RUSSELLVILLE RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Full Gauley Marathon: The I Want It All Run — 26+ Miles and 100+ Rapids in a Single Day
A one-day, full-river assault on the Gauley—this guide explains what to expect on the 8-hour, high-consequence run for experienced paddlers.
Full Gauley Marathon: The I Want It All Run — 26+ Miles and 100+ Rapids in a Single Day.
The Full Gauley Marathon asks for more than time on the water; it demands stamina, prior whitewater experience and a willingness to run the river’s big waves one after another. Billed as the “I Want It All” strategy, this single-day push covers over 26 miles of the Gauley River and more than 100 rapids, delivering a relentless sequence of big-wave hits and technical whitewater from put-in to take-out.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Full Gauley — Over 26 Miles in One Push
This is the whole Gauley in a single day: more than 26 miles of continuous paddling arranged as an all-day run under the “I Want It All” plan.
More Than 100 Rapids and Big Wave Hits
Expect a concentrated dose of big waves and technical whitewater: the course includes more than one hundred rapids packed into the single-day descent.
A Full Day for Seasoned Paddlers
This trip is aimed at seasoned whitewater enthusiasts: previous experience is recommended and a bit of physical stamina is a must for the continuous, demanding day on the river.
What the day feels like
What a day on the Full Gauley feels like
From the meeting point to the take-out, the day is a sustained progression of rapids and wave trains: long stretches of paddling punctuated by rapid after rapid. Done in one push, the Full Gauley Marathon compresses the Gauley’s best — and hardest — features into roughly an eight-hour, nonstop experience of technical maneuvers, boat-speed decisions and repeated big-wave hits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this run suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an 8-hour, full-day run; expect a long day of paddling from launch to take-out.
Participants meet at 115 Oscar White Rd., Lansing, WV 25862 prior to launch.
Previous experience is recommended, and a bit of physical stamina is a must for this full-day run; check with the operator for specific gear guidance.
This trip is run by New & Gauley River Adventures.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Full Gauley Marathon take?
The trip is an eight-hour, full-day run.
Where do participants meet before the run?
Participants meet at 115 Oscar White Rd., Lansing, WV 25862.
How much river do you cover in one day?
The single-day Full Gauley Marathon covers over 26 miles of the Gauley River.
How many rapids are on the Full Gauley Marathon?
The run includes more than 100 rapids and multiple big-wave hits.
What level of experience is required?
Previous whitewater experience is recommended and a bit of physical stamina is a must for this full-day descent.