INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Orange Ridge Races! This premier mountain trail running event is set in the wild and beautiful George Washington National Forest.

Find your next challenge, experience the thrill of mountain trail running, and enjoy springtime in the mountains.

ORR starts and finishes at the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area and is conveniently located for the VA / DC / MD / WV area.



PRESENTED BY ATHLETIC EQUATION

Athletic Equation (AEI) is a regional leader in hosting premier endurance trail races from Virginia up to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Founded in 2005, AEI has hosted high quality trail events with a focus on introducing runners to the ultra-marathon distance. Starting in October 2022, AEI is bringing you a family shorter of mountain trail races to the VA/DC/MD/WV area. Orange Ridge Races will be the second edition in the race series, directed by Will Weidman

RACE DESCRIPTION

ORANGE RIDGE 20K

Mountain trail running at it finest with 2,700 feet of climbing in two big climbs. Start with the long climb to Sherman Gap, which gets steeper as you ascend with a very steep final half mile. Descend the other side of Sherman Gap and turn left for over 2 miles on dirt road. The second big climb ascends Shawl Gap with a long descent to the finish on the Massanutten / Tuscarora Trail. Aid will be at 8.5 miles only.

ORANGE RIDGE 30K

This route packs in 4,000 feet of climbing in three big climbs. Start with the long, steep ascent to Sherman Gap. Traverse the rocky and technical orange-blazed Massanutten Trail, the ORR’s namesake. Descend to the Veach Gap aid station and then climb to Veach Gap. Descend to the road and make your way to Shawl Gap, the final climb. From the top it is a long descent to the finish on the Massanutten / Tuscarora Trail. Aid is at 8 and 15.5 miles only.

RACE REQUIREMENTS

All runners are required to carry a minimum of 16 ounces of water.  Due to the remote and mountainous nature of the courses, there are long stretches between aid stations, and runners must be self-sufficient. 

A backpack, race vest, or race belt with 1L+ of water and 300+ calories is required.

All runners must carry a map & turnsheet or a device with the race GPX loaded.  The course will be marked, but to be safe in remote and rugged mountains, runners should also be able to navigate independently. 

Please contact the Race Director at willtoruncoaching@gmail.com for questions about required gear or navigation.

PARKING

Parking is limited around Elizabeth Furnace, so PLEASE carpool.  There will be parking attendants directing you to the right lot.  Note that depending on where you park, it will be up to a .5 mile hike to the start / finish area. 

CAMPING

Elizabeth Furnace has first-come-first-served campgrounds right next door to the MMR start / finish:

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10158475

MAPS

20K Course Map: https://caltopo.com/m/NS82T

30K Course Map: https://caltopo.com/m/CVL1G

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 7:45am: 30K pre-race briefing
• 8:00am: 30K start
• 8:45am: 20K pre-race briefing
• 9:00am: 20K start
• 11:00am – 2:00pm: Post-race festivities
• 1:00pm: Awards and Kids Race
• 2:00pm: Course cutoffs

RACE AMENITIES

• Custom Boco Hat (unless you choose to plant a tree instead of receiving a hat)

• Medal for all finishers

• Post race picnic (veggie and vegan options; tickets available for purchase for family members)

• Awards for top 3 male & female overall for each race distance

• A beautiful race location with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere!

PRICING

Prices are as follows until March 31st, 2023 and will increase starting April 1st. There are 200 spots available across both distances, so register before they fill up!

• 20K: $70

• 30K: $85

REFUNDS & DEFERRALS

Refund Policy

We will refund 70% of your race fee if a request is made prior to one (1) month BEFORE the specific event. Less than one (1) month prior to the event date, NO REFUNDS or DEFERRALS will be provided.

Deferral Policy

Deferrals are allowed from one event to another AEI trail race of your choosing. Deferral request MUST be made at least one (1) month BEFORE the specific event, and we will transfer 80% of the registration fee to another AEI trail race of your choosing within a calendar year of the initial race date. Less than one (1) month prior to the event date, NO REFUNDS or DEFERRALS will be provided.

Event's current local time: 12:28 PM ET