The weather was HOT but it didn’t stop more than 80 paddlers from participating in the 3rd Annual James River Rundown. Racers came from as far away as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Colorado to compete in three races.
The 2016 James River 
Rundown featured a grueling 140-mile endurance race that began the morning of Saturday, June 11 at Riveredge Park in Lynchburg, a 100-mile race that started at James River State Park that same day, and a 20-mile race that started at Powhatan State Park on Sunday, June 12. All three races finished near Robious Landing at American Legion Post 354 for a post-race celebration featuring food, beverage, and live music from Rockfish Gap.
The James River 140 course is the longest unobstructed section of the James River and one of the longest races of its kind on the east coast. Seven solo racers started the inaugural James River 140 and only three finished. Paul Cox (19:38) of Atlanta, GA finished the race first, Salli O’Donnell (21:01) of Chesapeake, VA finished second, and Matthew Stalnaker (22:57) of Greensboro, NC finished third. Two teams, Nauti Buoys (24:37) and JD (25:40), also completed in the James River 140.
16 solo racers and three teams competed in the James River 100. Dave Segars (15:22) of Earlysvill
e, VA finished the race first and Dave Dolak (16:52) of Charlottesville, VA finished second. Joseph Frohock (18:26) of Seminole, FL and Rod Price (18:28) of Orlando, FL finished third and fourth after an incredible display of sportsmanship when they assisted a fellow racer in distress. Bacchus Boat (17:49) was the first team to finish the James River 100.
50 individuals participated in the James River 20, which was less of a race and more of a fun paddle for some participants. John McCue (3:10) was the first solo racer to finish and MAPA Has Beens (3:36) was the first team to finish.
The 2016 James River Rundown was a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series Event, Presented Nationally by Toyota benefiting the Upper and Lower James Riverkeepers®. Additional sponsorship was provided by Richmond Outside, Huguenot Trail Rotary Clu
b, L.L. Bean, Mid-Atlantic Paddler’s Association (MAPA), Cudas, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and RVA Paddlesports.
Photos from the event may be purchased from Ellie Morris at ellimorris.com For more information about the James River Rundown, visit www.jamesriverrundown.org.