LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run

Two options this year!

Live Race: May 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM. We will hold a live race this year. More up-to-date instructions will be forthcoming closer to race day to make sure everyone is safe. First second and third place awards will be given out for the top three male and females in the race as well as the top male and female in these age divisions: 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

Virtual 5K Run and Walk: You can run/walk or whatever between May 23 and July 30, 2026 for 3.1 mile or 5K and get our t-shirt and finisher medal. The first 100 finishers for either the 5k will receive a finisher medal this year!! Just send in your electronic indication of a finished 5K!

T-Shirt guarantee deadline is May 11! After that, as people sign up, t-shirts will be assigned per the selection you make while registering until each size is given away.

Packet Pick Up: May 22 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Roanoke, 321 Marshall Ave SW • Roanoke VA 24016 and 7:30-8:15 AM at Fallon Park, Roanoke VA May 23, 2026.

Keystone Community Center Weather/Safety Policy

Living in the Roanoke Valley can present some interesting weather issues. Participant, sponsor and staff safety is our main concern during our event. Any unsafe weather/event/action that affects anyone during our event will precipitate action that reduces the risk for all involved. Several options will be available to take the correct action considering weather and safety related issues.

Some options are: Cancellation of the race, delay in the start of the race, cancellation/delay of the awards and after race activities

The director of the race in consultation with emergency services personnel will make the determination if one of these options should be taken. Due to the race route being an out and back, a race official on a bicycle will be the mode of notification for any official decision during the race. Race officials at the start/finish area will make announcements at that location.

None of this should keep any participant from making clear personal choices to keep themselves safe. Any unsafe conditions should be communicated to race officials as soon as possible.

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: specialevents@salemva.gov or (540) 375-3057

The Joe LaRocco 5k and Elementary School 1k Run are a part of the Knights Crossing Cross Country Invitational hosted by Cave Spring High School. These courses are flat, fast, and 100% grass/gravel. If you want to get an early Fall PR, this is your course. Come be a part of a meet with the thousands of runners from multiple states racing in 11 different races.

Questions regarding the Joe LaRocco 5k or Elementary School Championship 1k races can be directed to the Assistant Meet Director John Wiggins at jwiggins@rcps.us. Any questions regarding the high school or middle school races should be directed to Head Meet Director Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@rcps.us.

Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00AM

This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes who attend public or private middle/high schools and are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day. Per VHSL/NFHS policies, athletes who are home schooled cannot race against public or private Virginia schools or other sanctioned out-of-state schools and must therefore participate in this separate "open" race.

Awards: Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall and as well as the Top Male/Female Masters (40+) runners. Additionally, coaches with individuals or teams racing at Knights Crossing are eligible for the "fastest coach" award (Male/Female).

Purpose: This race is named after the late Joe LaRocco who was a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School. During his tenure at Cave Spring, he taught History and Government classes from 1980 until his retirement in 2013. Additionally, Mr. LaRocco was a long-time USATF official and starter, starting races at the high school and collegiate level for over 20 years.

Records/Results:

5000m Open Race Overall Records (New Course - 2019):

Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022)

Women: Annie LeHardy 18:21.00 (2024)

5000m Open Race Master's (40+) Records (New Course - 2019):

Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022)

Women: Ashley Palmer 18:46.9 (2025)

5000m Open Race Coach's Records (New Course - 2019):

Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019)

Women: Kate Vanderstelt 21:18.6 (2025)

Historical 5k Team Results:

2024: 1st RVE (15 points), 2nd ABCA Cross Country (66 points), 3rd CSXC Alumni & Friends (71 points)

2023: 1st Blacksburg Striders (18 points), 2nd CSXC Alumni & Friends (59 points), 3rd C&C Runners (76 points)

T-Shirts: The paid registrants will receive a Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt until supplies run out!

Teams: Racers can also compete as part of a co-ed racing team using Cross Country scoring to dictate winner. A team is NOT required to participate in this event but encouraged. Please note that teams require 5 or more runners to be scored and be in consideration for the awards (Top 3 teams).

Elementary School 1k: @ 9:00AM

This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade). All participants will be given a 2024 Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.

1000m Elementary Records:

Boys: Connor King 3:48.32 (2022)

Girls: Aryana Sarmadi 4:00.2 (2025)

Additional Information:

Concessions: Basic concessions will be available for purchase behind the start line along with other food vendors.

Medical: Emergency medical needs will be supported by the Cave Spring HS Athletic Trainer and the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.

Packet Pick-up: Packets may be picked up the morning of the race at Green Hill Park starting at 7:00AM. When entering the park, packet pick-up is to the left along the road with the Concessions and is marked with a large blue "swooper" flag.

2025 Schedule of Events:

7:00 AM Course Opens - Packet Pick-up (Near Concessions) & Open Race registration (Online only - At Finish line)

7:45 AM - Open Race (Joe LaRocco 5k and 1k Elementary School Race) closes

8:00 AM - "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women

8:30 AM - High School/Middle School Coaches Meeting at the Stage

9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)

9:15 AM - Open Race Awards

9:30 AM - Girls Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)

10:15 AM - Boys Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)

10:45 AM - Girls Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)

11:30 AM - Boys Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)

12:00 PM Girls Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)

12:45 PM Boys Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)

1:15 PM - Girls White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)

2:00 PM - Boys White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)

2:30 pm - Girls & Boys will race together in Gold Race 5k (VA Public & all private schools not in Black race) (Unlimited entries)

THIS EVENT IS RAIN or SHINE :)

*EARLY REGISTRATION PRICING ENDS SEPTEMBER 30!

Join SHERWOOD MEMORIAL PARK for our 10th RUN FOR DONUTS 5k & FUN RUN!

Fun for the whole family & a GREAT opportunity to support a GREAT cause!

This year will be benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia which provides an environment of love, community, and hope to families of seriously ill children. RMHC-SWVA programs give a family with a sick child what they need most – each other.

We will utilize the paths within Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE DONUTS?!?

All participants will get to enjoy a yummy Donut to munch on at the finish line. Eating donuts is not required, however, it will be A LOT of fun if you do!

COSTUME CONTEST, have fun with the run & wear your sprinkle colors or anything donut themed!

~ 5K runners receive a Knit Beanie Hat* & Finisher Medal

~ Fun Run runners/walkers receive a Knit Beanie Hat*

*Beanies guaranteed to all entries received prior to September 30th; otherwise, subject to availability (1st come 1st serve).

OVERALL top three (3) in male and female; PLUS top three (3) 5k finishers - male & female in each age category: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & over.