The Big Run Roanoke

Welcome to the Tartan 5K, A Twilight Run, a celebration of health, happiness, and community! This race is sponsored by Radford University in Roanoke. As a health science campus, this event aims to provide support in celebrating both current and future healthcare professionals.

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embrace the spirit of the Tartan as you dash through the Roanoke Greenway in this unique and lively event. Whether you choose to run in scrubs to honor the healthcare community, or a kilt to show your Highlander pride – every step you take will contribute to a healthier, happier you, as well as a stronger community bond. Mark your calendars for September 18, 2026!

Runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs of all ages are welcome!

Pre-race party starts at 5:30pm!

*This race is chip-timed.

Discounts for Radford University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as for current healthcare workers, can be applied during checkout after early bird registration ends on May 14.

Award Groups:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female in runners at 18-30, 40-49 (Masters), and 50+ (Grandmasters).

Highlander Tartan Spirit Award

Youngest and oldest finishers

Packet Pick-up:

Wednesday, September 16

11 a.m.- 1 p.m. & 4-6 p.m.

Radford University Carilion (101 Elm Ave, SE, Roanoke, VA 24013)

Thursday, September 17

4-6 p.m.

Run About Sports (3635 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24014)

Participants will receive:

-Finisher Medal

-Race T-Shirt (shirts guaranteed for the first 150 participants to register by August 15, 2026)

-Swag Bag

• Free cup of tropical ice

5K (3.1 mile) Run/Family Walk

The Drumstick Dash is a 5k run and family walk that happens every Thanksgiving Morning. The DASH benefits the Rescue Mission of Roanoke’s dining services and provides for the meals that the Rescue Mission serves on an annual basis. We typically serve about 200,000+ meals a year to those in need. These meals go to adults and children alike, providing needed nutrition so that each of our guests can focus on the ultimate success, rising out of poverty. We are honored to welcome some of the best runners in the area (and some from beyond) to our race. The DASH is the most popular race in the area and attracts everyone in the family from the athletic types to the ones who just want to have a good time and take a stroll. When you participate in the DASH, you're not just making a statement, you're supporting a movement.

Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick DASH: Join us on Thanksgiving Morning for the best race in town (seriously, we were voted "Best Charity Race" by the Roanoker Magazine!)