Hoping to pick up an age group medal or you just enjoy the fellowship that comes with racing on a regular basis? The Roanoke Valley and surrounding environs are just the ticket. Whether it’s a 5K (3.1 miles), 10K, 10-miler, half marathon (13.1), full marathon or 50K (31 miles), there is usually a competitive race somewhere, usually on Saturday mornings, for well over half the calendar year. (Mountain Junkies kicks off the season with the Frozen Toe race in early January.)
There are plenty of races centered along the Roanoke River Greenway, trail races at venues like Explore Park, Mill Mountain and Carvins Cove, and others that wind through downtown Roanoke.
Did we mention the growing interest in triathlons, where participants swim, bike and then run? Check out the shorter “sprint” events at Claytor Lake in September and the Salem YMCA sprint every June. Some triathlons like one the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon substitute kayaking for swimming; there are also duathlons (bike, run). Trifind.com/va features a calendar of events for those that want to test the outer limits of their fitness.
Information please: check out the Star City Striders (starcitystriders.com) and Mountain Junkies (mountainjunkies.net) websites for a calendar of foot races. Facebook pages like Roanoke Triathlon Club & Enthusiasts and Roanoke Valley Trail Runners allow you to connect with other enthusiasts, swapping stories and scheduling group runs.
