Face the Forest 5K (Obstacle Course Race) 2026

The race.

Face the Forest 5K is a 3.1-mile obstacle course race held August 15, 2026, at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, VA. Participants navigate obstacles throughout the plantation grounds. Entry fees support educational programming at Poplar Forest; registration costs $50 before July 25, then $60 thereafter. T-shirts are guaranteed only to those registered by July 25. Elite runners compete in the first four waves for cash prizes and complimentary entry to next year's race, while non-competitive waves begin at 8:20 a.m. with optional obstacles and no penalties for incomplete attempts. Packet pickup occurs Friday, August 14 (7–9 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 4–6 p.m.) or Saturday, August 15 (starting 6:30 a.m.) at the service entrance at 687 Poplar Forest Drive.