Eagle Strut 5K Run/Walk 2026

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!

Enjoy the beauty of Fables and Feathers vineyards while logging some miles with friends and supporting the furry friends at Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center! This beginner-friendly four-mile route winds in and around the vines and property at Fables and Feathers, and the epic finish line of sipping and socializing awaits you! Rather than traditional timing for this event, Wine 4 Wildlife 4-miler overall male and female winners will be crowned based on closest to their PREDICTED FINISH TIME. That's right, all participants who wish to be eligible for the prediction run prizes will leave all watches/phones/devices at the start line and wind through the vineyard without any technology. Participation in the prediction run challenge is optional, but you must denote prior to race day whether or not you wish to participate in the challenge. The male and female participants closest to their predicted finish time will win a prize package from Hoka and our friends at Fables and Feathers Winery!

ALL finishers receive a limited-edition Wine 4 Wildlife wine-stopper medal- then present your medal at the tasting room for a free glass of Fables and Feathers wine! Additional tastings and purchases available onsite. Tasting room stays open late just for us, let's thank our event hosts at Fables and Feathers by supporting their small business! Event merchandise will also be available for purchase as well so bring your trail shoes and your thirst for fun- it's going to be a great day to walk, jog, run, and have fun for a great cause! Don't forget, our event overlaps with the Christmas in July event at Fables and Feathers so wear your festive Santa gear and earn $20 in store credit just for displaying your holiday spirit!

Salem Distance Run

52nd Anniversary Salem Distance Run

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Location: Longwood Park, 601 E. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153

Races will start in front of the "Shrewd Outdoors" building at 201 E. Main Street

Race founder: Richard Browder, Retired Track Coach, Roanoke College

5K: Race starts at 8:00 a.m., $30.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31, 2026

10K: Race starts at 8:00 a.m., $35.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31.2026

Kids Run: 1 mile fun run through Longwood Park. Race starts at 7:30 a.m., $20.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31, 2026

Volunteers are an essential part of our success! Sign up for yourself or a group looking for a fun community service project.

Packet Pickup: Friday, August 7th at RunAbout Sports Roanoke from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Saturday, August 8th at Longwood Park from 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Rules & Details:

• Runsignup.com registration is available thru race day. Preferred-sized shirts are available thru July 10, 2026

• The race will start on Main Street and finish at Longwood Park

• Parking is available at Longwood Park or downtown Salem

• Award ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the race

• No pets or strollers are permitted

Contact:

Salem Parks & Recreation: [email protected] or (540) 375-3057