2026 RCS Shamrock Hill Run 1-mile and 5K

Please see the race webpage for all of the race details - https://mountainjunkies.net/conquer-the-cove-25k-marathon/

This event has it all, great headquarters and trail system, tough challenging courses and the perfect time of year to see mountain laurel and rhododendrons in bloom. If you are from Roanoke it gives you a chance to compete against the home town folks to see who’s top dog. If you aren’t from Roanoke it gives you the chance to see 80% of the trails of the park that will be well marked and maintained. This is the anchor event to the Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS) and is the perfect place to test your fitness.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the place to run and ride if you are in Roanoke. It is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds not only a major water source within its 12,700 acres, but also overflowing recreation opportunities. There is approximately 40 miles of roads and trails in the park and within trail plan there should be miles and miles of new trails added each year.

Both race distances will be challenging. There will be a lot of climbing, approximately 3500ft of elevation gain in the marathon. 1000ft of this will occur following mile 18, but your reward will be 2.35 miles of downhill followed by a relatively easy 2 mile to the finish.

On June 3, let’s inspire the runner in EVERYONE!

2026 marks the 10th year of The Big Run®, our annual 5K event celebrating Global Running Day. In partnership with Virginia Amateur Sports and Brooks Running, we celebrate our local communities by bringing tens of thousands of runners together to cross a finish line and achieve a goal.

The Big Run will be the official 5K for the Virginia Commonwealth Games! With its tagline of "Inspiring wellness & competition" the Games represent the true spirit of amateur athletics. For some, this celebration of sport is a stepping stone for following the dream of representing the United States in the Olympic Games. For others, the Games are a place to compete in a favorite pastime. Regardless of the age or skill of the athlete, the Virginia Commonwealth Games provide the pure pleasure of competing for the love of sport.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE FUN:

• Become a Fundraiser! The Top Fundraiser will win a head-to-toe outfit (shoes, top, bottom) from Brooks! Start your fundraiser for Smiles4Tab today!

• Middle of the Pack Award!

Welcome to the Tartan 5K, A Twilight Run, a celebration of health, happiness, and community! This race is sponsored by Radford University in Roanoke. As a health science campus, this event aims to provide support in celebrating both current and future healthcare professionals.

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embrace the spirit of the Tartan as you dash through the Roanoke Greenway in this unique and lively event. Whether you choose to run in scrubs to honor the healthcare community, or a kilt to show your Highlander pride – every step you take will contribute to a healthier, happier you, as well as a stronger community bond. Mark your calendars for September 18, 2026!

Runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs of all ages are welcome!

Pre-race party starts at 5:30pm!

*This race is chip-timed.

Discounts for Radford University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as for current healthcare workers, can be applied during checkout after early bird registration ends on May 14.

Award Groups:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female in runners at 18-30, 40-49 (Masters), and 50+ (Grandmasters).

Highlander Tartan Spirit Award

Youngest and oldest finishers

Packet Pick-up:

Wednesday, September 16

11 a.m.- 1 p.m. & 4-6 p.m.

Radford University Carilion (101 Elm Ave, SE, Roanoke, VA 24013)

Thursday, September 17

4-6 p.m.

Run About Sports (3635 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24014)

Participants will receive:

-Finisher Medal

-Race T-Shirt (shirts guaranteed for the first 150 participants to register by August 15, 2026)

-Swag Bag

• Free cup of tropical ice

5K (3.1 mile) Run/Family Walk

The Drumstick Dash is a 5k run and family walk that happens every Thanksgiving Morning. The DASH benefits the Rescue Mission of Roanoke’s dining services and provides for the meals that the Rescue Mission serves on an annual basis. We typically serve about 200,000+ meals a year to those in need. These meals go to adults and children alike, providing needed nutrition so that each of our guests can focus on the ultimate success, rising out of poverty. We are honored to welcome some of the best runners in the area (and some from beyond) to our race. The DASH is the most popular race in the area and attracts everyone in the family from the athletic types to the ones who just want to have a good time and take a stroll. When you participate in the DASH, you're not just making a statement, you're supporting a movement.

Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick DASH: Join us on Thanksgiving Morning for the best race in town (seriously, we were voted "Best Charity Race" by the Roanoker Magazine!)