Event Description

The Cause- This 5k race 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. The proceeds from this race will be used to fund scholarships to Passages Adventure Camp and the park improvement work of Friends of the James River Park (jamesriverpark.org). Friends of the James River Park are the citizen stewards of the JRPS. Our mission is to work with the City of Richmond to protect, enhance, and expand the parks that we love so much. 

The namesake of the Wood River Run is someone who meant a lot to anyone who spent time on the James, the folks at Passages, and the family at Trinity Episcopal School.

Christian Wood was a senior at Trinity, an elite kayaker, and a regular counselor and instructor at Passages. 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.

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in the James River Park System. We hope that you’ll join us for this fun event, honor Christian’s memory, and help us expand opportunities for more young folks to enjoy the Park. Please sign up to race or make a donation today! 

The Course- This family-friendly 5k run/walk will take participants on 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 is located off Riverside Drive two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge. The specific course route is still being established, and 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 the 5k! 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 this race may 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.