The name of Captain Thurmond is well known around Fayette County. Captain William Dabney Thurmond moved from Amherst, Virginia in the 1840’s to settle in what is now Fayette County, West Virginia. He was a Confederate leader during the Civil War, surveyor, landowner, and builder/owner of the landmark Dunglen Hotel in Thurmond, West Virginia. You can read more about this prestigious figure at http://www.wvculture.org/history/wvhs1403.html

In more recent times, the name of Captain Thurmond has come to represent the high adventure and challenge of an extreme outdoor triathlon. The annual Captain Thurmond’s Challenge Extreme Triathlon combines 12 miles of mountain biking along the ridge lines of the New River Gorge, 8 miles of kayaking Class III and IV whitewater rapids, and 8.5 miles of running up out of the gorge. It is definitely enough adventure to challenge any competitor and it is absolutely extreme!

The sunshine and blue skies were right on the mark for the August 20, 2011 Captain Thurmond’s Challenge and the 90 competitors in this year’s event. Youth races, inflatable bouncers for the kiddies, live music, and the presentation of awards added to the fun and excitement of the day. No matter if you were a triathlete or a spectator, it was a great way to spend the day in Fayetteville,West Virginia.