The Falling Water Ultras is a premier endurance event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the ACE Adventure Resort, located within the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. Organized by Rim to River Endurance Co., the race features a 15.5-mile loop that participants navigate multiple times depending on their chosen distance. The course is highly technical and scenic, following the banks of the New River and passing numerous waterfalls along Rush Run and Arbuckle Creek. Each loop includes 2,400 feet of elevation gain, meaning 100K solo runners will tackle a total of 9,600 feet of climbing over four laps.
| Race Category | Distance / Format | Standard Fee | Cutoff Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo 100K | 4 Loops | $195 | 24 Hours |
| Solo 50K | 2 Loops | $160 | 12 Hours |
| 100K Relay | 2 or 4 Person | $320 / $360 | 24 Hours |
The New River Gorge region is located in Fayette County, West Virginia. The county has a population of approximately 40,000 residents. According to U.S. Census data, the demographic profile of Fayette County is 92.5% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Asian, and 1.5% identifying with two or more races. The median annual household income is approximately $44,500. Geographically, the area is defined by the deep canyons carved by the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world. In late April, the climate in West Virginia's mountains is characterized by average highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Spring rain is frequent, which often swells the local creeks and makes the rocky Arbuckle Creek crossing particularly challenging for runners.
A unique aspect of this race is the inclusion of a campsite for Friday and Saturday night within the registration fee, encouraging a community atmosphere at the start/finish area. Solo 100K finishers earn a custom belt buckle, while the top male and female finishers in the 100K receive a free entry into the Rim to River 100 held in November. Proceeds from the event support Adventure Appalachia, a non-profit dedicated to providing outdoor adventure experiences for adolescents and adults in the region. Registration opens on December 14, 2025, and includes a custom technical tee for those signed up by March 1st. While the main aid station at the start/finish is fully stocked, runners must be self-sufficient for food and fuel while out on the 15.5-mile loops, as mid-loop hydration stations provide water and electrolyte drinks only.
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
07:00
$200.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
07:00
$330.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 100K
Type — Running
07:00
$360.00
Apr 25, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
07:00
$165.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in New River Gorge National Park.
Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Clifftop, Fayette County, West Virginia, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
location_on Charleston, West Virginia, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
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