Sept 9, 2023

2 p.m. start

2 mile road run + 13 mile road bike + 5 mile kayak = 20 miles of fun!

​#RunRideRiver​​

2022 RESULTS

Experience the James River as you've never seen it before as you run, ride, and paddle your way through this epic multi-sport adventure in beautiful Botetourt County. The Buchanan Tri is a great triathlon for beginners, but is also challenging for experienced triathletes. We're now in our 8th year -- the race has grown and finishing times have gotten more competitive. Sign up and start your training! Click here if you need to rent a kayak for the day.


Click here for all the RACE DETAILS (updated 9/24/22)


MAP OF RIVER LEG (see Map 3)


DIRECTIONS FOR CYCLING LEG (more info below or click for Strava link)


Looking for lodging or other things to do in Botetourt County?


Individuals: $70 before 5/1; $80 5/1 to 8/9; $90 after 8/9


The Swag: Participants will receive a race t-shirt (guaranteed if registered by 8/23) and post-race food. Top finishers will receive unique awards and serious braggin' rights!


Start: Buchanan Town Park, 2 p.m.  We recommend you transport your kayak to the Springwood Boat Landing on your way to the park. If you rent a kayak from Twin River Outfitters, your boat will be staged at the river for you. We will have volunteers at Springwood beginning at 11:30. Packet pick-up and on-site race registration will be at the park from noon to 1:30.   


Stage 1: The Run  ( 2 miles)
Start/Finish on Lowe St near the Town Park
--Proceed west on Lowe St, cross Rt. 11, go through tunnel on 19th St.
--Left on Spotswood Ave
--Left on 16th St.
--Right on Boyd St.
--Left on Bridge St.
--Left on Parkway Dr. 
-- Cross Rt. 11 to Lowe St, back to bike transition at Town Park

Finish: Buchanan Town Park where there will be food for you and a cool finisher's medal. Please pick up your bike at Springwood ASAP after you finish.  We'll have volunteers at Springwood until 30 minutes after the last racer finishes.  


Note: ​The race will be held rain or shine. The paddling portion will be omitted in the unlikely event of high water (6 ft or over) making this event a duathlon. Current river levels can be viewed here.


Refunds: We cannot offer refunds for this event, although we can work with you to transfer your registration in certain situations.


Please share your training updates and pictures with us on our Facebook page!  Be sure to tag your posts #RunRideRiver.

(540) 797-0217
Living better by adventuring in Virginia's Blue Ridge and beyond.

Muddy Squirrel

Stage 3: The Paddle -- 5 miles down the James River from the Springwood Boat Landing to the the boat ramp at Twin River Outfitters. It's a beautiful, easy paddle -- unless you are racing!  Click here for the river map (the Tri section is on Map 3). Need to rent a kayak? Click here (supplies are limited).

Stage 2: The Bike -- 13 miles through rolling, country roads, ending at the Springwood boat landing, upstream from Buchanan.​​ A map of the bike route is below. We will email you the gpx file in the pre-race email a week before the event.