2 running and walking events in Cave Spring, Virginia

The Odyssey Land Navigation Clinic is an information-packed day of compass, topographical map study and orienteering in Roanoke. We'll spend the first part of the day (5-6 hours) with classroom instruction. This is a great time to get to know one another, ask questions, and learn the foundation principles of top level navigation. The next 6 hours we'll get out into the beautiful woods and spend 6-8 miles on foot at a slow learning pace, mostly off trail through thick brush, open forest and steep hillsides.

The Odyssey Land Navigation Clinic will:

Explain different types of maps

Explain different types of map scales

Teach how to use all the information on a topographical map

Identify land features on a map

Teach how to identify land features in the field

Teach how to use a compass and its different features

How to set up and use a GPS device with a map

Show an easy way to understand and use declination

Teach how to measure and plot a bearing on the map

Teach how to take and follow a bearing in the field

Teach how to plot UTMs (Universal Transverse Mercator)

Teach how to make and use a plotting tool for a map of any scale

Show what tools are needed to plot successfully

Teach route finding skills

Teach how to use land features to your advantage during the day and night

Show how to estimate pace count and when to use it

Teach how to transition from one map to other and keep all the information flowing

Teach how to work with a team to navigate successfully

More information can be found at http://www.oarevents.com/navigation-clinics/land-navigation

Two options this year!

Live Race: May 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM. We will hold a live race this year. More up-to-date instructions will be forthcoming closer to race day to make sure everyone is safe. First second and third place awards will be given out for the top three male and females in the race as well as the top male and female in these age divisions: 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

Virtual 5K Run and Walk: You can run/walk or whatever between May 23 and July 30, 2026 for 3.1 mile or 5K and get our t-shirt and finisher medal. The first 100 finishers for either the 5k will receive a finisher medal this year!! Just send in your electronic indication of a finished 5K!

T-Shirt guarantee deadline is May 11! After that, as people sign up, t-shirts will be assigned per the selection you make while registering until each size is given away.

Packet Pick Up: May 22 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Roanoke, 321 Marshall Ave SW • Roanoke VA 24016 and 7:30-8:15 AM at Fallon Park, Roanoke VA May 23, 2026.

Keystone Community Center Weather/Safety Policy

Living in the Roanoke Valley can present some interesting weather issues. Participant, sponsor and staff safety is our main concern during our event. Any unsafe weather/event/action that affects anyone during our event will precipitate action that reduces the risk for all involved. Several options will be available to take the correct action considering weather and safety related issues.

Some options are: Cancellation of the race, delay in the start of the race, cancellation/delay of the awards and after race activities

The director of the race in consultation with emergency services personnel will make the determination if one of these options should be taken. Due to the race route being an out and back, a race official on a bicycle will be the mode of notification for any official decision during the race. Race officials at the start/finish area will make announcements at that location.

None of this should keep any participant from making clear personal choices to keep themselves safe. Any unsafe conditions should be communicated to race officials as soon as possible.