3 running, cycling, and plunge events in Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Location:

Big Stone Gap Visitor Center

306 Wood Avenue E, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

Date:

Feb 7th, 2026

Description

Our starting event for The Polar Festival!

5K Frozen Race with a Polar Plunge at the finish

-Start/Finish will be at The Big Stone Gap Visitor’s Center

**Option to Plunge Only or Race w/Plunge but registration fee is the same (everyone gets the awesome shirt).

All contestants partaking in the PLUNGE are highly encouraged to bring towels and a dry change of clothing because you will want to hang around for the rest of the Polar Festival. Fire pits will be set up to dry you our and warm you up. Adult beverages to knock off the chill. Chilly Chilly Cook-Off. Great music, food and fun for all!

The cost is $50 through February 7 then increases to $55 on race day. This is an official timed event with awards for Overall Top Female and Male & Age Group Awards.

Registering for the Polar Run & Plunge has several benefits. You get the 2025 shirt, you are entered as a Judge for the People’s Choice Award in the Chilly Chili Cook Off, and you get a Free Drink of your choice!

10:00 am (9:30 am early start). 9th Annual Union Half Marathon and Relay will start at the Visitor Center in Big Stone Gap, VA. The course will utilize the paved Greenbelt Trail in Big Stone and then unite with the Powell River Trail in Appalachia, VA. Participants will be able to go through the two old train tunnels that make up the Powell River Trail. All completing participants will receive a unique finisher’s medal and a race t-shirt. 2-4 Person Relay option.

Tour de Crackers Neck 2026

As always, Tour de Cracker's Neck 2026 is located in the small town of Big Stone Gap, VA. This is the 15th Annual Tour de Cracker's Neck bike ride. It begins at the legendary Bullitt Park with the ride being escorted by Big Stone Gap Police Dept. through the heart of the town leading toward the valley where you will find scenic mountains and winding roads. This ride does not have any major climbs but variable elevation with rolling hills around every corner. This event is for the all types of riders and while it's on an open road the Big Stone Gap Police Department help in busy intersections providing safety at most turns. Come out and support this year's Tour de Cracker's Neck.

While in town come visit the Southwest Virginia Museum to experience the town's story first-hand. There are many attractions such as historic home of John Fox Jr., the June Tolliver House, the 101 Historic Traincar, or the Lonesome Pine School and Heritage Museum.

After Tour de Cracker's Neck, cool down on the Greenbelt on the scenic Powell River. Go hiking and nearby Roaring Branch in the Jefferson National Forest, or enjoy the other national forest sites that surround Big Stone Gap! Play a round of golf at the Lonesome Pine Country Club or take short trip to Natural Tunnel State Park and view the Eighth Wonder of the World. Hear Old-Time and Bluegrass music at various venues in the area along the Crooked Road! Big Stone Gap is the perfect place for your mountain vacation!

Sponsors:

Moving Forward Physical Therapy, Inc

Town of Big Stone Gap

Powell Valley National Bank

Pre-Registration: June 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM at Bullitt Park in Big Stone Gap, VA

Early Online Entry Fee: $25

Regular Entry Fee: $35

Start Time: 9:00 AM

Awards: Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd place Male and Female

Race in Memory of Bill Collie