Overview
Wood You Rather isn’t your typical trail race; it’s a strategic checkpoint challenge set in Portland’s iconic Forest Park. Instead of following a fixed course, runners receive a map at the start with ten marked checkpoints. The goal? Collect as many checkpoints as possible and return to the finish within 2.5 hours. The winner is the fastest to grab the most checkpoints, so strategy matters as much as speed.
Expect an exciting start as runners take off in all directions! Whether solo or on a team, this race blends route-finding, endurance, and adventure.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Registration
Opens
Dec 1, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
TBD
Registration Fee
TBD
Official race details:
This race is Trail Mix Fund eligible!
The Trail Mix Fund helps remove barriers in trail racing by covering race entry fees for under-served and under-represented runners, creating a more diverse and welcoming start line.
Course
Distance:
2.5
HR
Course type:
Elevation gain:
▲
1,200 ft-1,600 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
1,200 ft-1,600 ft
Max altitude:
636 ft
Start time:
May 16, 2025
10:00 AM
Cutoff time:
None
Course Description
Race day begins with a simple map and ten highlighted checkpoints scattered around Mt. Tabor Park. The course is not marked and there is no set order. You choose how to connect the dots, weighing steep but direct singletrack against longer, smoother approaches on park paths and roads. Expect a mix of dirt, gravel, and pavement, rolling pitches, a few stair sections near the reservoirs, and pockets of shade under towering Douglas-firs. Typical totals land around 7.5M to 11M with 1,200ft to 1,600ft of gain, but your route calls the shots. Highlights include views toward downtown and Mt. Hood, historic open-air reservoirs, and a lively start/finish scene as runners dart in from all directions.
Key Highlights
No preset course; choose your route and checkpoint order
10 checkpoints scattered across Forest Park trails
Total distance varies by route; ~7.5–11 miles
Elevation gain ~1,200–1,600 ft
Mix of wide and singletrack trails in a lush urban forest setting
Map provided at bib pickup (race morning)
Logistics
Portland International Airport is the nearest major airport and is approximately 9 miles northeast of Mt. Tabor Park by car. Vancouver, Washington and Gresham, Oregon are nearby cities with additional lodging and dining.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available inside the park and on neighborhood streets around the park. Carpool, use public transit, or rideshare to reduce congestion and be respectful of local residents. Do not block driveways.
Lodging
Consider staying in Southeast Portland neighborhoods near Hawthorne, Division, or Belmont for quick access to the park, or downtown Portland for a larger selection of hotels.
Aid Stations
There are no aid stations on course. This is an unsupported checkpoint race. Carry your own hydration and nutrition. Drinks and donuts are available at the finish.
Race Requirements
Runners should be comfortable navigating with a simple map, managing their own hydration and nutrition, and moving on mixed-surface park trails and paths within the 2.5HR time window.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
Bring what you personally need for 2.5 hours of unsupported running.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
No refunds and no transfers. If you cancel more than 30 days prior to race day, you receive a 50 percent Go Beyond race credit that can be used within 365 days. Cancellations within 30 days receive no credit. The event follows Go Beyond’s standard cancellation policy.
Cancel more than 30 days before; get 50 percent future race credit (valid 365 days, includes full apparel credit, not transferrable). Cancel 30 days or less before; no credit, no refund, no transfer. See race website for full cancelation policy
Dogs
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the start and finish. Dogs are not allowed on course and must be kept away from any food service areas.
Kids
Kids 12 and under race for free. Children may participate solo or on a team but must run alongside a registered parent or guardian for the entire event. There is no separate kids course; families navigate the same checkpoint format together.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew support is not necessary due to the short format, but friends and family are encouraged to cheer at the start and finish. Please carpool, respect neighbors, and avoid blocking driveways when parking on surrounding streets.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of this race. Opportunities include working aid stations, sleep stations, and supporting logistics. Sign up at gobeyondracing.com/volunteer.
Charity & Beneficiary
A portion of each registration supports the Portland Parks Foundation, helping maintain and improve local parks and natural areas enjoyed by the community
Land Acknowledgement
This race takes place on the traditional homelands of the Cowlitz, Clackamas, and Atfalai peoples. We honor the original stewards of this land and encourage participants to learn about and support local Tribal communities.
About
Go Beyond Racing
Founded in 2013 and based in Portland, Oregon, Go Beyond Racing is a premier trail race organizer that has become a pillar of the Pacific Northwest trail running community. Known for its professional execution and welcoming culture, Go Beyond produces dozens of races annually—from grassroots weeknight trail series to 200-mile endurance feats—each designed to challenge and inspire runners of all backgrounds.
At the core of Go Beyond Racing is a commitment to going the extra mile. Every event is intentionally crafted to reflect their core values.
Race directors Todd and Renee Janssen are lifelong endurance athletes and deeply embedded in the trail community. Their family-oriented approach and hands-on involvement ensure each event feels personal and thoughtfully executed. From their signature events like Mountain Lakes 100, Volcanic, Stumptown Trail Runs, and the Oregon 200, to weekly runs hosted through the Trail Factor club, Go Beyond is deeply invested in building a vibrant and supportive trail running culture.
Whether you're taking on your first 5K or your fifth 100-miler, Go Beyond Racing invites runners to go faster, go farther—and most importantly—go beyond.
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