Once again, this year the race will begin and end at 14th st. Boats and paddling gear need to be dropped off at Reedy Creek. NO PARKING AT REEDY CREEK. The gravel lot is for loading and unloading only. We will have someone at both Reedy Creek and 14th st to watch gear; however, King of the James is not responsible for your individual gear. Locks for gear are recommended. Please take into consideration the time necessary to unload all belongings at Reedy Creek and 14th st in order to register / check in for the race.
***REMEMBER! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT THE ‘KING OF THE JAMES’. IF YOU SEE ANOTHER IN NEED OF HELP, PLEASE HELP!!!***
The King of the James takes place on an open course. You will encounter people on the trail enjoying our amazing James River Park System who are not racers. Be considerate and pass with care.
Race:
1.) Mountain Bike – Buttermilk & North Bank – Clockwise
A Le Mans-style start will kick off this years event. When the flag drops, riders will run to their bikes jump on and make their way down to the Canal Walk through Brown’s Island to Tredegar st then up on to the Belvedere Bridge. Once on the south side of the river hop on to the Buttermilk Trail for the start of the single track. At the end of the Buttermilk Trail, you then cross the Nickel Bridge (suggested route using sidewalk) to access the North Bank Trail heading east. As you reach the gravel road at the end of the North Bank Trail continue on to Tredegar St and back to the start to transition to the run.
2) Trail Run – JRPS
The 2023 KOTJ run segment is part trail run and urban assault. From the transition area head south on the Mayo Bridge past Diversity park to the beginning of the Floodwall Trail. Head up the stairs and onto the Floodwall proper. At the TPOT take the long switchback up and over the railroad and head west on Buttermilk to the 22st tower. Cross back over the railroad tracks, down the stairs on to the maintenance road.
At the bottom of the stairs turn right and take the higher trail towards Belle Isle and take the bridge onto the island. Head straight across the island then turn left upstream back towards Hollywood Rapid. At the backside of the quarry, head up the trail to the top of Belle Isle. Follow the trail back down to the maintenance road and back across the south-side bridge. Turn right and head back towards the tower.
Follow the signs on to Sawmill Island then back on to the maintenance road. The race course diverts again into the woods on the Reedy Creek Trail to JRPS HQ and then the Reedy Creek where your boat is ready to take on some whitewater.
3.) Whitewater Kayak – Falls of the James River – Straight Down the Middle
***WHITEWATER BOATS ONLY. NO SEA KAYAKS, WILDWATER BOATS OR RECREATION KAYAKS. IF YOUR BOAT IS OVER 4 METERS AND/OR HAS A KEEL, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED***
At this point, you have made it through the mountain bike and trail run portion of the King of the James. You’re tired. You’re exhausted. Now you will have to descend the James River and it’s many difficult rapids. If at this part of the race you are too tired, please consider not paddling.
For those still continuing, King of the James will use these rapids as part of the event. 1st Break, Approach, Corner, Hollywood, Hollywood Shoals, Pipeline. After Pipeline, paddle towards 14th Street Whitewater Take Out. You finish when your boat hits the steps at the take-out.
Relax and sit back. Take a breather. You just finished the King of the James. We will all gather here, safe & sound, at the 14th Street Take Out and make sure all participants have finished.
***REMEMBER! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT THE ‘KING OF THE JAMES’. IF YOU SEE ANOTHER IN NEED OF HELP, PLEASE HELP!!!***
The whitewater portion of the KOTJ has many hazards in the river and is only recommended for those who have been consistently paddling a minimum of Class lll whitewater. The river level is subject to change in response to rain events and can rise significantly overnight leading to a flooded river on race day even if the river has been low for a while. This is not the time to ‘off the couch’ on whitewater. If you are not versed in self-rescue or properly dressed for the air and water temperature a swim can be long and hypothermia can set in quickly. Please be responsible and do not put other competitors in the position of having to rescue you.