Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run

The Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run, set for June 6, 2026, in Fort Valley, VA, is far more than just a race; it's a venerated tradition in the ultra-running community. As one of the oldest 100-mile trail races in the U.S., with roots tracing back to 1979, and a founding event of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, it holds iconic status. This non-commercial, 100% volunteer-run event, starting at 4 AM from the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in nearby Woodstock, Virginia, embodies an "old school" charm, fostering a strong sense of community and an intimate challenge against the course and the clock.

The grueling 100.7-mile course winds through Virginia's picturesque Massanutten Mountains, boasting approximately 14,000 feet of elevation gain across 14 significant climbs. Runners will tackle a diverse and often demanding terrain, including 62% dirt and gravel roads, 22% single track trails, and 16% paved roads, alongside sections of ATV paths and logging roads, often encountering rocks, roots, mud, and stream crossings. Typical race day conditions in early June see highs around 80F and lows around 57F, with an 18% chance of precipitation, ensuring unpredictable elements are always a factor. Aid is plentiful with 24 stations spaced every 4-6 miles, offering standard ultra-fare and even hot options at some locations, plus easier crew access due to the looped design.

What truly sets the Old Dominion 100 apart is its reputation for testing runners' resilience against a challenging mountain course and potentially hot, humid weather. The journey through historic Woodstock and into the George Washington National Forest provides a pleasant backdrop, though runners often describe the course as relentlessly rocky. Completing this epic distance within the 30-hour cutoff, especially earning the coveted silver buckle for a sub-24-hour finish, is a profound achievement celebrated by all at this extraordinary event.