Dear Friends of the James River Park-
It’s time to dust off those running shoes and start training, the Wood River Run is back April 27th, 2024, and registration is open right now!
This is the fifth year for the Wood River Run and the third year that it has been organized by FOJRP. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this event, and we are excited to bring it to you all again this year.
The run is a casual 5k starting and ending at Pony Pasture Park. Strollers and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to attend, so it really can be fun for the whole family. Most of the run takes place on Riverside Dr., with a short section of well-maintained causeway-style trail at the turnaround point.
We are hosting this event in memory of Christian Wood, a talented young kayaker who lost his life on the James River in 2018. The funds raised through the Wood River Run are used by FOJRP to complete Park improvement projects and to send kids to Passages Adventure Camp through the Christian Wood Scholarship Fund. Last year we raised more than $40,000 in total and we used that funding to send more than two dozen kids to Passages over the Summer. You can read more about the impact of the race in this note from their former leader Kevin Tobin.
The Wood River Run this year is once again sponsored by our friends at the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. C&F Bank is also sponsoring the finish line reception area. We are still seeking some additional sponsors if your business or organization are interested. You can reach out to me at josh@jamesriverpark.org to learn more.
The 2024 Wood River Run is more than a race—it’s a celebration of nature, community, and the memory of a young man who loved the James River Park as much as we do. As participants lace up their running shoes and take on this scenic run, they contribute to the preservation of a cherished natural oasis, and help share the spirit of adventure with lots of deserving young people. The Wood River Run is a testament to the power of community, showcasing the positive impact that collective efforts can have on both individual well-being and the environment. So, mark your calendars, embrace the thrill of the run, and join in the festivities of this exceptional event in the James River Park System.
See you in the Park.
Josh Stutz
Executive Director
