Wood River Run 2025

🏃‍♂️ The Cause

• Event 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, the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund to send underprivileged kids to Passages Adventure Camp, and the programming of the JRPS Education Department.
• Support Group: Friends of the James River Park is the largest nonprofit support group for the James River Park System. Our mission is to protect, expand, and enhance the Park.
• Join Us: We hope that you’ll join us for this fun event, and help us honor Christian’s memory by expanding educational opportunities and helping improve our James River Park System.

✨ 2025 Changes

• Similar Format: The race this year will be pretty much the same as it has been in previous years.
• T-Shirt Option: The only real change is that t-shirts will be available for purchase as an option, rather than automatically included with race registration like in previous years.
• Prizes: Race participants will receive a completion medal, and the top two racers in each age group will receive additional prizes.
• Scholarship 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: RACE T-SHIRT LINK

🏞️ 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.
• Popular Spot: 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.
• Course Details: The specific course route is still being established, and participants should expect to be on some road, trail, and gravel path elements.
• Pet Policy: Well-behaved leashed dogs and off-road capable strollers are welcome, particularly if you are walking!

Dogs must be leashed, with no exceptions, and we ask that extra care be taken to ensure that leashes do not present a tripping hazard to other participants. Part of the course will be along an active roadway, which is something you might need to be aware of when planning whether or not you are comfortable bringing your dog.

For more information, visit the race page: Wood River Run 2025.