Packet Pick-Up

Come by The Clay Center, at 1 Clay Square in Charleston from 4:00 pm to 6:50 pm on Friday September 16th to pick-up your race packet. The packet will contain your race bib and race instructions (the race instructions are also on the website here). The Clay Center is located off Exit 100 of I-77/I-64. Exit the interstate and go to the first stoplight. Go straight through the stoplight and the entrance to the Clay Center will be on the left. Take the circular drive and temporarily park on the right hand side. We will be inside the main entrance, through the double doors.

Race Day Events in Charleston

We are two-and-a-half weeks away from the 2016 race. If you are looking for a way to celebrate completing the Challenge, stick around Charleston for a Downtown Streetfest starting at 4:30 pm on Capitol Street. There will be live music, food, and drinks until 8:00 pm.
The Clay Center will feature a performance by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 pm. The Orchestra is auditioning for a new conductor and this will be the first performance of the fall season.
The Capitol Market will feature their last Science Saturday of the year, hosted by The Clay Center from noon to 4 pm. Demonstrations and experiments aimed at a younger audience will be on display there.
Those interested in artwork can visit the East End Bazaar until 3:00 pm for their "Art of Painting" exhibit.

Make all your race day preparations and get ready to run, row, ride. Then, take a look at the many other activities on this busy Saturday in Charleston. It looks to be an amazing day!

The 2016 Race Approaches

We are a month and a half (45 days) away from the 2016 Capital City Challenge. Ramp up your training and get your gear (kayak and bike) ready for the event. Find a friend to team up with if you would rather not complete the individual triathlon. And remember, this is the first year we are featuring a 13k run (8 miles). Runners who would rather not paddle or bike can still enjoy a challenging distance run on the Boulevard.
If you are travelling to Charleston for the race, check out the Courtyard Marriott on Kanawha Boulevard for accommodations. It is short walk from our featured hotel to the race start at Magic Island. See the tab above for more information on staying there. For dining options, check out the many downtown restaurants featured on the Charleston Visitor Bureau's website: here.
Take time to explore the other tabs on this website. They most likely have the answers to questions concerning the race course and rules. Visit the "Sponsors" tab to see the companies and organizations who make the Challenge possible. This year the race is being supported by: Star USA Federal Credit Union; Webb Law Centre; Snap Fitness; WV American Water; John's Cyclery; The Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Suttle & Stalnaker; Bar 101; and The City of Charleston. Thank you!

Your Registration Helps The Counseling Connection

Our beneficiary is The Counseling Connection whose mission statement is "Providing the highest quality counseling, therapy, education and advocacy" in West Virginia. The Counseling Connection receives all the funds from racer registration. Money from the race helps support their REACH program. It is a 24/7 response program for sexual assault victims and they provide free services like counseling as well as Recovery Kits. Learn more about this great organization and partner to the Capital City Challenge - The Counseling Connection.

"Independence" Price Discount

The 2016 Capital City Challenge is just four months away. As a reminder, the date is September 17th and the start time is 9:00 am sharp. And through July 4th we are offering $10 off of our normal registration price! Visit the "Registration" tab to sign up on Tri State Racer. Enter the coupon code "Independence" when checking out to receive the discount.
The 2015 event saw a change in the bike course as construction forced us to change to a three loop course on Kanawha Boulevard rather than the traditional two loop course. Last year the City of Charleston was gracious enough to give us all four lanes of the Boulevard, which was appreciated by last year's participants. Although some participants forgot to complete the extra bike loop, we hope to eliminate that confusion with extra signage on the course. Please remember, this is now a three loop course! The mileage is the same but we had to add an extra lap to avoid the construction zone. The turnaround will be at Veazey Street again in 2016.
Another exciting change is that packet pick-up will be held at the Courtyard Marriott on Kanawha Boulevard the Friday night before the race from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
The Courtyard Marriott is also the official hotel of the Challenge, so call today to reserve a room and tell them you are participating in this event for special room rates. The local telephone number is: 304-344-5888. Or you can visit their website by following this link: Courtyard Marriott - Charleston.

A NEW ADDITION FOR 2016

Due to popular demand, a new event has been added.  In addition to the run-row-ride race, a 13k running race will be offered this year.  For all those that couldn’t find a kayak to borrow or didn’t want to buy one and to those who were embarrassed by their 1976 “ten speed”, you no longer have an excuse.  Register today for the brand new race that will be raced in conjunction with the run-row-ride.
The course is simple.  Run with the “Challengers” to the Moose Lodge on the Boulevard.  Let the multi-sport folks continue on to Daniel Boone Park while you turn around and hightail it back to Magic Island.  This 13k run is just over 8 miles and you will be hard-pressed to find a flatter, faster course in the Mountain State!

No excuses!  If you want to run but don’t want to row or ride, the 13k is for you.  Register today at www.tristateracer.com.

2016 CAPITAL CITY CHALLENGE – MAY UPDATE

The Capital City Challenge is just 4 months away and many are in full training mode for the 7th annual running of the Challenge.  The official date is September 17 and the gun will sound at 9:00 a.m. sharp!

The 2015 event saw a change in the bike course as construction forced us to revert to a 3 loop course on Kanawha Boulevard rather than the 2 loop course of previous years.  As the City of Charleston was gracious enough to give us all four lanes of the Boulevard, this change was roundly approved by last year’s participants.  Although we had some that forgot to add the extra bike loop, we hope to eliminate that confusion with additional signage on the course.  Please remember, this is now a 3 loop course!  The mileage is the same but we had to add an extra lap to avoid the construction zone.
In another exciting change, packet pick-up will be held on Friday evening at the Courtyard Marriott on Kanawha Boulevard.  Stop by and get your race information the night before the race from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The Courtyard Marriott is also the official hotel of the Challenge so call today to reserve a room and tell them you are participating in this event for special room rates.    The local telephone number is 304-344-5888 or visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/crwcy-courtyard-charleston.

2016 Capital City Challenge Update

Spring has started and planning for the 2016 Capital City Challenge is well underway. The official date for this year's event is September 17, 2016 at 9:00 am sharp. This year our packet pick-up location will the Courtyard Marriott. Participants will be able to get their bibs and have any questions answered from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on the Friday before the race.
For the runners who want a solo event, we are offering a 13 kilometer (8.1 mile) race this year. The route will stay on Kanawha Boulevard with the Moose Lodge serving as the turn-around point. All registration information can be found on Tri-State Racer.

Keep visiting our page for the latest updates.

Celtic Calling Kilt 5k Run

Kick off the spring running season with some Celtic flavor. The City of Charleston will be holding a 5k race on March 5, 2016 starting at 8:00 am at the intersection of Smith and Morris Streets. Participants will run from the streets near Appalachian Power Park up to Spring Hill Cemetery and back. Appropriately, race funds will benefit the Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery nonprofit organization. A bagpiper will be playing at the start line and throughout the race. Wear a kilt during the race to qualify for the "Highland Warrior" group.
More information can be found by clicking on CharlestonWV.com and at Tri State Racer.