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Destination Trail Running

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Destination Trail Running

Ready to get out, go running and explore some new trails this summer? Let’s turn your next trail run into an exciting and memorable vacation you won’t soon forget! Wonderland Mountain Challenge is the springtime destination run you need to put on your race calendar. Taking place May 29th at ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia. Kickoff the unofficial start of summer by running in the mountains, camping with friends, paddling wild rivers and making memories that will last a lifetime!

Concho overlook view

Three Races in the New River Gorge

Wonderland Mountain Challenge offers three exciting race options for runners. Choose between a half marathon, 10K run or 5-mile mountain hike. These race routes will take you from the resort center through the forest and up Wonderland Mountain. After gaining 300 ft in elevation racers will drop into the New River Gorge where they are greeted with stunning views of the river. Run past abandon coal mine entrances, sandstone cliffs and cascading streams as you make your way back towards the resort. Half marathoners will get pleasure of passing by Concho Overlook, one of the best views in all of West Virginia. Runners hit the finish line feeling that they have met the challenge and rave about how tough but fun that race was!

wonderland challenge race map

Holy SWAG!

Racers score tons of goodies at our races with all kinds of perks you won’t find any other race offering! Of course we have the basics like custom medals for all finishers, free race shirt when you sign up before the end of April and even cash prizes for overall winners. Here is where we step things up a notch… we know you will be hungry after all that running, so how about a taco/burrito lunch buffet provided free to all participants. After eating all those tacos you will probably be in a food coma so take up our offer on free camping Saturday night and pitch your tent in our mountaintop campground. If you breakdown everything you get for the cost of registration this race is a steal!

Burrito buffet

Relax and Unwind in the Woods

ACE Adventure Resort is a premier destination in the Mountain State offering outdoor adventures, lodging, meals and tons of fun at our 1,500-acre playground in the gorge. It is also the perfect place to chill out and relax after your race whether you want to grill out over the fire at your campsite or have some drinks and meet new friends at The Lost\ Paddle Bar & Grill at the resort.

Camping not your thing? Rent one of our cabins where you can cook in the kitchen, surf the couch or take a lap in the hot tub. Another great place to unwind and cool off is on the beach at ACE Adventure Waterpark. This place is unreal featuring inflatable toys, waterslides, zip lines and a blob. Pickup discounted waterpark passes with your race registration.

Waterpark toys at ACE Adventure Waterpark

Adventure is Calling & You Must Go

Ready to see what the New River Gorge National Park is all about? Sign up to go whitewater rafting through this incredibly beautiful canyon. Every boat is equipped with a guide to show you the ropes on this breathtaking adventure down the river. Wanna get a birds eye view of the gorge? ACE Adventure Resort offers the only zip line with views of the river. You will leap from cliff to cliff while soaring over the treetops at speeds over 35 mph! There are also opportunities to go mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, ATV riding, and more right from the resort.

Guests rafting with ACE Adventure Resort

Run Wild this Memorial Day Weekend

Registration is now open for the 2021 Wonderland Mountain Challenge. When you sign up for the half marathon or the 10k run before the end of January you will save $10 off advance race registration prices. Grab your friends and family and head to the mountains this Memorial Day weekend for a trail run vacation.

Can’t make it this spring? The New River Gorgeous Trail Run is happening August 21, 2021 right here at ACE Adventure Resort.

Woman participating in a race

Chris Colin author at aceraft.com
BY Chris Colin

Chris Colin is a raft guide, whitewater kayaker, active caver, and as Special Events Coordinator at ACE he manages, promotes, and executes special events like the Mountain Music Festival.

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