Active Southern West Virginia is proud to present the first ever running event across the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. The Active SWV Bridge Day 5k, benefiting Active SWV Kids Running Clubs, will take place on October 15, 2016.
Participants will begin on the north side with a police escort across the bridge in a closed lane. Racers will exit the event onto open town streets, lap around the Fayetteville Town Park, and finish beside the Historic Fayette County Courthouse. Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest one day festival, attracts over 50,000 visitors to experience walking across the closed bridge 876 feet above the river, the region’s best vendors, and spectate the base jumpers, sky divers, and rappellers.
Registration is limited to 200 racers with no walkers permitted this year. Registration includes:
- morning shuttle from Fayetteville High School to the start line on the north side of the bridge
- chip timing
- water station at mile 2
- performance wear shirt
- finisher medals
- top finisher medals
- post event shuttle
Morning Shuttle: The Bridge is CLOSED! You cannot drive across the New River Gorge Bridge between 6:30am and 5:00pm on October 15, 2016. Event registration includes a one way shuttle from the Fayetteville High School parking lot at 8:15am across the bridge to the start line. The bus will drop racers off who will then enter through the security gate, see restrictions here, to gather at the start line.
Chip Timing: Provided by Appalachian Timing Group, each racer will be issued a chip number in the parking lot starting at 7am. Chip numbers must be picked up with proper ID prior to 8am. Racers must wear their chip number on the front of their shirts.
Water Station at Mile 2: Volunteers will be positioned at the Fayetteville Town Park were you can access water as you enter and as you exit the park loop. Volunteers sign up page.
Runner buff and finisher metal: Making sure each racer has souvenirs to be proud of their accomplishment.
Finisher Trophies: Due to the limited number of racers, there will be top finishers in Men’s and Women’s. OVERALL Male and Female winners of the race and then 1st place in the following age groups…
0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ for Male AND Female.
Local art pieces will be awarded directly after the race on a stage in front of the Fayette County Court House.
After Race Options:
Everyone will need to refuel after competing in WV’s first bridge run! Participants are encouraged to explore Fayetteville’s award winning restaurants and return to the Bridge Day © event for food vendors. The annual Bridge Day Chili Cookoff begins at the finish line at 3pm.
Shuttle services are available throughout the day and included in race entry. Additional family & friends using shuttle can expect to pay: $2 per person. The green “Fayetteville Route” will continually run throughout the day to get you from the high school, the finish line, and south side bridge entrance.
A bicycle valet service will be provided by Active SWV Bike/Walk at the north and south side of the bridge for attendees to access the event. We encourage everyone to spend the afternoon exploring downtown Fayetteville and return to the Bridge Day (c) event.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions:
Event restrictions: no dogs, bikes, or backpacks allowed on the bridge. There is a security check point at either end of the bridge.
You can transfer your race registration to another person up to 48 hours before the event. No refunds if you can not attend.
It is acceptable to pick up a friends race number prior to the event, if you have proof of his/her identification.
You do not have to use the shuttle, but you do have to be at the start line by 9:00am.
For additional questions email [email protected]
Additional Resources:
Active Southern West Virginia Facebook page
Bridge Day (c) 5K Volunteer page, please click “interested” to be contacted
Visit Fayetteville, lodging, restaurants, attractions
Visit Southern West Virginia, regional lodging, restaurants, attractions
Go to West Virginia, State Division of Tourism
