Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I register?
Link to our register page here
When & where can I pick up my race packet?
RunAbout Sports is in Townside Festival Shopping Center, near Montano's, on 3635 Franklin Road SW in Roanoke, Va. The NCS PA will be handing out race packets on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12 pm - 6 pm. Please mark your calendars! We don't want you to miss it.
Oh no! I missed packet pickup. What now?
"Morning of" Packet Pick Up can be found at the Check-in Table on the NCS Campus. Race Day Packet pickup will end at 8:30 am.
Can I register on race day?
NO! But you can register online up to midnight the night before the race.
Can I switch my kid's registration from Kids Fun Run to 5K or vice versa?
Unfortunately, no. Since we are a volunteer run event, we just don't have the manpower to change registrations and issue refunds. You will have to double register if your child decides to run a different race.
Can my child run in both races?
Absolutely! Just make sure you register them for both races. The Kids Fun Run runs first and they will have time to grab some water and line up before the 5K starts. There is a bundle option if you register them for both races at once.
Is this a rain or shine event?
The 5K is a rain or shine event but will be cancelled if there is lightning or the course is considered treacherous or dangerous due to slippery and muddy conditions. The Fun Run will be postponed for another day if possible. Otherwise it will become a virtual event. If the 5K race must be canceled, it will be converted to a "virtual" race, and a link to upload your results will be shared. No refunds will be given. Registered participants will be able to pick up their race medal, bib and any merchandise purchased on a date and time determined by the organizer. If this happens, please check the website and your email for more information.
Will the 5K run the new Ridgeline Course we ran in 2023?
YES! Coach Dickenson, his sons, and U.S. Lawns created the streamlined NCS Cross Country Course for the Take the Hill 5K. It is every athlete's responsibility to know the course. Stay focused, and do not let a spectator, another participant, or a marshal decide your race for you! Here is the link to the race map.
Is there an Early Bird Registration Raffle?
No, not this year! But be sure to sign up before prices increase on August 28. If you do, you'll be entered for the 5K $250 Run About Sports gift card raffle and two Kids' Fun Run raffles for $20 each to Sugar Magnolias! To guarantee a race day shirt and a personalized race bib, you have to register by August 28.
How much is the 5K Run or Run/Walk entry fee?
$25 from 4/1 to 8/1 (early bird)
$30 from 8/2 to 8/28* (regular) *8/28 is the race shirt/personalized bib deadline for the printer. We cannot guarantee you a race shirt/personalized bib after 8/28.
$35 from 8/29-9/18 (late registration)
$40 from 9/19-9/27 (final week)
How much is the 5K Walk entry fee?
$20 from 4/1 to 8/28* (early bird) *8/28 is the race shirt/personalized bib deadline for the printer. We cannot guarantee you a race shirt/personalized bib after 8/28.
$25 from 8/29 to 9/27 (late registration)
This is NOT a timed event.
How much is the Kids' Fun Run entry fee?
$15 from 4/1 to 8/1 (early bird)
$18 from 8/2 to 8/28* (regular) *8/28 is the race shirt deadline for the printer. We cannot guarantee you a race shirt after 8/28.
$20 from 8/29-9/18 (late registration)
$25 from 9/19-9/27 (final week)
Is the 5K timed?
Yes, Run Roanoke will be timing the '5K Run and Run/Walk'. The '5K Walk ONLY' is NOT a timed event. Make sure you sign up for the correct race. The Kids' Fun Run will NOT be timed.
For an accurate '5K Run and Run/Walk' finish time, please follow these instructions.
-Your bib must be worn on the front of your body to ensure the sensors detect the chip.
-Your bib cannot be covered.
-Do not bend, crinkle, or remove the timing chip on your bib.
Will gear check be available?
No, there will NOT be any gear check.
What type of running course is this race?
You'll be running on fields, sidewalks, paved roads, and wooded paths.
Are dogs/pets or strollers allowed on the Course?
NO!! This Course has an extremely challenging hill. As such, dogs/pets and strollers are not allowed on the Course.
Will there be bathrooms available?
Yes, there will be Porta-Johns across from Cook Field. We are adding more Ports-Johns this year!
Is there a course time limit for the 5K?
Yes, there is a 2- hour limit.
Can I walk the 5K?
Absolutely, and it's a beautiful walk! New this year, we will have an untimed walkers group start after the 5K Run. Get a group together and come enjoy the day. The more the merrier.
Are headphones allowed?
We encourage you to limit your running music to one earbud or a low volume to stay aware of your surroundings and the other runners on the narrow Course. Your safety is our number one priority!
Where do I park?
Parking is limited, so arrive early. Park in the Ellis Hall (Lower School parking lot to the left of the school entrance) or Willis Hall (Upper School parking lot to the right of the school entrance). If these lots are full, proceed to Eaton Hall (Middle School parking lot, stay left past Ellis Hall). Please do not park beyond the orange cones, as this will be designated race jurisdiction. Overflow parking is available across the street from the school on Hooper Field. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, find a volunteer.
Will there be medals?
We will give participation medals to all the Kids' Fun Run participants. If you finished the Take the Hill 5K, you deserve a medal! All participants (runners and walkers) will get a participation medal also.
We will have a medal ceremony for the top finishers of the 5K runners ONLY, since that is the only timed event. Medals will be presented to the overall top 3 male and female winners, the first male and female masters (40 & older), and to the top three in each age group for both male and females. Age groups will be as follows: 9 & Under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
The top three kids that cross the Kids Fun Run finish line will also receive recognition.
Will there be t-shirts and swag?
T-shirts and our sponsors' swag will be provided with your race packet. Race packet pickup is at RunAbout Sports. RunAbout Sports is in Townside Festival Shopping Center, near Montano's, on 3627 Franklin Road SW in Roanoke, Va. The NCS PA will be there handing out race packets, with t-shirts and our wonderful sponsors' swag, on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12 pm-6 pm. Please mark your calendars. We don't want you to miss it!
Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?
Yes, photos will be uploaded to the race website.
Is there a cancellation and refund policy?
If the race must be canceled outright and cannot be rescheduled, it will be converted to a "virtual" race, and a link to upload your results will be shared. No refunds will be given. Registered participants will be able to pick up their race medal, bib and any merchandise purchased on a date and time determined by the organizer. If this happens, please check the website for more information.
