Wood River Run 2025

🏃‍♂️ The Cause

• Purpose: This roughly 5k fun run is being held to honor the memory of Christian Wood, a talented young kayaker who lost his life while paddling on the James River in 2018.
• Proceeds: The proceeds from this race will be used to fund the work of Friends of the James River Park (jamesriverpark.org), the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund to send underprivileged kids to Passages Adventure Camp, and the programming of the JRPS Education Department.
• Friends of the James River Park: This organization is the largest nonprofit support group for the James River Park System, dedicated to protecting, expanding, and enhancing the Park.
• Join Us: Help us honor Christian's memory by expanding educational opportunities and improving our James River Park System. Please sign up to race or make a donation today!

📅 2025 Changes

• Event Consistency: The race this year will be pretty much the same as it has been in previous years.
• T-Shirts: T-shirts will be available for purchase as an option for those who want them, rather than automatically included with race registration like in previous years.
• Completion Medal: Race participants will receive a completion medal, and the top two racers in each age group will receive additional prizes.
• Support the Fund: 100% of t-shirt sales will go to the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund. T-Shirts can be purchased through the FOJRP Bonfire site here- bonfire.com/wood-river-run-2025-t-shirts.

🏞️ The Course

• Family-Friendly: This family-friendly 5k run/walk will take participants through some of the James River Park System's most scenic and accessible views.
• Location: Pony Pasture Rapids receives almost a quarter of a million visitors annually and is located off Riverside Drive two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge.
• Route: The specific course route is still being established, and participants should expect to be on some road, trail, and gravel path elements.
• Pets Welcome: Well-behaved leashed dogs and off-road capable strollers are welcome, but dogs must be leashed, with care taken to avoid tripping hazards.