The Osprey Race is an event suitable for participants of all ages and activity levels, offering a well-marked, professionally timed race in one of Virginia’s most scenic state parks.
The event is sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Inc., a volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the use, enjoyment, and appreciation of the park. Proceeds from the race support park improvements, environmental education, wildlife-focused events, and meaningful community outreach throughout the year.
Chip timing provides accurate results, with live results available immediately after finishing. Runners will enjoy post-race refreshments, including recovery drinks, fruit, and energy bars. Top overall and age group finishers for men and women will receive awards, and all participants receive a high-quality moisture-wicking performance shirt as a memento of their accomplishment. Register by Friday, April 3 to guarantee a race shirt.
We look forward to seeing you on April 25!
Osprey 5K
Saturday, April 25 | 9:00-10:30 am
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Distance: 3.12 miles (GPS-measured)
Total Elevation Gain: 217 feet
Average Gain: ~70 feet per mile
The Osprey 5K is a scenic run or walk that’s approachable for a wide range of participants while still delivering a solid workout.
The race starts at the Beach Pavilion, with the beach and pavilion on runners’ right. The course heads up and around the main beach parking lot and continues onto State Park Road, climbing steadily past the boat ramp parking area. This opening section features a moderate, sustained uphill.
At approximately 1.2 miles, runners turn right onto Interpretive Trail. A water stop is located at the 1.5-mile mark, which serves as the 5K turnaround. From there, runners retrace the route back along Interpretive Trail, turn left onto State Park Road, and enjoy a smooth, moderate downhill.
The final section loops around the main beach parking lot and turns right into the upper beach parking area for one short uphill. After cresting that rise, the final 0.1 mile eases slightly downhill around the curve of the lot and then flattens to the finish, which faces the same direction as the start.
The best lake views for the 5K are at the start and finish area, with occasional glimpses along the course through wooded sections of the park.
Osprey 10K
Saturday, April 25 | 9:00-10:30 am
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Distance: 6.19 miles (GPS-measured)
Total Elevation Gain: 363 feet
Average Gain: ~59 feet per mile
The Osprey 10K builds on the 5K course with added distance, expanded lake views, and one clearly defined challenge.
The race begins at the Beach Pavilion, following the same opening route as the 5K: up and around the main beach parking lot, onto State Park Road, and past the boat ramp parking area on a gradual, sustained climb. At about 1.2 miles, runners turn right onto Interpretive Trail.
After passing the first water stop at the 1.5-mile mark, 10K runners continue through easy rolling terrain toward the Discovery Center area. A second water stop and turnaround is located at the 2.8-mile mark, just before the Discovery Center parking lot, keeping runners safely off the lot while offering fabulous, expansive lake views on both sides of the road.
Runners then head back along Interpretive Trail and, at approximately the 4.25-mile mark, turn right onto Overnight Road, a new addition this year. This short out-and-back segment includes the steepest portion of the course. A water stop is placed at the bottom of the hill, where runners turn around and begin the climb back up.
After cresting the hill, runners turn right back onto Interpretive Trail, where the course rejoins the 5K route. A left turn onto State Park Road leads into a long, controlled downhill, followed by a loop around the main beach parking lot and a short uphill through the upper beach parking area.
The final 0.1 mile eases slightly downhill around the curve of the lot and then flattens to the finish, which faces the same direction as the start.