9 running, fun run, cycling, and other events in Salem, Virginia

Join the official Fleet Feet Roanoke Training Program, led by Coach Pat Bateman. This 16-week Training Program Block is designed to assist you in your preparations for Blue Ridge Marathon events (26.2 mi, 13.1 mi, 10K) on April 18, 2026.

This program is appropriate for the individual attempting the race event for the first time, as well as the seasoned veteran seeking a PR.

Join anytime! Training will begin on December 29, 2025. Register by December 15 to be entered into a drawing for a FREE race for any distance. Winner to be announced at the December 16 Pub Run (you do not need to be present to win).

By signing up for this Training Program, you'll receive:

• 16-week daily milage plan (based on 4-day/week movement), tailored specifically to Blue Ridge Marathon Events

• Opportunities to train together at 4 Fleet Feet-hosted meet ups a week including a guided Track/Form workouts

• A list of Saturday meetup locations

• Weekly Training Program Newsletter

• Race entry discount codes

• Giveaways at Saturday meetups

• 4 clinics with local professionals/providers specific to strength, recovery, nutrition, and event strategy

• Connection opportunities with peers and professionals at weekly Winter Warriors meetups

• Punch Card to earn rewards for in-store credit

• $99 RunDNA Gait Analysis in January

• VIP post-event FFR Zone

• Post-race celebration at SlowK on April 19

At this time, there is no fee for this Training Program, but we encourage donation to Smiles 4 Tab - suggested donation of $80 per training block or $200 for the year.

In it's 18th year the RNUTS series gives you the chance to run trail races ranging from 5k to marathon from January 10th to May 31st. Start your year out right, with great, well run, challenging races with a great group of people.

2026 Rules, Eligibility and Fees

Each series entrant must register for and complete 5 of the 7 RNUTS events to qualify for the series awards

This series has been created to showcase the trails in and around the Roanoke Valley and help turn you into a Mountain Junkie. We need more of you to help us feel normal.

What we have for you is a one of a kind experience. Each of these races are held in beautiful locations, contain different types of trail, possess different levels of challenge, and have been picked to push your limits and provide you with a great trail running experience. Here is what you will get; well maintained well marked courses, quick results, unique overall awards, and results posted to the web the same day as the race, and at most races we'll have pictures taken and posted for you free of charge.

This series has been set up so that you can comfortably increase your race mileage over the course of the year and/or from year to year. I hope that many people will use this series as a springboard for taking on ultra events (events longer than 26.2 miles.

Start the New Year off right with the Frozen Toe 10k. This race is on a favorite trail of ours; the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail, in Roanoke. Next our newest race on the calendar, the Forever 5 & 10 Milers. Then we head into the core races we've had on the schedule since the beginning; A 5 or 8.4 Miler at Montvale Park, runners can then increase their mileage to run a 10k or Half Marathon at Falling Creek Park, then head onto the Mineshaft 10k at Bearwallow Day Use Area, then onto a potentially new race, and finally finish with the anchor event at Carvins Cove, a 25k or Marathon course that will have you grinning and/or cursing along the way.

You won’t regret the challenge we’ve created for you.

Each event in the series is a stand alone event. You don't have to enter the series to enter our races. The series was created as an added challenge and setup to help push you and keep you focused throughout the year.

The Backpack Run is back! Starting this year, the 5K is dedicated to long-time Roanoke running enthusiast from the C&C Running Team - Marion Childress! Marion has been a strong supporter of the Backpack Run since day 1, and we're honored to re-name the Backpack Run 5K in his honor. We're alos proud to offer the Backpack Run 10K as well and we have the best of both worlds - in-person and virtual races for the 5K and 10K distances.

TAKE THE BACKPACK CHALLENGE - participate in both the Marion Childress 5K and Backpack Run 10K to earn not only the two individual finisher medals but a third exclusive Backpack Challenge medal!!

T-shirts are available! You can purchase a race shirt if you would like one (deadline is March 1).

NOTE: LATE registration is available at packet pickup on Friday, March 20 at RunAboutSports in Roanoke from 3-6 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. on race day at Green Hill Park - ($15 late registration fee will be added and team/promo discounts are not available for registrations at packet pickup or on race day).

Event details and schedule

Get course info and other details at www.rcps.us/backpackrun

Back for 2026 and powered by Slay!

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The Nation's eyes turn towards Virginia again this summer as Roanoke will be hosting National Mountain Bike Championships in July! As in 2025, they are hosting all endurance events - Cross Country, Short Track, and Marathon. With this, we are excited to offer Race Camp in order to provide ambitious junior racers from around the country the opportunity to preview the courses while receiving insight and preparation tips from top professionals and course designers.

Each day of camp will focus on the specific courses that will be raced in July. Each venue will be visited and the campers will work with coaches to break down individual sections, analyzing line choices and developing race strategies. There will also be dedicated blocks for hot laps and mock races to allow campers to experience the courses with a true competitive mindset.

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New for 2026, all campers will have the opportunity to tap into performance analysis from Slay. Slay is the first integrated, data-driven athlete education system in cycling with the mission of building complete athletes through a multi-pillar educational pathway. One of the most exciting aspects is all camp participants will receive in-depth analysis of their performance on each course, section by section, and be able to develop concrete strategies for improving performance on race day.

Race Camp is being held at Roanoke College which is conveniently located near all of the National Championship race venues. Campers will have the privilege of utilizing the College's grounds, dormitories, and dining hall. Each evening will also include seminars from regional professionals with topics ranging from race nutrition to detailed event preparation.

Roanoke College one of Princeton Review's “Best 389 Colleges for 2024” | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR