3rd Annual Western North Carolina Flyathlon

Running Rivers is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 81-1625829) which firmly believes that the best way to ensure the preservation, protection, and maintenance of our irreplaceable public lands and waters is to develop and foster the stewards who will stand up in their defense. 

Our programs create unique opportunities for people to experience public lands and waters in novel and fun ways, to expand their depth of understanding of the importance of healthy functioning freshwater ecosystems, and to invest in their time, money, and sweat through on-the-ground stewardship projects. 

The Western North Carolina Flyathlon integrates three of the greatest outdoor activities of all time (trail running, fly-fishing, and craft beer) in a uniquely North Carolina venue called the Green River Gamelands!

Most importantly, the Western North Carolina Flyathlon is a fundraising event for coldwater conservation projects, with a focus on the native Southern Appalachian brook trout.

Since 2014, our Flyathlon events have raised nearly $1,000,000 for native trout related projects completed in cooperation with our diverse conservation partners, including Trout Unlimited, the Western Native Trout Initiative, State Parks and Wildlife agencies, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.  

All of this incredible conservation impact has come through individual donations from the friends, family, and colleagues of our amazing Flyathletes.  

From amazing folks like you.  

To explore projects that have been supported with Flyathlon funds over the past 10 years, please visit our website.

There has never been a more critical time to invest in the preservation of our public lands and waters and because Running Rivers is a recognized 501c3 organization, your donations are tax deductible.  Rest assured that while we are a Colorado-based 501(c)(3), our native fish mission knows no geographic boundaries and funds raised during this event will be used for the benefit of native fisheries within the North Carolina region.

Southern Appalachian brook trout are an essential and beautiful part of the South’s past and present, and with your support of Running Rivers this Tuesday, you are committing to ensure a flourishing future for our fishy friends!  

Thank you for your donation consideration, and long live the brook trout!!!