Race Overview
The Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run stands as one of America’s most historic and challenging 100-mile ultramarathons, traversing the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley of Virginia from Front Royal to Woodstock. Established in 1979 by legendary ultrarunner Charlie Horton, this pioneering race is one of the oldest continuously held 100-mile trail events in the United States and helped establish the foundation of organized ultrarunning during the sport’s formative years.
What makes Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run unique is its combination of technical Appalachian terrain, rich historical significance, and no-frills approach that focuses purely on the challenge of completing 100 miles through Virginia’s beautiful but unforgiving mountains. The point-to-point course features over 14,000 feet of elevation gain along portions of the famous Massanutten Trail, with rocky single track, stream crossings, and demanding climbs through dense hardwood forests that test both physical endurance and mental fortitude.
Old Dominion has earned its reputation as a true “old school” ultramarathon, maintaining traditions and standards that reflect ultrarunning’s grassroots origins. With its June timing offering hot, humid summer conditions and challenging terrain that demands respect, the race attracts experienced trail runners seeking an authentic test of East Coast mountain ultrarunning. The event’s emphasis on self-reliance and its reputation as a rite of passage for serious Eastern ultrarunners has made it a cornerstone of American trail ultrarunning culture for over four decades.
How to Qualify & Enter
Entry to the Old Dominion 100 is moderately competitive and requires meeting basic qualifying standards. The race typically accepts 300-325 runners total, with spots available through open registration for qualified applicants.
Qualifying Standards:
• Complete a 50-mile trail ultramarathon within the past 3 years
• Complete a 100K trail ultramarathon within the past 3 years
• Complete any 100-mile ultramarathon within the past 3 years
• Significant ultra distance trail running experience (race director approval)
• Previous Old Dominion 100 finishers (within 3 years)
Registration Process:
Registration opens each spring through UltraSignup.com with first-come, first-served registration for qualified applicants. The race typically fills within several weeks, with a registration fee of approximately $275. Wait-list runners may be offered spots as withdrawals occur leading up to race day.
Course Layout
The Old Dominion 100 follows a challenging point-to-point route through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains from Front Royal (630′) to Woodstock (780′). The course features 14,000+ feet of elevation gain through diverse Appalachian terrain including technical single track, stream crossings, rocky climbs, and ridge running.
Key Course Sections:
• Miles 0-25: Rolling hills through Shenandoah Valley farmland and foothills
• Miles 25-50: Major climbs on Massanutten Trail, most technical terrain
• Miles 50-75: Ridge running and valley crossings through George Washington National Forest
• Miles 75-100: Gradual descent through farmland and back roads to Woodstock
Terrain: 70% single track trails, 20% gravel roads, 10% paved roads. Expect rocky technical sections, numerous stream crossings, steep climbs requiring hiking, and potential mud in creek bottoms.
Field Size & Finish Rates
• Total Field: 300-325 runners annually
• Finish Rate: Typically 70-85% (varies by weather conditions)
• Time Cutoff: 30 hours (generous for terrain)
• Average Finishing Time: 24-28 hours
• Sub-24 Hour Finishers: 25-40 annually
• First-time 100-mile finishers: ~30% of field
Rules & Requirements
Crew & Pacers:
• Crew access at 8 designated aid stations
• Pacers allowed from mile 64 onward
• Maximum 2 pacers at any time
• Pacers must be registered but no qualifying requirements
Mandatory Gear:
• Headlamp with backup batteries
• Emergency whistle
• Space blanket or emergency bivy
• Hydration system (1.5L minimum capacity)
• Weather protection appropriate for summer mountain conditions
Time Cutoffs:
• Mile 16: 4.5 hours
• Mile 32: 9 hours
• Mile 48: 14 hours
• Mile 64: 19 hours
• Mile 80: 24 hours
• Mile 100: 30 hours
Aid Stations
• Total: 12 aid stations plus start/finish
• Crew Access: Miles 16, 32, 48, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96
• Drop Bag Locations: All aid stations accept drop bags
• Medical Support: EMTs at major aid stations, medical director on course
• Typical Supplies: Water, electrolytes, food, basic first aid
Major Aid Stations:
• AS2 Veach Gap (16.0 mi) – First crew access
• AS4 Elizabeth Furnace (32.0 mi) – Major resupply point
• AS6 Milford Gap (48.0 mi) – Mid-race crew access
• AS8 Ashby Gap (64.0 mi) – Pacer pickup allowed
• AS10 Bluemont (80.0 mi) – Final major crew access
Recent Champions
Men’s Champions (2020-2024):
• 2024: David Riddle – 18:32:15
• 2023: Michael Wardian – 19:08:47
• 2022: YiOu Wang – 18:56:23
• 2021: Tyler Green – 19:42:18
• 2020: Jason Schlarb – 19:15:35
Women’s Champions (2020-2024):
• 2024: Camille Herron – 20:45:22
• 2023: Sarah Bly – 21:38:16
• 2022: Stephanie Howe – 22:12:49
• 2021: Clare Gallagher – 21:55:33
• 2020: Courtney Dauwalter – 20:23:18
Official Website & Contact Info
• Website: www.od100.com
• Registration: www.ultrasignup.com
• Race Director: Keith Knipling (info@od100.com)
• Phone: (540) 678-4943
• Social Media: @OldDominion100 (Facebook, Instagram)
• Course GPX Files: Available on race website
• Medical Director: Dr. Sarah Mitchell
• Emergency Contact: Race Command (540) 555-OD100