Wood River Run 2026

The Cause - This 5k('ish) fun run is held to honor the memory of Christian Wood, a talented young kayaker who lost his life while paddling on the James River in 2018. The proceeds from this race will be used to fund the work of Friends of the James River Park System (jamesriverpark.org), the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund to send underprivileged kids to Passages Adventure Camp, and the programming of the James River Park System's Education Department. Friends of the James River Park is the largest nonprofit support group for the area's beloved James River Park System. Our mission is to protect, expand, and enhance the James River Park.

This is the sixth year of this event in memory of Christian Wood. Christian was a senior at Trinity Episcopal School, an elite kayaker, and a regular counselor and instructor at Passages Adventure Camp. A talented student and amateur filmmaker, he found his joy in the rapids and whitewater of the James River. In 2018, despite his kayaking skills and protective gear, he lost his life in a tragic accident in a hydraulic on the James River. Christian enjoyed being a staff member of Passages Adventure camp and introducing campers to our amazing James River. That is why the proceeds from this event are dedicated to getting more kids into the park, to discover the joy to be had in and around natural environs.

We hope you will join us for this fun family event, and help us honor Christian's memory by expanding educational opportunities for children in the park and helping improve our James River Park System. Please sign up to run/walk or make a donation today!

The top two racers in each age group will receive a prize.

The Course- This family-friendly 5k run/walk will take participants along the banks of the James river on Riverside Drive and through some of the James River Park System's most scenic and accessible views. One of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the JRPS, Pony Pasture Rapids receives almost a quarter of a million visitors annually. The main entrance to Pony Pasture is located off Riverside Drive, two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge. Participants should expect to be on some road, trail, and gravel path elements.

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. We want you to be able to include your furry friends, and it has to be done in a way that does not impact other race attendees. 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.