consent waiver.
Who organizes the James River Rush?
The James River Rush is organized by the James River Outdoor Coalition (JROC), a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and promoting the James River Park System.
Run. Ride. Paddle.
James River Rush. 2026.
Richmond’s only urban triathlon — trail running, mountain biking, and Class III+ whitewater paddling through the James River Park System.
Price increases after August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Richmond’s only urban triathlon.
The James River Rush is Richmond’s only urban triathlon: run trails, bike singletrack, paddle Class III+ whitewater. Born from the legendary King of the James, this race brings community, rad trails, a little chaos, and the power of the river to an official competitive format. Race individually or as a team!
Starting and finishing at the 14th Street takeout upper lot, the James River Rush winds through the city and into the shaded woods of the James River Park System. Riders hit Richmond’s legendary singletrack — Northbank and Buttermilk — laced with switchbacks, roots, creek crossings, and the kind of rhythm that built our MTB reputation.
From there, a gritty trail run through the heart of the park keeps the momentum rolling. The finale? Pure unadulterated RVA whitewater. Paddlers charge Class III+ rapids from Reedy to 14th, dropping Hollywood, slicing Pipeline, and hammering the whitewater core of downtown. It all ends with a post-race party at Riverside Outfitters.
This year’s course will be the exact same as last year’s KOTJ Course.
♥ Register Now — $50One race. All of it.
Mountain Biking
Hit Richmond’s legendary Northbank and Buttermilk singletrack — switchbacks, creek crossings, and the rhythm that built our MTB reputation.
Trail Running
A gritty run through the heart of the James River Park System. Roots, rocks, and rhythm — this is Richmond trail running at its finest.
Whitewater Paddling
Charge Class III+ rapids from Reedy to 14th — dropping Hollywood, slicing Pipeline, and hammering the whitewater core of downtown RVA.
Same course as last year’s KOTJ.
Northbank and Buttermilk singletrack, a trail run through the park system, and the whitewater paddle from Reedy to 14th Street. Starting and finishing at the 14th Street Takeout upper lot.
♥ Register Now — $50Race solo or build a team.
Individual
- All three legs: run, bike, paddle
- Officially timed
- Individual finisher recognition
- $50 entry
Team of 3
- One leg per team member
- Officially timed as a relay
- Team finisher recognition
- $50 per person entry
What you need to know.
Price increases after August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
♥ Register Now — $50
Make it happen.
The James River Rush runs on community. We need volunteers at aid stations, transition zones, course marshaling, and the finish line. It’s a great way to be part of the race without racing — and you’ll have a blast doing it.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Got questions?
What is the James River Rush?
Can I race as a team?
What kind of boat do I need for the paddle leg?
Do I need to be an expert in all three disciplines?
Where does the race start and finish?
What is the course?
How much does it cost to register?
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Who organizes the James River Rush?
Ready to race?
Nov 8, 2026 · 14th St Takeout · Richmond, VA
Early Bird entry $50 — price increases Sept 1.