The Woodbooger is BACK!
The Woodbooger saw everything that happened during our inaugural year...the climbs, late-night miles, incredible volunteers, finish-line celebrations, and every runner brave enough to venture into the mountains for the first Woodbooger 100.
Now the Woodbooger is back. And in 2027, we're going deeper into the woods.
Following extensive trail work by the U.S. Forest Service and partners throughout 2026, additional trails in the High Knob region have reopened, allowing us to continue developing Woodbooger into the rugged, trail-heavy mountain race we envisioned from the beginning. The 2027 courses will feature more trail and more of the incredible backcountry surrounding Norton and High Knob.
What isn't changing? Big climbs. Beautiful views. Remote mountain terrain. Incredible aid stations. A community that shows up for runners. And plenty of opportunities to wonder what exactly you just heard moving through the woods.
25K • 50K • 100K • 100 Mile
All four distances begin and finish in Norton, Virginia, where runners quickly leave town behind and enter the extensive trail network surrounding the city and High Knob.
The 25K offers a concentrated introduction to Woodbooger country with singletrack, technical stretches, punchy climbs, and mountain terrain. It's an approachable, but challenging, way to experience trail racing in Southwest Virginia.
The 50K takes the adventure farther, delivering a true ultramarathon challenge through the mountains surrounding Norton. Expect plenty of climbing, changing terrain, well-stocked aid stations, and a finish that feels earned.
The 100K pushes farther into the High Knob backcountry, combining local trails with remote mountain terrain for runners ready to spend a long day exploring Woodbooger country.
And then there's the 100 Mile.
The flagship Woodbooger journey takes runners from Norton deep into the High Knob region and Jefferson National Forest. Expect singletrack, forest roads, ridgelines, sustained climbing, technical terrain, remote Appalachian forest, and some of the most spectacular scenery Southwest Virginia has to offer.
This isn't a flat, fast 100-miler designed around chasing an easy buckle. Woodbooger is a mountain race. The elevation, terrain, weather, darkness, and distance are all part of the experience.
But so is the support.
Runners can expect the welcoming aid stations, volunteers, community support, and race atmosphere that define Southwest Virginia Running events. We'll be there to support your journey.
New Trails for 2027
Because significant U.S. Forest Service trail restoration and reopening work continued throughout 2026, the 2027 routes will change from the inaugural courses and incorporate additional trail mileage that wasn't available in 2026.
The previous GPX should not be used as the definitive 2027 course.
Final routes, GPX files, elevation profiles, aid stations, cutoffs, and detailed course information will be released once the routes and required approvals are finalized.
Until then, you can count on three things:
More trails. More mountains. More Woodbooger.
If you feel called by the forest, the climbs, the creeks, and the legend, this is your sign.
The Woodbooger is out there. We believe. Do you?
Basic Information
100 Mile and 100k Distances
START: Saturday, June 12, 2027 at 8:00 AM
START/FINISH LOCATION: Norton Expo Center, Norton, Virginia
CUT-OFF: 40 Hours (12:00 AM midnight on Sunday June 13, 2027)
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 13, 2027.
50k and 25k Distances
START: SUNDAY, June 13, 2027 at 8:00 AM
START/FINISH: Norton Expo Center — Norton, Virginia
CUT-OFF: 16 hours (midnight, Sunday June 13, 2027)
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 13, 2027. 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: 11:04 PM ET
