Wood You Rather

Wood You Rather - checkpoint run at Mt. Tabor Park

Wood You Rather is a checkpoint run with no pre-set course. Participants receive a map at the start showing checkpoint locations and choose their own routes and order to visit them. The objective is to collect as many checkpoints as possible and return to the finish within a two-hour limit; individual winners are those who collect the most checkpoints and return in the fastest time.

The event accepts solo runners and teams. Teams consist of three to six people; team members may run together or separately. Team ranking uses the lowest checkpoint count among team members and the averaged times for those members. If any team member misses the finish cutoff, the entire team is scored as a Did Not Finish. Kids 12 and under race free but must run alongside a registered parent or guardian for the entire event.

Course length depends on chosen routes; participants can expect roughly 5 to 8+ miles with about 800 to 1000+ feet of elevation gain, though actual distance and gain vary by choices. Each finisher receives a Wood You Rather mug; prizes are given to top male, top female, top non-binary, and top team. Donuts and coffee are provided at the finish.

The run takes place at Mt. Tabor Park in Portland. Parking is available in the park and on surrounding neighborhood streets; limited parking makes carpooling, public transit, or rideshare advisable. The organizers acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Cowlitz, Clackamas, and Atfalai Tribes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.