Events
Place
Description
Fee (in-person or virtual)
$40 ($35 CTC Member)
*CTC Members receive a $5 discount. Membership must be valid on 1/1/25 to receive discount. The price increases to $50 for race-day signup on 1/1/25.
Free long-sleeve poly performance tee with CTC logo in male and female sizing for Free Union race-day participants. Female tee has scoop neck. While supplies last!
Charlottesville Track Club was established in 1976, and the CTC is the driving force behind running in Central Virginia. Each year, the CTC directs some of the most popular local races including the New Year's Day 5K, Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler and Men's 4 miler, Charlottesville Ten Miler, Bruce Barnes Mile, and All-Comers Summer Track Meet Series. These well-organized, not-for-profit races attract thousands of runners and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities annually. In addition, we provide Half Marathon and Marathon training programs as well as training for the C10M.
Proceeds Benefit
Stepping Stone
What We Do
Families struggling to pay rent, utilities, and grocery bills often can’t afford the basics their children need every day. At Stepping Stone, we help fill this critical yet overlooked need. To build an inventory of essentials for families, Stepping Stone relies on the donation of new and nearly new items through individual giving and grassroots community drives. We sort, clean, and bundle items, and then our team of volunteers delivers them to parents, caregivers, and children.
When used, high-demand necessities are scarce – for instance, strollers and pack ‘n plays – we purchase them, thanks to financial support from the community and grant funding. To identify children and families in need, we work with a network of local agencies, shelters, hospitals, and nonprofits. Partnering with each other to address needs of the whole child, these organizations perform a wide variety of services, including mental health counseling, early education intervention, at-home wellness visits, and refugee relocation aid. Through this collaborative effort, we can make sure children have access to daily essentials, from diapers and car seats to coats and shoes.
Who We Are
Charlottesville is home to a wide array of nonprofits, and each one plays an important role when it comes to improving the quality of life in our community. Stepping Stone was established in 2021 to meet a unique need: to provide children age newborn to three from under-resourced families with essentials that ensure their healthy development and safety. The items we provide include diapers/wipes, new and gently used baby clothes, strollers, car seats, and pack ‘n plays. By focusing on an underserved demographic and age range, we make sure the most vulnerable members of our community start life on the right foot.
https://www.steppingstonecville.org/what-we-do
Thanks to Blue Ridge Timing for providing chip timing on the Free Union course!
VOLUNTEERS
Jobs are parking (5) and course guidance (7). Time would be from 8:20 am to noon. Please contact Keith McLaughlin at VermontKM@gmail.com
Jan 1, 2025 starting at 11:00am
VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE!
Run your 5K anywhere between 12/30/2024 and 1/01/2025
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS. NO dogs will be allowed on the racecourse.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How hilly is the course?
The course is relatively flat.
Will it be a mass start?
Yes
Will there be bathrooms out at Free Union?
Yes. We will have porta-johns with hand sanitizers.
If I can't make it to Charlottesville, is there another option for me?
Yes, we are also doing a Virtual ANYWHERE option!
Should I bring my own water on the day of the race?
That would be very helpful, but we will have water at the finish.
Will there be medical coverage?
Yes
Are strollers or baby carriers allowed on the race course?
Strollers are allowed but racers/walkers using strollers must be at the back of all participants for the start of the race.
Are dogs allowed on the racecourse?
No. The Charlottesville Track Club follows the guidelines of the Road Runners Club of America.
It looks like it might rain on race day! What is the weather plan?
The race happens rain or shine, However it may be canceled in the event of snow/ice. Please dress appropriate for the weather. .
I don’t want to run 5K, is it okay if I walk?
YES! We will have a separate path for walkers only that will be parallel to the runners course.
Is there packet pickup?
YES, there is race day packet pickup at Free Union from 10:00-10:45 am.
Who is the race beneficiary?
Stepping Stone: https://www.steppingstonecville.org/
Can I switch from the Anywhere virtual event to the Free Union event?
Absolutely! The following link explains how you can transfer events.
How to transfer events:
https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event
How to access your RunSignUp profile:
https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062604-access-and-explore-your-profile
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS:
5404 Wesley Chapel Rd, Free Union VA
From Barracks Road Shopping Center take Barracks Rd. west for approx. 1 mi. to the intersection at Georgetown Rd.
Continue straight on Barracks Rd (which becomes Garth Rd./Rt. 601) approx. 4.2 mi. to Hunt Country Store.
Turn Right and continue on Rt. 601 approx. 4.2 mi to Free Union, VA.
As you come out of Free Union continue on Rt. 601 bearing to the left for approx. 75 yards.
Turn left on Millington Rd. for approx. 0.3 mi. and turn right on Wesley Chapel Rd.
Stay on Wesley Chapel for 2.4 miles where you will bear to the right (staying on Wesley Chapel) for 0.1 mi. to the parking area on the left.
As you come down Wesley Chapel you will pass the starting line on the right and Wesley Chapel on the left.
Please do not park anywhere on the side of the road nor in the chapel parking lot. Volunteers will assist you with parking.
Please plan your route in advance as it's a race day packet pickup in Free Union and there may be limited cell service and GPS access at the race.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
Free Union
