First Year Sign-Up

The Woodbooger sees everything… including who’s brave enough to sign up for a first year, brand new race. Trust in the myth before you know the exact course. What you can expect is scenic views, great aid stations, the amazing support the area is known for, and A LOT of elevation gain.

The 100-mile journey begins and ends at the heart of Norton, guiding runners from the streets of downtown into the rugged backcountry of the High Knob region. After a brief urban rollout, the course quickly transitions into winding forest roads and singletrack flowing through places like Twisted Forest, Rock Candy, and Moonshine before climbing deep into the mountains toward Pickem Mountain and the remote stretches of Jefferson National Forest.

From there, runners traverse a mix of gravel roads, ridgelines, and technical terrain, cresting at the iconic High Knob Observation Tower, where expansive views reward the effort. The route then descends through Osborne Ridge and Hunters Valley before reconnecting with familiar roads back into Norton. This 50-mile loop blends runnable sections with sustained climbs and backcountry solitude and when you reach the finish, you turn around and do it all again, embracing the full challenge of 100 miles in Woodbooger country. The 100-mile consists of two 50-mile loops.

The 25k route offers a concentrated taste of Woodbooger country, staying entirely within the trail system of Norton. Beginning at the Expo Center, runners move quickly from the streets into a network of flowing singletrack and punchy climbs through sections like Twisted Forest, Mockingbird, and Rock Candy. This loop blends runnable terrain with short, challenging ascents and technical stretches keeping you engaged from start to finish while never straying far from the heart of the community.

For those going longer, the 50k doubles the 25k experience with two full laps of the 25k loop, while the 100k expands the adventure combining the full 50-mile backcountry loop with one additional 25k lap through Norton’s trail system.

Find the GPX and Strava Route Here:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3481635413330504222

If you feel called by the forest, the creeks, and the legend, this is your sign. We believe. Do you?

Basic Information

100 Mile and 100k Distances

START: Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 8:00 AM
START/FINISH LOCATION: Norton Expo Center, Norton, Virginia
CUT-OFF: 40 Hours (12:00 AM midnight on Sunday June 14, 2026)

For those who are like the Woodbooger and not acclimated to how time works: This means you will need to be stepping over the finish line at 11:59:59 PM on Sunday June 14, 2026.

50k and 25k Distances

START: SUNDAY, June 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
START/FINISH: Norton Expo Center — Norton, Virginia
CUT-OFF: 16 hours (midnight, Sunday June 14, 2026)

And for anyone who relates a little too closely to the Woodbooger and its… questionable relationship with time: You must cross the finish line no later than 11:59:59 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026. After that, even the Woodbooger goes home. ??

Yes, you get a buckle...

All 100K and 100-mile finishers will receive an official Woodbooger finisher’s buckle specific for their distance. A symbol of grit, determination, and surviving whatever the legend throws your way.

Runners in the 50K and 25K distances will earn a custom finisher’s medal designed specifically for each race.

Buckles are proudly reserved for our ultra-distance finishers (100K and 100M only), because those miles deserve something legendary.

Transfers & Rollovers Allowed

Runners can transfer distances up to the day before the race, no refund for dropping down distances, runners increasing distances will have to pay the difference in price. Runners can transfer their entry to another runner, to be used the same year as originally registered. Rollovers are allowed for medical conditions including pregnancy and post-partum.

Awards

Awards will be given out for each distance for the following:
1st Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary/Open
2nd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary/Open
3rd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary/Open

Sponsors

Woodbooger is more than a course through the mountains. It’s a community-powered experience, made possible by the incredible support of our sponsors and partners who believe in health, movement, and the spirit of Southwest Virginia.

We are proud to have Ballad Health as our Title Sponsor. Ballad Health plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of our region. Their commitment to community wellness, outdoor recreation, and accessible healthcare aligns directly with the mission of this race and encouraging people to challenge themselves, connect with nature, and prioritize their physical and mental health.

We are grateful for the brands that help elevate the runner experience:

Athletic Brewing Company
Bringing innovative, non-alcoholic craft beer to the finish line because celebration and performance can go hand in hand.

Luna Sandals
Built for adventure, simplicity, and connection to the trail, Luna Sandals represents the spirit of moving freely through wild places

…and more to be announced!

We are continuing to partner with brands and local businesses who share our vision for community, endurance, and outdoor exploration.

Every registration, every mile, and every finish line moment is supported by these partnerships.

Their contributions help us:

Provide high-quality aid stations and runner support
Enhance the overall race experience
Support local organizations and community initiatives
Continue growing trail running in Southwest Virginia

Event's current local time: 6:31 PM ET