New River Gorge Gauntlet Kayak & Raft Race

May 25, 2025

Location: New River Gorge

Event Information Event Schedule Pricing Gorge Race Rolling Rodeo Live Music & Afterparty

New River Gorge Gauntlet Kayak & Raft Race

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure at the New River Gorge Gauntlet, a thrilling whitewater kayak and raft race taking place on Sunday, May 25th. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the iconic New River Gorge, this event challenges paddlers of all skill levels to navigate Class III to Class V rapids through some of the most rugged and scenic waters in the country.

Whether you’re an experienced kayaker seeking glory or part of a team ready to conquer the rapids in a raft, the Gauntlet promises excitement, competition, and camaraderie. Spectators are invited to Fayette Station to cheer on the racers as they tackle turbulent waters and race to the finish.

Don’t miss this high-energy, action-packed event that embodies the spirit of adventure in the New River Gorge! Do you have what it takes to conquer the Gauntlet? Grab your paddle and join the race!

Pricing Information

Individual Race Registration

Includes registration for Gorge Race on Sunday.

Advance Registration

35.00 Day of Registration

50.00

Raft Team Race Only Registration

Includes registration for Gorge Race on Saturday.
*Race Day add $30 to Pricing.

R2

$70.00

R3/R4

$100.00

R5/R6

$140.00

Event Schedule

Sunday, May 25, 2025

10:00 am

Racer Check-in/Late Registration @ ACE Adventure Gear

12:30 pm

Shuttle to Cunard from Fayette Station Upper Parking Lot

1:00 pm

Arrive to Cunard

1:30 pm

Pre-Event Briefing

2:00 pm

Race Start

5:00 pm

Awards Ceremony @ TBD

Race the iconic New River Gorge

Sunday afternoon go fast and take chances down the New River Gorge. With the extra Spring juice, your lap time should be boosted, and the competition will be close. This intermediate/advanced class IV kayak and raft race will span 6.9 mi starting with a mass start at Cunard and ending with professional timing at Fayette station.

Participation is encouraged for any craft you can competently navigate down the Lower New, and competitive classes can be created with only 3 or more participants in similar crafts. Competitive classes will be announced at the close of pre-registration and prizes will be evenly distributed across classes.

If water levels are anticipated to reach above 20,000 the day of the race, this event will move from Stone Cliff to Cunard. Details for event check-in, start times, and prizes can be found on this page and additional information will be communicated to participants via e-mail upon registering.

Racer Perks & Prizes

Event Shuttle to Cunard & from Fayette Station.
Racer Event T-Shirt

Prize baskets put together by ACE Adventure Gear with support from event sponsors.

Sponsors and prize list to be announced.

Afterparty & Awards

Awards

Competitive classes will be based on pre-registration numbers with a minimum of first place men’s and women’s categories being awarded prizes. Additional prizes will be distributed across competitive classes based on the following guidelines:

IF 3 IN A CLASS ONLY 1ST PLACE WILL BE AWARDED
IF 3-6 IN A CLASS 1ST AND 2ND PLACE WILL BE AWARDED
IF 7+ IN A CLASS 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD PLACE WILL BE AWARDED
OVERALL EVENT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED CONSIDERING BOTH RODEO & RACE SCORES.

Logistics & Rules

Check-In
Check-in each morning at ACE Adventure Gear in downtown Fayetteville. Driving Directions HERE. Racers must check-in at the shop prior to meeting at Cunard for the rodeo or Fayette Station for the race shuttle.

Shuttle
All Racers MUST ride the free shuttle provided from Fayette Station to Cunard. This is a requirement of our NPS event permit and will ensure the event can continue within the National Park. Racers will park in the upper parking lot of Fayette Station where a Bus and Trailer will shuttle them to Cunard. Buses will leave promptly so be EARLY!

Waivers
All participants must complete the ACE General Liability Waiver online. Please complete this waiver prior to check in. Find the waiver HERE, enter the date May 10th, click special events then New River Gorge Rodeo & Race to start your waiver.

Event Rules & Scoring

The New River Gorge Gauntlet spans sections of whitewater rapids which require a level of competency in the boat and familiarity with the run. While we provide safety throughout the course for emergency situations, paddlers are expected to be able to confidently paddle the included section of whitewater. By registering for this race you are acknowledging the inherent risk that comes with our sport, and are confirming you have the ability to paddle this section of whitewater.

1. Participants are expected to respect themselves, fellow competitors, and the River.
2. Watercrafts must be non-motorized.
3. Drug & alcohol use is prohibited in the National Park & during the Race & Rodeo.
4. Participants must have the competency in their chosen craft to paddle the included section of Whitewater.
5. Participants must ride the shuttle to Cunard. (Per NPS requirement of our event permit).