
Your place to find road, trail, and ultras we recommend in Southwest Virginia and beyond!
Calendar of Events

Independence Day Freedom 5k & Downhill Mile
July 4, 2025 - Independence, Virginia
Join Grayson County Parks and Recreation and Blue Devil Cross Country boosters for our 11th annual 5k on July 4, 2025. The 5k course is rated at medium/hard with some hills. The downhill mile is super fast! This race is a separate competitive race for all ages. The mile will be run before the 5k. The course is on a slight downhill, sure to produce some fast times. Registration for the 5k or down hill mile is $25 or register for both races for $30!

Crystal Springs Ultra Races
August 9, 2025 - Wytheville, Virginia
Wythe County's only trail race! By offering three distinct distances – the challenging 50k+, the formidable marathon, and the accessible half marathon – aspiring to cater to athletes of varying skill levels and aspirations. These trails are technical in some areas and sure to bring you a challenge no matter your level of training.

Iron Mountain Trail Run
August 30, 2025 - Damascus, Virginia
Four distance options are available- 16, 30, 40, & 50 miles. The footing varies from open easy running along the VA creeper trail (and forest service roads) to technical single track. The majority of the run follows the Iron Mountain ridgeline through the Jefferson National Forest along what used to be the Appalachian Trail. The total climb for the 50 mile course is around 8000 feet. The time limit for official completion for the 50 mile distance is 12 hours (8 hours for the 16 mile distance, 10 hours for the 30 mile distance, and 12 hours for the 40 mile event).

Damascus Festival of Miles
October 4, 2025 - Damascus, Virginia
Join us for the inaugural Damascus Festival of Miles, a timed loop event set in the heart of the beautiful Damascus, Virginia. This exciting race offers 3, 6, and 12-hour options this year, with plans for a 24-hour challenge next year. Race participants will complete laps on a scenic 1-mile loop through the park, with more than 100 spots available for runners to set up their campsites right next to the course.
Galax Autumn Days 5k and Kids Fun Run
October 19, 2025 - Galax, Virginia
The Galax Autumn Days 5K Run and 1-Mile Kid’s Race both start and finish in Felts’ Park at 601 South Main Street, Galax, VA. The 5K course is flat as it follows Chestnut Creek with a ½ mile stretch of the course being run on the New River State Park.

Into the Darkness 4 Mile Night Trail Run
October 25, 2025 - Roanoke, Virginia
This is the Roanoke Valley’s most unique event. The course will take you through 4 miles of the Explore Park. The course consists of 3 miles of twisty rolling single track and 1 mile of grass and asphalt roads. These trails will be marked with reflective arrows, glow sticks, and the occasional surprise (nothing scary, this is a family event). Every effort will be taken so that you will easily be able to find your way and stay on course.

Mountain Masochist Trail Run
November 1, 2025 - Montebello, Virginia
After 40+ years, several course changes, and thousands of finishers, MMTR still lives up to its reputation of being one of the “best trail races in the East!” The course begins and ends in Montebello, VA at the Montebello Campground.

New River Trail Races
April 11, 2026 - Fries, Virginia
The New River Trail Races are 100% dirt, flat, and entirely along the New River and Chestnut Creek in the New River Trail State Park. Each distance is an out and back course.