2026 Blake Norwood Memorial Awards


Offered Only to Active Duty Members of the Armed Forces

Blake Norwood was the founder of the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run, Race Director for 20 years until his retirement in 2014, and a retired Army Colonel who served with regular and reserve Army units. His vision to have an ultra which would encourage new runners to adopt the sport has resulted in the Umstead 100 becoming one of the most recognized hundred mile runs in the ultra-running community.

 

In honor of Blake’s commitment to the U.S. Armed Services and the ultra-running community, the North Carolina Ultra Running Association has established the Blake Norwood Memorial Awards. 

 
Criteria:
  • All armed service members are eligible (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard Units, and Space Force).
  • Candidates must be on active duty status on the day of the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run (March 28, 2026)
  • Entrants must register for the 100 mile. 
  • Entrants must agree to meet the race qualifying criteria specified on the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run Registration policy. See http://www.umstead100.org/registration.html.  
  • Entrants must not have previously been awarded the Blake Norwood Memorial Award.
  • Everyone is welcome to apply. We do not discriminate regarding gender, race, rank, religion, political affiliation, or economic status. 
  • Winners will be required to sign up for the race via an on-line system where they will be asked to agree to our Waiver and Understanding and provide other race related information.

Process: 

  • Award application must be received by the race director by the end of the business day of August 29, 2025.
  • Candidates' names will be placed in a container and the names of 2 males and 2 females will be randomly selected on August 30, 2025.  
  • Award winners and non-winners will be notified by email no later than September 2, 2025 allowing time for all non-winners to participate in our regularly scheduled race registration.

Award Includes:

  • Race entry fee
  • Pre-race dinner for runner and 2 crew
  • Buckle or pendant for 1st time Umstead 100 finishers
  • T-shirt and choice of any item from Umstead Volunteer Store at Race Headquarters
  • Acrylic Finishers Award 

There are 12 questions in this survey.

* Name: 

* Male/Female: 

* Email: 

* Branch of Service: 

* Duty Station: 

* Rank: 

* Will you be on Active Duty on Race Day, March 28, 2026? 

Choose one of the following answers

How many years have you been in your respective service? 

* Is this your first 100? 

How did you hear about this award? 

Please tell us why you decided to apply for this award, and anything else about your ultra running that you’d like to share with your fellow runners. 

* Phone number: