Tatonka 50k & 20mi

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.

The Western Region 5K Walk/Run is a signature community event within the Make Moves Against Breast Cancer (MMABC) statewide campaign. Held on the scenic Huckleberry Trail in Blacksburg, this event brings together individuals, families, and local organizations to make moves in the fight against breast cancer.

Serving as both a regional fundraiser and a model for future community-led MMABC walks across Virginia, this event blends accessibility, physical activity, and community spirit with meaningful local impact. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to move at their own pace while supporting breast cancer awareness and programs.

Registrants will create a personal fundraising page and are encouraged to raise $300 individually or $500 to $1,000 as a team. Every step helps fuel vital initiatives for Virginians affected by breast cancer and strengthens the movement for a future without this disease.

Join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026 for the Huckleberry Jam presented by Roots Realty Group! This is the 3rd event in the 2026 RunAbout Race Series. The Huckleberry Jam offers two race options - 8.1 miles and 1.75 miles. Both race distances are point-to-point courses finishing at the Christiansburg Rec Center. For a fee, shuttles will be available to transport runners back to RunAbout Sports upon completion.

RunAbout Sports will be donating all net proceeds from the race to the Friends of the Huckleberry Trail. The group uses 100% of donations and funding for the engineering and construction of the Huckleberry Trail and the amenities along the trail.

Race Day Schedule (Sunday April 26)

6:45am - 7:45am: Packet pickup @ RunAbout Sports

8:00am: 8.1 Mile Race start at RunAbout Sports

8:30am: 1.75 Mile Start at New River Valley Mall (Kohl's side)

~9:20am: Shuttle service back to start begins

~10:15am: Shuttle service ends (after last finisher)

Packet Pickup Schedule

Saturday April 25, 4:00pm - 7:00pm: Packet pickup @ RunAbout Sports

Sunday April 26 (Race day): 6:45am - 7:45am: Packet pickup @ RunAbout Sports

Parking:

Parking is available at RunAbout Sports for the 8.1 mile race. Parking is available at the Christiansburg Mall for the 1.75 mile race. Spectators and those picking up runners from the finish may park in front of the Christiansburg Rec Center and walk to the back where the race finishes.

Return Shuttle:

Participants may purchase an add-on shuttle ticket for $5 when registering. If you arrange for a ride back from the Christiansburg Rec Center, you are not required to purchase a shuttle pass. The first shuttle will depart the Rec Center at approximately 9:20 am and the final shuttle will depart after the final finisher - approximately 10:15 am.

Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay – May 17, 2026

Run, ruck, or relay your way through one of the most unforgettable ultra marathons in the Appalachian Mountains. The Highball to Thurmond Ultra & Relay is a point-to-point 50 Mile, 50K, and 50 Mile Relay adventure through the heart of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia—a bucket-list race for trail runners seeking epic scenery, adventure, and a finish line celebration like no other. Taking place Sunday, May 17, 2026, this race blends rugged singletrack, rocky climbs, and small-town energy with the challenge of racing the clock—and the train—to the finish.

The Highball name comes from an early railroad signal meaning “track ahead is clear—proceed at full speed.” That same spirit drives this event, as athletes tackle steep climbs, technical trails, and jaw-dropping overlooks before finishing in historic Thurmond, WV—a ghost town brought to life by the cheers of spectators.

Why you’ll love Highball to Thurmond:

• Epic point-to-point route through New River Gorge National Park

• Choice of distances: 50 Mile Ultra, 50K Ultra, or 50 Mile Relay

• Race the Amtrak train to the finish line, then ride it back

• Finish line celebration with a champagne toast and small-town hospitality

• Wild and wonderful West Virginia scenery—waterfalls, ridgelines, and historic rail bridges

• Trail running community spirit with runners, ruckers, and relay teams sharing the journey

Race Options

• 50 Mile Ultra – Starts at 4:45 (early start) or 6:00 AM in Montgomery, WV. About 12 miles of paved road mix with gorgeous mountain dirt roads and rugged trails for ~6,000 feet of elevation gain. Finish in Thurmond in time to board the Amtrak train back—complete with a champagne toast. You have 14 hours to beat the last call whistle at 6:45 PM.

• 50K Ultra – Starts at Hawks Nest State Park. A daylight point-to-point with ~3,100 feet of gain, well-marked trails, and plenty of aid stations. Perfect for a first ultra or a fast, scenic run through the Gorge’s most iconic overlooks.

• 50 Mile Relay – Teams of 2–4 cover the full course in five legs. Mix and match your strengths—trail crushers, road speedsters, hill climbers—for an unforgettable shared ultra experience.

No matter your distance, you’ll experience wild and wonderful West Virginia, the camaraderie of the trail running community, and a race-day story you’ll tell for years. Secure your spot, train hard, and get ready to raise the ball.

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.