Old Dominion 100 Mile Run Guide
Race Name:
The Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run is one of the oldest and most storied 100-mile trail races in the United States. First held in 1979, it challenges participants to traverse the Massanutten Mountains and Fort Valley in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest. The event has earned a reputation for steep climbs, remote forest roads, and historic ridgelines, making it a rite of passage for serious ultrarunners. As a classic Grand Slam event, it embodies tradition and tests the limits of runner versus course.
When it is run:
The race takes place annually on the first weekend in June. Historically, the start falls on a Saturday morning around dawn, with runners departing from the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, Virginia. Early June in the Shenandoah Valley often brings hot, humid conditions that can add to the difficulty of southern Appalachian climbs and descents. Organizers emphasize preparedness for both summer heat and potential thunderstorms common in the region at that time of year.
How to qualify or register:
Registration opens in the late winter via the UltraSignup platform, where entrants secure their spot on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through a lottery. No qualifying race times or previous ultramarathon finishes are required, though prior 50- or 100-mile experience is strongly recommended due to the race’s demanding nature. Runners must complete an online waiver and pay the entry fee upon registration to guarantee their slot. Field size is capped to preserve trail conditions and aid station capacity.
Particular challenges:
Competitors face over 14,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss across rugged forest roads and narrow singletrack, with 14 major climbs including Sherman Gap and Veach Gap. Southern June heat and humidity often peak in the afternoon, testing thermoregulation and hydration strategies. The remote nature of sections between aid stations means runners must carry sufficient water and be self-reliant if they become disoriented or slowed by fatigue. Terrain transitions—from paved roads to gravel logging roads, rocky ATV trails, and muddy creek crossings—require constant attention to footing and pacing.
Course format:
The Old Dominion 100 follows a single 100-mile loop that starts and finishes at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. Runners circle the Massanutten Mountain range, ascending Woodstock Mountain before dropping into Fort Valley and then completing laps through gaps and ridgelines of the Massanutten Massif. The loop structure helps with logistics for aid stations and crew access but concentrates the hardest climbs in the middle miles where fatigue is greatest.
Elevation profile:
The course ascends approximately 14,000 feet and descends a matching 14,000 feet over its 100-mile length. The lowest point lies near the Shenandoah River at around 820 feet above sea level, while the highest ridgeline reaches roughly 2,700 feet. Major climbs include the initial ascent of Woodstock Mountain, multiple steep inclines to Edinburg Gap and Sherman Gap, and the final haul up Woodstock Mountain late in the race. The repeated ascents make pacing critical, as energy reserves dwindle on long climbs in the heat.
Terrain breakdown:
Runners encounter a variety of surfaces throughout the loop: approximately 62% dirt and gravel forest roads, 22% narrow singletrack trails, and 16% paved rural lanes. Gravel roads and forest service routes allow for faster running when fresh but can become relentless rollers under fatigue. Singletrack sections present roots, rocks, and stream crossings that require careful foot placement, especially at night. The paved stretches through Fort Valley and Woodstock are a brief respite but also challenge tired muscles with repetitive impacts.
Time limit & cutoffs:
The overall time limit for all finishers is 28 hours, after which runners are considered unofficial. To earn the coveted sterling silver buckle, participants must finish within 24 hours. There is one mandatory cutoff at Elizabeth Furnace (mile 75), where runners must check out by midnight to continue on. Volunteers enforce intermediate aid station cutoffs loosely but will remove runners unable to maintain a pace to exit Elizabeth Furnace by the time limit.
Aid stations:
The Old Dominion 100 features twelve staffed aid stations spaced roughly every eight to ten miles along the 100-mile loop. Major crew access points occur at the start at Woodstock, as well as at Elizabeth Furnace (mile 75) and Fort Valley (mile 50), where drop bags may be retrieved and replenished. Smaller satellite stations between these points provide water, basic nutrition, and medical checks, though runners should arrive self-sufficient for longer segments through backcountry stretches. Volunteers at each station record bib numbers and monitor cutoffs to ensure safety and adherence to time limits. Aid station terrain varies from open fairgrounds to wooded forest roads, demanding that crews be prepared for both rural road conditions and primitive parking.
Mandatory gear:
Runners must carry a headlamp with spare batteries and a secondary light source for nighttime navigation. Hydration capacity of at least two liters is required, whether via handheld bottles, waist pack, or vest. Participants must also wear a reflective vest or safety lights during hours of darkness. A waterproof windbreaker or lightweight rain jacket is compulsory to guard against June thunderstorms in the Massanutten range. Runners are required to carry basic first-aid items, a whistle for emergency signaling, and a POSH (personal snacks and hydration) sufficient to cover any gaps between aid stations.
Crew & pacing:
Crews are allowed at designated access points only and may not follow the course on foot or ATV. Vehicle support is permitted at Woodstock, Fort Valley, and Elizabeth Furnace, where crews can offer aid within a marked “crew zone.” Pacers become permissible after the runner departs Elizabeth Furnace at mile 75, supporting their athlete through the final 25 miles. Outside of these zones, outside assistance constitutes a rules violation and can lead to disqualification. Radio contact between crews and race officials is prohibited to preserve the self-supported ethos of the event.
Navigation:
The course is marked with fluorescent yellow signs at all major turns, supplemented by pink ribbon tied to trees in singletrack sections. Reflective arrows highlight nighttime routing, and junctions on forest roads feature painted chevrons. While the race provides a GPS track file, runners should not rely solely on electronics and must be prepared to navigate in case of device failure. Race directors recommend carrying a printed map in addition to electronic devices and knowing how to orient by topographic features.
Finish rates:
Historically, approximately 60 percent of starters complete the Old Dominion 100 within the 28-hour limit, with about 45 percent finishing under the 24-hour buckle cutoff. Attrition is highest during the second loop of major climbs, where heat and cumulative fatigue induce both withdrawals and medical pulls. Over the past decade, finish rates have ranged from 55 to 65 percent, reflecting variable weather conditions and field depth each year.
Special features:
The Old Dominion awards a sterling silver buckle to any runner who completes the course in under 24 hours, while a pewter medallion is given to all finishers. The event’s loop format through historically significant Civil War ridges and century-old logging roads sets it apart from point-to-point ultras. Musicians and local bands often perform at key aid stations, adding Appalachian cultural flair to the runner experience. Course records stand at 15 hours 14 minutes for men and 18 hours 02 minutes for women, benchmarks that have stood for nearly a decade.
Previous winners:
Recent male champions include Dylan Johnson, who set the course record in 2017, and female titlists such as Emily Rogers, whose consistent podium finishes have made her a perennial favorite. Winners frequently return year after year, creating a tight-knit community of veteran Old Dominion athletes.
Official contact info:
Race information and registration details are available on the official website at olddominionrun.com. Inquiries may be directed by email to od100info@olddominionrun.com, with volunteer and sponsorship questions addressed through separate links on the contact page.