The Cause- 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. 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 is the largest nonprofit support group for the James River Park System. Our mission is to protect, expand, and enhance the Park.

This is the fourth year of this event in memory of Christian Wood. Christian 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. 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. 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! 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.