Hokie Half Marathon and 5K
The Hokie Half Marathon and 5K is a fall race weekend in Blacksburg, Virginia, centered on Virginia Tech’s Hokie identity. The half marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., and this is the 14th annual running. It is designed to stay compact, with the half capped at 2,000 participants and the 5K capped at 500 runners and walkers. Start-time weather is typically cool, with average temperatures around 55 degrees at the start and about 61 degrees by 10 a.m. The half marathon begins with three miles on roads, then covers about six miles on the Huckleberry Bike Trail before returning to a mix of roads and bike trails for the final miles. Aid stations offer water and Gatorade every two miles, Gu at mile seven, and porta potties at several points on the route. Live music is present throughout the course, and finishers receive a Hokie Bird medal. The weekend also includes a free Hokie Kids Run the evening before the main races, allowing families to participate without everyone needing to race the half or 5K.
