On Apr. 24, the premier triathlon race highlighting the best of the Greenbrier River Trail and the Greenbrier River welcomed 107 participants who ran 3 miles, paddled 4 miles, and biked 10 miles. Choosing to participate in person on Race Day or virtually by completing legs of the race and self-reporting the times allowed everyone to compete comfortably and safely. The Race began and ended in Marlinton. Winners included William Blake of Scott’s Depot, West Virginia with the fastest overall time and second place finisher Andrew Rose of Glen Allen, Virginia.
Race Director Brenda Cochran said, “For 35 years we have held an event dear to the hearts of people who love the outdoors and important to the community in protecting the Greenbrier River Trail and Greenbrier River environment. I thank all the volunteers who helped make the Race a success and we are especially grateful to the WV State Park Service, Jody Spencer, Sam Parker and their staff, for their hard work and cooperation.”
The Race is a fundraiser for the Greenbrier River Trail Association (GRTA), a group of volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation of the Trail and its benefits to the public. Past proceeds from the Race have helped build shelters and toilets, repair damage caused by storms and floods and lay new gravel on the Trail.
Racers benefited from the new resurfacing of the Trail, made possible through a Recreational Trail Program grant awarded to the Greenbrier River Trail Association and WV Department of Natural Resources. The US Department of Highways paid $120,000 matched by $30,000 from the Greenbrier River Trail Association. This spring, Faulknier Enterprises resurfaced 60 miles of the Trail with limestone sand from Cass south to Mile Post 16 near Anthony Creek. The WV Department of Highways administered the grant.
“It’s a privilege to be involved in protecting a resource so critical to the health and wellbeing of West Virginians and visitors from out of state,” said Maggie Hutchison, Board Chairperson of GRTA. “We have seen an enormous increase in Trail usage over the past year and encourage many more people to enjoy the Trail. Come out on the Trail for a great experience.”
