North Carolina · Friday, August 7, 2026
The Blue Ridge Running Retreat is a running and ultra event held on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Greetings! The 10th Annual Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run Hosted by numerous friends and family will be held on 9/27/2025 at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro, NC!
For our 10th year, we will be featuring RaceResult chip timing to improve timing accuracy and facilitate near-live results posting. Signs with race-specific QR codes will be posted near the start/finish line so you can scan them with your mobile device to access results. As a result of this upgrade, your race bib will include two RFID tags affixed to the back of the bib. Please take care not to fold or crinkle the tagged bib as this can damage the RFID tags and potentially cause you to be missed by the timer’s HF readers.
Afterparty plans are to be announced later.
We look forward to welcoming newcomers and past participants for this fun trail run. Also available -- the virtual fun run/walk option for those that are not able to make it in person (but who really want that T-shirt!) Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, specifically The Steel Magnolia's Battle/Necessary Relay for Life Team.
A donation of $150 or more gets your name on the back of the race T-shirt and two free T's. Please reach out to [email protected] for more info.
We now have Facebook and Instagram pages (@ChadLovetteMemorialTrailRun) and hope that you will follow us tag us in a photo or video when completing your run/walk. Interested in being a race sponsor?
NOTE:
Registration: Registration will be available on-line through September 26 at noon. Day of race registration will be available, but no T-shirts will be available for registrations after September 14. The Virtual Trail Run/Walk will be active through October 4th to allow the donation portal to remain open.
More about our beloved Chad Lovette and the inspiration for this run: Chad was a native of Wilkes County and passed away on July 9, 2016 after an extended battle with brain cancer. Chad was a graduate of Wilkes Central High School and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He was a singer/songwriter and most enjoyed playing music with his brother, Shay, and with his band, Green House.. His passions were traveling far and wide, hiking, surfing, camping, and living large with his family and friends. This race is in honor of Chad's love for life, the outdoors, music, and fellowship. Join us!
Sponsored by Alleghany Memorial Hospital Foundation to raise funds to fulfill its mission of providing much needed medical equipment for Alleghany Health. This year’s walk and 5k is focused on health and wellness for our patients, the community, and our staff. Learn more at https://alleghanyhealth.org/foundation/
38th Annual
Galax Autumn Days 5k Run
STARTING TIMES
10:00 am - 5K Run (3.1 miles)
9:00 am - 1-Mile Race for kids 12 & under
REGISTRATION
8:00 - 9:45 am Saturday, October 17, 2026 in the gymnasium at Felts’ Park. 5K Run registration closes promptly at 9:45 am and for the 1-Mile Kid’s Race at 8:45 am.
ENTRY FEE
$20.00 for the 5K if postmarked by October 14, 2026.
$25.00 October 15 through Race Day.
Entry includes an attractive t-shirt.
1-Mile Kid’s Race Free - no t-shirt.
AWARDS
Overall winners will receive special awards along with their overall awards
Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd each age group both Male/Female.
No Double-dipping awards. Higher award will be given if Master Runner (40+) places in the overall standings.
Bonus Awards will be given for breaking the Male/Female Overall & Master’s course records.
There will continue to be one award for the top Super Master winner (Age 60 +) both male and female.
If Super Master’s winners place in the overall or the Masters Div. they are not eligible for the Super Master award No Double-dipping awards in age groups/masters divisions.
RACE COURSE
The Galax Autumn Days 5K Run and 1-Mile Kid’s Race both start and finish in Felts’ Park at 601 South Main Street, Galax, VA. The 5K course is flat as it follows Chestnut Creek with a ½ mile stretch of the course being run on the New River State Park.
AGE GROUPS - MALE/FEMALE
10 & Under 35 - 39 65 - 69
11 - 14 40 - 44 70 - 74
15 - 19 45 - 49 75 - 79
20 - 24 50 - 54 80 & Over
25 - 29 55 - 59
30 – 34 60 - 64
COURSE RECORDS
Thomas Curtin 14:40 (2014)
Natalie Sherbak 16:58 (2008)
DIRECTIONS TO 5K RACE
Exit 14, I-77 at US 58. Go west 58 until the intersection of US 58 and Rt. 89 take a left on Rt. 89 (Main Street) and go 8 blocks. Felts’ Park is located on the left. Race begins and ends in the Felts’ Park area.
Race Director: Tony Quesenberry [email protected]