5K races near Grottoes

Humans begin the Shenandoah Zombie Run 3 - NOT DEAD YET!, followed by zombie runners released by a siren. This Halloween 5K adventure takes place at Camp Shenandoah in Swoope, Virginia, along Little North Mountain. It starts at 8:00 a.m. with a $55 entry fee. The course utilizes the camp’s hills and wooded trails, making it a trail chase rather than a road race. Human runners wear three flags representing their lives, which zombies attempt to capture. Those reaching the finish with at least one flag are designated Survivors; those who lose all flags receive an Infected medal. Zombies compete for bragging rights by tallying captured flags. All participants receive a medal, and proceeds benefit the Virginia Headwaters Council of Scouting America. The event is also Trail Sisters Approved.

The Club of Staunton Turkey Trot Run/Walk is a Thanksgiving morning charity race held at The Club of Staunton in Staunton, Virginia. It features a timed 5K and a 1-mile trot for those seeking a shorter run or walk before their holiday meal. The Valley Children’s Advocacy Center organizes the event, with its message focused on hope and healing for children who have experienced abuse. The 5K course winds through the Club of Staunton golf course, making this a contained club-course Turkey Trot rather than a downtown road race. Participants are encouraged to wear Thanksgiving-themed outfits. Early registrants receive event shirts, younger participants get medals, and all finishers are given a Pumpkin Pie Bite at the finish line.

The North Garden 5K is a trail race held at Walnut Creek Park in North Garden, Virginia, close to Charlottesville. It is included in the Harvest Hustle event, which provides 5K and 10K in-person race options, along with virtual choices for those who wish to run from another location. The race route follows the park's trails instead of city roads, making it a small outdoor trail event rather than a road race. Virtual participants may receive a medal, a shirt, both, or neither. Fees for in-person participation increase with each registration period. The event is noted as one of the organizer’s newer trail races. Course maps, packet pickup information, and details for volunteers are available through the organizer’s event channels.

The NYE Glow Run is a New Year’s Eve 5K in Harrisonburg, Virginia, held at Heritage Oaks Golf Course as daylight fades. Generations Crossing presents the event, organized by VA Momentum. It includes the main Glow Run 5K and a Kids Countdown Run for children up to age 12. The adult race is a casual evening run on the course, not a closed road race. Wheelchair racers, strollers, and leashed pets are welcome. The 5K route uses the golf course’s cart paths, with runners using glow gear, headlamps, and flashlights. The kids’ race is a half-mile out-and-back on similar cart paths. Noisemakers are at the turnaround, followed by a disco ball drop countdown before they return. Packet pickup and walk-up registration are at the golf course. Shirts are guaranteed only for runners who register before the shirt deadline.