Old Dominion 100 2026

Old Dominion 100 2026

Presented by Grand Slam of Ultra-Running
Trail Running
Woodstock, VA
Jun 6, 2026
Qualification Required Solo Moderate Ultra Mountainous Singletrack Gravel Dirt Road Paved Mixed Surface

100 Mile

Distance
100 miles
Terrain
technical-trail
Ultra
Register

About This Event

The Old Dominion 100 2026 is a 100-mile ultramarathon that is run annually in the mountains of Virginia, USA. The event has a rich history dating back to 1979 when it was founded by Pat and Wayne Botts and designed to allow East Coast runners to complete 100 miles on foot in 24 hours or less over the rugged terrain of northern Virginia. It is one of the oldest continuously held ultramarathons in the United States and has gained a reputation as one of the toughest ultramarathons in the country. The Old Dominion 100 2026 is a Grand Slam of Ultra-Running event, a series of five races representing the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile races contested in the US. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Trail Events in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Old Dominion 100 race starts and ends at the Shenandoah Country Fairground (in Woodstock, Virginia) and covers one hundred miles through various terrains such as gravel, single-track, logging and ATV routes, rocks, streams, and payment. All runners should also plan for mud, depending on Virginia’s spring weather. It is well marked day and night with 24 aid stations and a way full of standard options for hydration and snacks. Several aid stations will have heavier meals like pancakes and burgers to fuel racers. Only 100 registrants are allowed, and participants must finish the course within 28 hours. Anyone who finishes in under 24 hours receives the sterling silver buckle.

The course is broken down into four sections. The first 26 miles tours Woodstock to Shenandoah River and crosses Burnshire Dam by bridge to start the steep gravel switchback to enter the George Washington National Forest. The second 26 miles include country roads, trail climbs, paved descents, and gravel terrain before turning to climb Moreland Gap. The third part of the course covers ATV routes, exposed trails, and beautiful scenery. After runners reach the Edinburg Gap, they enter Power Mountain Trail, which becomes rugged and steep. The final stretch after checking out Elizabeth Furnace is known as Sherman Gap.

The Old Dominion 100 is notable for its unique qualification requirements. In order to enter the race, runners must have completed a 50-mile or longer ultramarathon within the past year, as well as a marathon within the past two years. Registration for the race typically opens in November. Participants need to have completed a 50 miler or greater race between June of last year and the current year, or a previous Old Dominion 100 under 24 hours.

Grand Slam of Ultra-Running

Event Organizer
View organizer Visit website

The Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a prestigious challenge in the ultrarunning community that involves completing four of the oldest and most difficult 100-mile trail races in the United States within a single summer. This achievement is highly respected in the sport and tests the limits of endurance, mental fortitude, and physical resilience.

Races in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running:

  1. Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Woodstock, Virginia
    • Description: The Old Dominion 100, first held in 1979, is a classic ultramarathon that traverses the rugged terrain of Virginia’s mountains. The race features a mix of gravel roads, single-track trails, and steep climbs, with 24 aid stations to support runners along the challenging course. Participants have 28 hours to complete the race, with those finishing in under 24 hours earning a sterling silver buckle.
    • Link: Old Dominion 100 Details
  2. Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Olympic Valley to Auburn, California
    • Description: Western States 100 is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, starting in 1974. This iconic race takes runners from the high-altitude start in Olympic Valley through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, with over 18,000 feet of elevation gain and 23,000 feet of descent. The course is known for its scenic beauty, difficult terrain, and extreme weather conditions.
    • Link: Western States 100 Details
  3. Vermont 100 Endurance Race
    • Location: Killington, Vermont
    • Description: The Vermont 100 is one of the oldest 100-mile races in the U.S. and offers both a 100-mile run and a 100-kilometer option. The course takes participants through Vermont’s picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills, dirt roads, and forest trails. The race is unique in that it also includes a simultaneous horse race over the same course.
    • Link: Vermont 100 Endurance Race Details
  4. Leadville Trail 100 Run
    • Location: Leadville, Colorado
    • Description: Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 is one of the most challenging ultramarathons at high altitudes in the Colorado Rockies. Runners must navigate 100 miles of rugged trails, including steep climbs and rocky terrain, all above 10,000 feet.
    • Link: Leadville Trail 100 Run Details
  5. Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Kaysville, Utah
    • Description: The Wasatch Front 100 is the final race in the Grand Slam series and is often considered the most challenging. The course winds through the Wasatch Mountains, with technical trails, steep climbs, and breathtaking scenery. The race is known for its difficulty, including extreme weather conditions and the rugged nature of the course.
    • Link: Wasatch Front 100 Details

Completing the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a remarkable accomplishment that requires physical endurance, strategic race planning, and mental toughness. Runners who finish the series earn significant respect and recognition in the ultrarunning community.​

More from Grand Slam of Ultra-Running

More Trail Running Events in Mid-Atlantic

Part of the series

Grand Slam of Ultra-Running

Explore the series

Strambecco For the Love of Living

Strambecco is your guide to the world's best outdoor experiences — from epic gran fondos to backcountry ski adventures. We curate the events, share the stories, and connect you with the community.

Learn More