Roanoke · United States

5K races near Roanoke

11 races in 2026 next one in 2 days
Running
Race calendar

Upcoming 5K races near Roanoke

This week 2
3JUL
Run · road · 5K
Alderson 4th of July Run for Snacks
Alderson · 80 km away
4JUL
Run · road · 5K
Waldron Fitness 5K/ Shawsville Independence Day
Shawsville · 30 km away
AUG 2
8AUG
Run · road · 5K
Salem Distance Run
Salem · 10 km away
9AUG
Run · road · 5K
Fort Lewis 5K
Salem · 10 km away
SEP 7
5SEP
Run · road · 5K
"Track the Future 5K"
Axton · 71 km away
+6 more 5K racesShow fewer
5SEP
Run · road · 5K
Camp Bethel PEP! 5K Run/Walk
Fincastle · 26 km away
12SEP
Run · road · 5K
Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run
Salem · 10 km away
12SEP
Run · road · 5K
Eagle Strut 5K Run/Walk 2026
Rocky Mount · 30 km away
19SEP
Run · road · 5K
Healthy Floyd 5K
Floyd · 51 km away
19SEP
Run · road · 5K
Smith Mountain Lake Walk to End Poverty
Huddleston · 37 km away
25SEP
Run · road · 5K
Harvest Moon Run 5k and 8k
Axton · 71 km away
Roanoke · 80 km
11 races mapped View on map →

Recurring 5K races near Roanoke

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Anxious for Nothing 5K Color Run!
SAT OCT 3
The Anxious for Nothing 5K Color Run is a 5 km running event in Bedford, Virginia. It takes place at Falling Creek Park on County Farm Road, starting at 10:00 a.m. on an October morning and concluding by noon. The race follows the color-run format, focusing on a short, accessible run where color is incorporated into the experience, rather than a long-distance competition. Registration is available via a flyer QR code or the RunSignup race page. The start at Falling Creek Park provides a clear meeting point for participants in Bedford.
The Spilman Thomas & Battle Jaunt for Justice 5K
SAT OCT 3
The Jaunt for Justice 5K is a run-or-walk event in Roanoke, Virginia, held on the Roanoke River Greenway at River's Edge Sports Complex - North. Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC and the Roanoke Valley Paralegal Association organize this annual race. Proceeds benefit the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley, a nonprofit providing legal services to those unable to afford them. The morning features a children's 0.5K Fun Run preceding the 5K, followed by a medal ceremony. In-person 5K participants receive a raffle entry, with additional chances available on race day. Prizes are sourced from local businesses. RND Coffee will offer coffee and fresh donuts after the event concludes.
NCS Take the Hill 5K
SUN OCT 4
The NCS Take the Hill 5K is an annual cross-country race held at North Cross School in Roanoke, Virginia. It begins and ends on the red barn field on campus. The primary race is a chip-timed 5K run along the NCS Ridgeline Course, a challenging trail route by local standards. The event also features a 5K walk and an untimed 0.8-mile Kids' Fun Run. Proceeds benefit the North Cross School Parents' Association. Participants compete on the Ridgeline Course for overall, masters, and age-group medals. Walkers follow the same 5K route but without timing or competitive awards. The Kids' Fun Run is for ages 2 to 12, with North Cross cross-country runners guiding the children and ensuring no one is left behind. Parents may accompany their children. All child finishers receive a participation medal, and the top three finishers are recognized. The event includes bounce houses, face painting, and other activities for children.
2026 NCS Take the Hill 5K & Kids Fun Run
SUN OCT 4
Doggie Dash 5k
SAT OCT 10
The Doggie Dash is a dog-friendly race held in conjunction with the Indianapolis Monumental Mile in downtown Indianapolis. It is designed for runners and walkers accompanied by their dogs. Each participant receives a doggie bandana, a race shirt, bib, finisher medal, downtown parking voucher, and a post-race beverage. The start and finish lines are located less than two blocks apart, facilitating packet pickup, spectating other races, and reaching the start line with a dog. Beyond Monumental donates $5 from each Doggie Dash registration to Friends of Indy Animals. This organization collaborates with Indianapolis Animal Care Services to promote the safety, health, and adoption of homeless animals in the city. Participants have the option to register for additional mile waves or the 5K, with each distance or wave requiring a separate bib.
West End Center's 5K Spooky Sprint
WED OCT 28
The West End Center's 5K Spooky Sprint is a Halloween-season 5K held in Roanoke, Virginia, in late October. The West End Center organizes the race, which has a casual spooky theme rather than a formal championship style. The listing provides no course map, elevation profile, or participant numbers. The useful facts are simple: it is a Roanoke road race with one 5K category. RaceEntry marks the page information as dependent on what the race provides, and the listing currently has no runner reviews.
Operation Hope: AAS 5K/10K for Suicide Awareness
THU OCT 29
Operation Hope: AAS 5K/10K for Suicide Awareness is a free 5K and 10K event held at Jordan's Point Park. It is organized by the Arnold Air Society as an annual service project focused on suicide prevention and mental health. Participants are encouraged to walk, jog, or run, welcoming all paces. The event honors those lost to suicide and supports individuals currently struggling. It aims to bring together cadets, veterans, and community members. While registration is free, donations are accepted. A key tradition is the message that no one runs alone, with all proceeds and efforts directed toward suicide awareness, resilience, and connection.
Getting Scary on the Huckleberry
SAT OCT 31
Getting Scary on the Huckleberry is a Halloween-themed 5K in Christiansburg, Virginia, hosted by Christiansburg Parks and Recreation. The race starts and finishes at the Christiansburg Recreation Center, and runners often wear costumes. After the 5K, Parks and Recreation staff serve free breakfast for participants. The morning also includes Truck or Treat, where vehicles from Christiansburg Fire, Police, Public Works, and other local departments park behind the Recreation Center so kids and adults can see them up close and climb around.
CASA Superhero 5K and Kids 1 Mile
SAT NOV 7
The CASA Superhero 5K and Kids 1 Mile is a family race day on Percival’s Island Trail in Lynchburg, Virginia. It features a timed 5K run, a non-competitive 5K walk, and a one-mile fun run for children. The 5K run is open to ages 8 and older and starts first, followed by the walk a few minutes later. The kids’ race is for ages 12 and under and runs later in the morning. Registration opens in July, and there is no race-day registration. The 5K run and walk are capped at 550 participants combined. The route uses the James River trail. The event incorporates a superhero theme: 5K runners and walkers receive a shirt or cape, swag bag, and finisher medal, while kids get a cape and medal. The 5K awards the top three finishers in each age and gender group. The kids’ mile is untimed and starts in waves about a minute apart. Parents need a security bracelet for kids’ check-in and check-out. Some waves allow a parent to run or walk beside a child. There is also a “Couch Crusader” 0.0-mile option for supporters who want the shirt and swag bag without doing the course.
SML Turkey Trot
THU NOV 26
The SML Turkey Trot takes place Thanksgiving morning at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, featuring a 5K suitable for families and a 1-mile run for children. Organized by LAT Wellness Studio, it is presented as the area's sole turkey trot, welcoming both runners and walkers on its asphalt course. Children are especially invited to participate. The event maintains a lighthearted atmosphere with awards for leading runners and for the most festive turkey family costume. A part of the funds supports the state park, shirts are assured for those who sign up by the October deadline, and awards for runners commence later in the morning.
The Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick Dash
THU NOV 26
On Thanksgiving morning in Roanoke, Virginia, the Drumstick Dash sends thousands of people through downtown to raise money for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. It is a 5K run and family walk, open through race morning, and local organizers describe it as the area’s most popular race. The event supports a mission that serves three meals a day, every day, and provides more than 200,000 meals a year to people in need. The Dash started as a fundraiser and awareness event for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Its field includes runners, walkers, families, and community groups, with participation expected to approach 8,000 people. The Thanksgiving setting matters here: race staff describe it as a morning when people come together to run, walk, and support neighbors before the holiday meal. The Rescue Mission also runs a Manna Food Pantry box program, giving sheltered families 50 to 70 pounds of food every 30 days.
Osprey 10K Run / 5K Run-Walk
SAT APR 24
The Osprey 10K Run / 5K Run-Walk takes place at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants can choose between a 10K run or a 5K run-walk. This event is organized by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Inc., a volunteer 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the park. The course follows park roadways, allowing participants to race through the Smith Mountain Lake environment instead of urban streets. The event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. All proceeds benefit park programs, such as environmental stewardship and educational initiatives.
View all recurring races near Roanoke

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About 5K races in Roanoke

Roanoke Base Miles And Big Climbs

Roanoke hosts 24 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Roanoke runners usually build easy miles on the Roanoke River Greenway, then head for Mill Mountain or Carvins Cove when they want trail legs. Mill Mountain gives locals 10 miles of paths, and Carvins Cove gives Mountain Junkies types 40 miles of trails. Fleet Feet Roanoke Run Club meets Tuesdays at Big Lick Brewing Co at 6pm for a 3-mile route, with 1-mile and 5-mile options. Lager Joggers meet Mondays at Golden Cactus Brewing at 6:15pm for 2-4 miles. Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, Star City Half Marathon & 10K, and Conquer the Cove Trail Races are the anchor events.

Roanoke riders get pavement, gravel, singletrack, and real climbs without leaving the Blue Ridge Mountains. Road riders use the Springwood Loop and the Blue Ridge Parkway, while gravel folks chase North Mountain Gravel, Firewater Loop, Kate's Mountain Challenge, and Filthy Burrito. The Parkway climb runs 6 km and gains 1,316 m. The Parkway climb is 8 miles and 1,500 feet. Blue Ridge Gravity, Roanoke Mountain Bike Alliance, Roanoke Star Cycling, and Roanoke Valley Riveters keep the scene moving, and USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike Nationals is the big anchor race.

Spring and fall are the best months because Roanoke feels built for steady Z2, hill repeats, and long weekend rides then. Summer mornings work best, because average highs sit around 30.5°C and the hottest days can reach 41.1°C. Locals still run the greenways, ride the Parkway, and keep intervals short when the heat comes up. Winter stays mild by mountain standards, with January around 2.7°C and about 25.4 cm of snow in an average winter. Runners shift toward greenway miles, and cyclists pick windows for base miles as snowfall changes year to year.