Run the Runway

This race is a challenging run through the beautiful neighborhoods of our city. Participants receive a race day t-shirt, run a course with fully stocked aid stations, and enjoy a post-race awards ceremony along with food & drink. You can also run with the satisfaction of knowing that a portion of your race fee will be donated to our local Relay for Life chapter.

The Summer Sweat 5K is the 3rd race in the 4-race series. Why run just one when you can run all four! To learn more and sign up for other Run the Valley race series races visit www.RuntheValley.com. Run the Valley Race Series races include:

Mad Anthony Mud Run (February)

Park to Park 1/2 Marathon (April)

Summer Sweat 5K (July)

Fall Foliage 10K (October)

Escape to the tranquility of the Shenandoah Mountains for this ultimate 4-day triathlon training getaway. The Shenandoah Valley is close to major east coast cities, but offers a serene and inspiring training environment. Here is what our experienced professional athletes and coaches have on tap:

• Pool swim session at JMU to refine your stroke and improve your proficiency.

• Elevate your open water swimming with expert coaching at Arrowhead Lake. Sunday's OW swim will be on a buoyed course, and will refine your technique, sighting, pack swimming, and start positioning.

• Gain confidence and conquer the mountains on your bicycle. Our expert coaching will empower you to improve your climbing and descending skills as you explore the scenic creeks and breathtaking vistas of the Appalachian ridgeline.

• Escape the pavement and embrace the trails. Our runs on double and single track combine adventure with traditional triathlon training, offering a refreshing alternative to monotonous pace based road work.

• Option of double occupancy, or upgrade to single occupancy. Daily buffet style all you can eat breakfast is included.

• You belong here, no matter your experience or ability. If you have specific training goals, we'll work with you (and your coach, if applicable) to get you your ideal training weekend. We understand that not everyone is in the same place in their training journey and scaled workouts will reflect that. Your Goals Are Our Goals!

Proficiencies & safety requirements:

Swim

-Must be able to swim 400 yards continuous open water

-Swimmers must have a swim buoy / tow float

Bike

-Must be able to ride 20 miles on rolling terrain

-Must bring proper gearing to be able to climb

-All bikes are welcome

-Must be able to change a flat tire

-Must ride with a red flashing light

Run

-Must be able to traverse hills and uneven surfaces

What’s Included:

• Three nights of accommodation at the Hotel Madison

• Daily breakfast at the Hotel Madison, group welcome dinner

• Swag bag

• Experienced technical coaching

• Daily route support for all levels

• Entrance fees for all activities

• One picnic/BBQ lunch

• One dinner on opening day

• Stocked and staffed aid stations with additional on call support

Itinerary:

This itinerary is packed with a variety of workouts. We encourage participants to pick and choose activities like they are at a buffet.

Thursday check-in begins at 11 am ahead of our opening stroke/speed session at James Madison University (JMU) pool. We will start with a light drill set, getting our feel of the water. Then we light the afterburners for a high octane set of 25 and 50’s. We will then get on the bike for a light group spin to the base of a small climb in which we will work on various climbing and descending techniques. These will be key tools to have in your toolbox as this camp will put your climbing and descending skills to the test. The day concludes with an optional track workout of 15x200 meters. An opportunity to turn over the legs while they are still fresh.

Friday is when multisport gets reimagined. The morning starts with a swim set at JMU learning open water skills within a swim set. We will work on drafting, staying efficient in traffic and different self-preservation skills.

Then, refuel and gear up for a brick workout. Starting off with a ride, the group will head out of Harrisonburg rolling toward the mountains. At the midway aid station, we will have your run shoes awaiting. This will be your long run for the weekend on gravel Forest Service roads. Most will perform an out and back course while others may opt for a looped trail which includes some ridgeline running. After the run athletes can either call it a day and hang out in compression boots or jump on their bikes and roll downhill to Harrisonburg.

Saturday is pure and simply a long ride day. At Paul State Park riders will shed anything they do not want to climb with. This is where the day starts in earnest as the terrain kicks up and riders climb 9 miles at an average 5.8% grade. Most riders will finish between 1 and 2 hours. A support vehicle will follow today's ride and meet riders at the summit to savor the views and take some photos before enjoying the long flowing paved descent. Riders will have the option to descend back down to Paul State Forest completing a 35 mile ride or roll down the backside completing a 75 mile loop totaling more than 7500’ of climbing.

Sunday is the legendary 4 hour points event at Arrowhead Lake. This is the essence of multisport fun. Some design their dream triathlon, and others will choose to bounce between their favorite two sports. Then there are those few that just stick to seeing how far they can go in 4 hours in a single sport. A 500 yard open water swim course, 17 mi bike course, and 5k run course will be supported for 4 hours. Athletes will get a designated amount of points for completing each of the loops. The multisport extravaganza will be followed up by a closing BBQ.

Travel:

Athletes are responsible to arrive at the Hotel Madison by 11am on Thursday.

Hotel Address:

710 S Main St

Harrisonburg, PA

Athletes can leave from Arrowhead Lake after multisport day or be transported back to Hotel Madison.

Weather:

Average high 85

Average low 65

Sound too difficult?

We call it our escalator. Jump in the van and we will bring you up to the ridge. This will set you up to have the most scenic and enjoyable experience possible.

What kind of bike?

We recommend a time trial bike or road bike.

Time trial bikes are welcome, but a road bike is preferred given the technical nature of most of the roads.

Bike rentals are available for an additional $250.

Water Temperature:

Expected open water temperature will be between 76-84F. Wetsuits may be packed, but are not required/recommended.

This camp is being organized by Good Stuff Coaching, French Creek Racing, and FA.S.T. Racing. Jointly, we have produces dozens of successful camps at various locations.

Questions - Please email John Kenny at [email protected]

VA Momentum and JMU Valor have teamed up to bring back a meaningful 5K on campus at James Madison University to commemorate September 11th and honor student heroes. Harrisonburg community members and JMU students, faculty + staff are all invited to a unifying event open to all skill levels of walkers and runners. The 5K is chip-timed and utilizes a scenic route on east campus. The start/finish line is located directly behind the Festival Conference and Student Center. Parking is available for those without a JMU parking permit.

Firebolt 5K and Race of 100 Harrys – In-Person & Virtual Options for 2026

You asked, we listened!

Over the years, your feedback has told us loud and clear: you're ready for a break from house-color t-shirts. This year, every participant will receive a Luna Lovegood–inspired race tee, designed to perfectly match this year's brand-new medal — and every shirt will be the same eye-catching color.

Don't worry, house pride is still very much alive! We're introducing house-color bibs so you can proudly represent your house on race day.

We can't wait to bring you fresh excitement this year!

Both the Firebolt 5K and the Race of 100 Harrys offer in-person and virtual options—run your race your way!

✨ And for our youngest wizards and witches:

Every Race of 100 Harrys participant will earn a brand new Luna inspired medal! 🦅 A magical reward for a 1K well run.

In-Person Participants

Join us for the 9th Annual Firebolt 5k and Race of 100 Harrys in scenic Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, VA. Gypsy Hill Park offers a fairly flat and fast paved 5k experience. (Just a short walk to the QCMM Festival) Race festivities will begin at 8am on Saturday, September 26th, 2026. We will have free train rides on the Gypsy Hill Express, photo ops at our 9 and ¾ platform, free duck and fish food, and plenty of shade and space to hang out.

Timed Race Only Option

Show up and RUN! Pick up your bib the morning of the event. This option includes your bib and professionally chip timed race - no finishers medal or t-shirt.

Virtual Participants

Will you still get a cool t-shirt? Yes

Will you still receive our iconic finishing medal? Yes

Will you pick your course, day, and time to run? Yes

In September you will receive a package in the mail with your t-shirt and the cool finishers medal.

Upload your run/walk time by 12pm on Saturday, 9/26. The house with the most times uploaded will be awarded house cup points.

Race of 100 Harrys

The Race of 100 Harrys is a fast 1k designed to give young wizards a fun race experience and cool medal designed just for them. Race of 100 Harrys' finishers also receive a Luna inspired medal and t-shirt!

Schedule of Events (times are approximate and subject to change)

9/25/26

12:30pm -6:30pm: In person packet pickup at Blue Ridge CASA, 119 W, Frederick St, Staunton, VA. 24401

9/26/26

8:00am – Welcome and race rules, Stonewall Brigade Bandstand, Constitution Dr, Staunton, VA 24401

8:05am – Race of 100 Harrys and Firebolt 5k participants gather and move to starting lines. Race of 100 Harrys starts as soon as participants are in place at the starting line. Firebolt 5k Participants line the race loop to cheer on the little wizards.

8:10am – 5k participants move to starting line. 5k race starts as soon as participants are in place at the starting line.

8:55am – Closing and awards for top female and male in each age category and Best Male and Female Overall Finishers. Stonewall Brigade Bandstand, Constitution Dr, Staunton, VA 24401

8:15am – 10am – FREE Rides on the Gypsy Express Mini Train! Be sure to visit the Gypsy Express Mini Train for free rides and a very cool 9 ¾ Platform Photo Op.

8:15am – 10am – Pick up a free bag of Duck/Fish Food and head over to the Gypsy Hill Duck Pond. Enjoy feeding ducks, geese, swans and the beautiful koi fish. (bags are first come, first served)

Timed Race Only

A race only option will be available for late registrants. Registration open until sold out. There will be no onsite registration. In-person participants can pick up their race bib on-site the day of the race. No t-shirt or medal will be offered with this option.

In Person Awards

Top Male and Female Finishers in the following age categories: TBD

Race of 100 Harrys

The Gypsy Hill Park loop will not be closed to traffic on the day of the race. Adults are encouraged to complete the race with younger children.

Parking

Parking is available along the Gypsy Hill Park Loop (600 Churchville Ave. Staunton, VA 24401) BEFORE 7:45am. Parking is also available along both sides of Thornrose Ave. (511 Thornrose Ave. Staunton, VA 24401) and near the Thomas D. Howie Memorial Armory, along 116^th Regimental Rd. Staunton, VA 24401

Results

Visit https://www.runroanoke.com/ for timed race results.

Weather

The event is rain or shine. If a serious weather threat prevents us from safely executing the event, medals will be available for pick up on race day from 9am-11am at the Blue Ridge CASA office: 119 W. Frederick St. Staunton, VA 24401

If dangerous weather occurs at the event, a siren will sound, and volunteers will direct participants to the closest shelter. Restrooms and Picnic shelters are located along Constitution Drive.

Where is the festival?

The festival is located in downtown Staunton, which is a flat one-mile walk from Gypsy Hill Park. (Churchville Ave to Central Ave to Beverley Street)

Find Blue Ridge CASA at the QCMM Festival

Free Patronus Game at Ollivanders Wand Shop

Expecto Patronum! Now you can discover your Patronus here at Queen City Mischief and Magic! Visit Ollivanders Wand Shop on Do Good Alley for our free Patronus game. Once your Patronus is revealed, you will be given a collectible Patronus card to keep. Look for the Blue Ridge CASA tent!

Ollivander’s Wand Shop

This is where young wizards and witches come in search of the most essential wizarding item: their wand. At Ollivanders you will find all your favorite Harry Potter Character Wands including: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy and all your favorites. These character wands are replicas of the wands seen in the movies and books, designed to resemble the wands that each character used. Open Saturday 10am- 6pm (or sell out) Come early for the best selection. Look for the Blue Ridge CASA tent!

Ollivanders Wand Shop and Patronus Game are staffed by volunteers. All proceeds benefit Blue Ridge CASA for Children, a 501c3 that advocates for abused and neglected children in the Shenandoah Valley.

What else can I expect at the festival?

The city is bustling with magical encounters! Use the SCHED website to plan your entire festival experience. SCHED link coming soon

Questions? Concerns?

Contact: Angela

[email protected]