Sunday, June 8, 2003 -- Oak Hill, WV
XTERRA ACE Big Canyon Off-Road Triathlon (iPO Event Id#: 5274)

[Coverage]
[Overall Results]
Pictures: [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4] [Set 5]

Jump into the fun

[2001 Event Coverage]
[2002 Event Coverage]

"Nothing like a refreshing 1.5 mile river swim, a 7-mile run with a 1000 foot elevation gain, and a 13-mile mountain bike ride for a Sunday of fun," was the race description from 2002. You can bet they'll be plenty more of this fun at this year's XTERRA!

Adventure racing has returned to ACE Adventure Center and the mighty New River Gorge National River. History and stories abound in this area from coal mining fortunes and grand hotels to bustling towns long since left behind, and these athletes will be right in the middle of it.

Repeating the highlight of last's year's event, the race begins in a small eddy along the New River and near the historic town of Thurmond. The start whistle blows, and you dive into the deep current, navigating small rapids and rocks along the way. Pulling yourself from the river's grip 1.5 miles down stream, you must don your running shoes for the 7-mile trail/forest service road run to ACE's Mountain Top Campsite. And finally, you jump on your mountain bike for the 13-mile ride over steep and windy single-track trails with glimpses of the New River and the swim/run transition 800' below.

If you are ready for some down and dirty off-road adventure racing, then come to Southern West Virginia for the ACE Canyon Off-Road Triathlon. Definitely not for the faint of heart!