About This Race
Run Woodstock stands apart as one of the most distinctive trail running festivals in the Midwest, blending serious ultrarunning with the counterculture spirit of the original 1969 Woodstock. This multi-day event in Gregory, Michigan, offers distances from 5 miles to 100 miles on rolling forest trails, but the racing is only part of the experience. The festival atmosphere includes on-site camping, live music performances, yoga sessions, and a "commune code" that encourages participants to embrace peace, love, and community alongside their running goals. What makes Run Woodstock unique is its commitment to the full festival experience. Runners camp together in designated areas, share meals and stories, and participate in evening activities like the Bohemian Beverage Mile and various musical performances. The event explicitly encourages a relaxed, inclusive vibe where personal achievement matters more than competition. Every finisher receives a peace sign medal, with 100-mile finishers earning a commemorative belt buckle. The race attracts runners seeking both physical challenge and cultural immersion. The longer distances provide serious ultrarunning credentials, while the festival atmosphere offers something rarely found in traditional trail races. The event's emphasis on community, environmental consciousness, and personal expression creates an experience that extends well beyond the typical race weekend.
The Run Woodstock courses wind through the scenic forests and rolling terrain of southeastern Michigan. The trails feature a mix of singletrack paths and wider forest roads through lush woodlands. The course design allows for multiple distance options using shared trail sections, with longer races completing additional loops.
The terrain is characteristic of Michigan's lower peninsula, with moderate rolling hills rather than steep climbs. The forest canopy provides natural shade and creates an immersive woodland experience. Course marking and aid station support are designed to accommodate the wide range of distances and the festival's relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
Practical Info
Early September in Michigan typically offers mild temperatures with warm days and cool evenings, though conditions can vary from hot and humid to cool and rainy.
DTW - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
On-site drive-in camping available for $80 (Friday-Saturday), with basic facilities including latrines, hand washing stations, and heated showers. No electrical or water hookups available.
Best For
Notable Features
Run Woodstock creates a unique fusion of serious ultrarunning and 1960s counterculture celebration. The multi-day festival includes on-site camping, live musical performances throughout the weekend, yoga sessions, tie-dye workshops, and themed events like the Bohemian Beverage Mile. The event's "commune code" emphasizes community, environmental responsibility, and personal expression. Participants are encouraged to decorate campsites, engage with fellow runners, and embrace the festival's peace-and-love ethos while pursuing their running goals.