Face the Forest 5K (Obstacle Course Race) 2026

The Face the Forest 5K is a 3.1-mile obstacle race held at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest in Forest, Virginia. Runners begin and end the course at the service entrance on Poplar Forest Drive. The race takes place in August, guiding participants through the historic plantation grounds, featuring obstacles and mud integrated into the course. Proceeds from entry fees contribute to educational programming at Poplar Forest, and each entry also includes a small historic preservation fee. The initial section of the race is designated for elite runners. To qualify for cash prizes and complimentary entry into the subsequent race, they must successfully navigate every obstacle. The majority of participants compete in later, non-competitive waves where all obstacles are optional, and bypassing one incurs no penalty. Corporate and elite teams can register in groups of five to eight, with the team's overall time recorded as the last member crosses the finish line. Wave sizes are limited to 20 individuals, so friends wishing to run together must select the same wave.