Welcome to Orange Ridge Races! This premier mountain trail running event is set in the wild and beautiful George Washington National Forest.

Find your next challenge, experience the thrill of mountain trail running, and enjoy springtime in the mountains.

ORR starts and finishes at the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area and is conveniently located for the VA / DC / MD / WV area.

Presented by Athletic equation

Athletic Equation (AEI) is a regional leader in hosting premier endurance trail races from Virginia up to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Founded in 2005, AEI has hosted high quality trail events with a focus on introducing runners to the ultra-marathon distance. Starting in October 2022, AEI and Will to Run are partnering to bring you a family shorter of mountain trail races to the VA/DC/MD/WV area. Orange Ridge Races is the second edition in the race series, directed by Will Weidman.

Orange Ridge 20K

Mountain trail running at it finest with 2,700 feet of climbing in two big climbs. Start with the long climb to Sherman Gap, which gets steeper as you ascend with a very steep final half mile. Descend the other side of Sherman Gap and turn left for over 2 miles on dirt road. The second big climb ascends Shawl Gap with a long descent to the finish on the Massanutten / Tuscarora Trail. Aid will be at 8.5 miles only.

Orange Ridge 30K

This route packs in 4,000 feet of climbing in three big climbs. Start with the long, steep ascent to Sherman Gap. Traverse the rocky and technical orange-blazed Massanutten Trail, the ORR’s namesake. Descend to the Veach Gap aid station and then climb to Veach Gap. Descend to the road and make your way to Shawl Gap, the final climb. From the top it is a long descent to the finish on the Massanutten / Tuscarora Trail. Aid is at 8 and 15.5 miles.

trees not tees partnership

Orange Ridge Races is partnering with Trees Not Tees. Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do to fight climate change, as they remove carbon dioxide from the air as they grow. Look out for options to plant trees when you register. Your tree will be planted in Scotland to grow as part of a whole new forest full of native broadleaf tree species. You’ll receive a certificate from Trees Not Tees that includes a picture of your tree, details of the species, and a unique geo-location address.

race requirements

All runners are required to carry a minimum of 16 ounces of water.  Due to the remote and mountainous nature of the courses, there are long stretches between aid stations, and runners must be self-sufficient. 

For the 30K, a backpack, race vest, or race belt with 1L+ of water and 300+ calories is required.

All runners must carry a map & turnsheet or a device with the race GPX loaded.  The course will be marked, but to be safe in remote and rugged mountains, runners should also be able to navigate independently. 

Please contact the Race Director at willtoruncoaching@gmail.com for questions about required gear or navigation.

Parking

Parking is limited around Elizabeth Furnace, so PLEASE carpool.  There will be parking attendants directing you to the right lot.  Note that depending on where you park, it will be a .5 mile hike to the start / finish area. 

camping

Elizabeth Furnace has first-come-first-served campgrounds right next door to the ORR start / finish:

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10158475

MAPS

20K Course Map: https://caltopo.com/m/NS82T

30K Course Map: https://caltopo.com/m/CVL1G

Schedule of events

  • 7:45am: 30K pre-race briefing

  • 8:00am: 30K start

  • 8:45am: 20K pre-race briefing

  • 9:00am: 20K start

  • 11:00am – 2:00pm: Post-race festivities

  • 1:00pm: Awards & Kids Race

  • 2:00pm: Race cutoff

race amenities

  • Custom Boco Visor (unless you choose to plant a tree instead of receiving a visor)

  • Custom medal for finishers

  • Post race picnic (veggie and vegan options; tickets available for purchase for family members)

  • Awards for top 3 male & female overall (30K and 20K)

  • A beautiful race location with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere!

Pricing

Prices are as follows until March 31st, 2023 and will increase starting April 1st.  There are 200 spots available across both distances, so register before they fill up!

  • 20K: $70

  • 30K: $85