Camp Bethel PEP! 5K Run/Walk

Date:

5K & 3K - in person, Apr. 11, 2026, Sat., 5:30 pm.

Entry Fee:

Registration Opens for both 5k & 3k Monday Feb. 2nd.

5k- $25 Feb. 2nd-March 8th/$30 March 9th-April 11th/ Day of race $35

3k-$20 Feb 2nd-March 8th/$25 March 9th-April 11th/ Day of race $30

Family Discount (Parents & Children):

Register a family of 4 or more and save $2.00 per entry. This option should be selected during registration.

T-shirt Guarantee:

Last day to guarantee your t-shirt for 5K & 3K is Mar 20, 2026

Packet Pickup:

Pre-registered participants may pick up packets at the Bedford YMCA the day before the race, Apr. 10th from noon to 6 PM. Race day, April 11th, packet pickup will be at Johnson’s Orchard at 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Amenities:

Free wine samples, camp fire, s’mores, & mini Charcuterie boxes!

Course:

Chip Timed! (Riverside Runners) Very exciting & scenic, rolling off-road course, through apple fields, short gravel road and bridges over small streams with spectacular mountain views.

Awards:

5K Awards: OVERALL: 1st Place M & F awards, AGE DIVISIONS: MEDALS TO TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE IN EACH AGE GROUP of 5K (*SPECIAL ENGRAVED MEDALS )

5K Age Divisions: 12 and under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29 ,30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up

Please note, there are no awards for the 3K event

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with over 7,430 ft. in elevation change, more than any other road marathon in the U.S. This race is the ONLY marathon that runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and proceeds from this non-profit event benefit the parkway and a dozen local charities every year. The full, half, relay and 10k all prove equally challenging yet rewarding on this mountainous course, and all runners are rewarded with a unique finishers’ medals, shirts and local craft beer at the festival-like finish in downtown Roanoke. For those who need even more than just extreme elevation change can run the course twice with the official Blue Ridge Double (sells out annually).

This race would not be possible without the support of our title sponsor, Foot Levelers.

This event is owned and operated by the Roanoke Outside Foundation whose mission to make outdoor activity and environmental stewardship a core component of our community’s lifestyle by promoting a “conservation through recreation” philosophy.

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!

Experience the James River as you've never seen it before as you run, ride, and paddle your way through this epic multi-sport adventure in beautiful Botetourt County. The Buchanan Tri is a great triathlon for beginners, but is also challenging for experienced triathletes. We're now in our 11th year! The race has grown and finishing times have gotten more competitive. Sign up and start your training!