Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run

The Joe LaRocco 5k and Elementary School 1k Run are a part of the Knights Crossing Cross Country Invitational hosted by Cave Spring High School. These courses are flat, fast, and 100% grass/gravel. If you want to get an early Fall PR, this is your course. Come be a part of a meet with the thousands of runners from multiple states racing in 11 different races.

All questions regarding the Joe LaRocco 5k or Elementary School Championship 1k races can be directed to the Assistant Meet Director John Wiggins at jwiggins@rcps.us. Any questions regarding the high school or middle school races should be directed to Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@rcps.us. 

Joe LaRocco 5k:

This race is a part of the Knights Crossing XC Invitational and is open coaches, parents, and the general public. Athletes who are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in their appropriate high school race later in the day.

Purpose: This race is named after the late Joe LaRocco who was a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School. During his tenure at Cave Spring, he taught History and Government classes from 1980 until his retirement in 2013. Additionally, Mr. LaRocco was a long-time USATF official and starter, starting races at the high school and collegiate level for over 20 years. 

T-Shirts: The first 60 registrants will receive a 2023 Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt!

Awards: Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall and as well as the Top Male/Female Masters (40+) runners. Additionally, coaches with individuals or teams racing at Knights Crossing are eligible for the "fastest coach" award (Male/Female).

Teams: Racers can also compete as part of a co-ed racing team using Cross Country scoring to dictate winner. A team is NOT required to participate in this event but encouraged. Please note that teams require 5 or more runners to be scored and be in consideration for the awards (Top 3 teams).

Elementary School 1k

This race is a part of the Knights Crossing XC Invitational and is open to all Elementary-age students.

- All participants will be given a 2023 Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.

Concessions: Basic concessions will be available for purchase behind the start line along with other food vendors.

Medical: Emergency medical needs will be supported by the Cave Spring HS Trainer and the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.

Packet Pick-up: Packets may be picked up the morning of the race at Green Hill Park starting at 7:00AM. When entering the park, packet pick-up is to the left along the road with the Concessions and is marked with a large blue "swooper" flag.

5000m Open Race Overall Records (New Course - 2019):

Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022)

Women: Ashley Craig 19:43.00 (2019)

5000m Open Race Master's (40+) Records (New Course - 2019):

Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022)

Women: Lynnie Doughton 19:46 (2019)

5000m Open Race Coach's Records (New Course - 2019):
Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019)
Women: Katelyn Wiley 23:37.09 (2023)

2023 Schedule of Events:

7:00 AM Course Opens - Packet Pick-up and Open Race registration (At Finish line)

8:00 AM -  "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women

8:30 AM - Coaches Meeting at the Stage 

9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)

9:15 AM - Open Race Awards

9:30 AM - Girls Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)

10:00 AM - Boys Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)

The "Red" race is for Virginia public schools and all out-of-state teams!

10:30 AM - Girls Red Race 5K (Medals to top 25)

11:15 AM - Boys Red Race 5K (Medals to top 25)

The "Black" race is for all Virginia public and all private schools!

11:45 AM Girls Black Race 5K (Medals to top 25)

12:30 PM Boys Black Race 5K (Medals to top 25)

The "White" race is for Virginia public schools runners and all out of state teams not entered in the "Red" race!

1:15 PM - Girls White Race 5k (Unlimited entries)

2:00 PM - Boys White Race 5k (Unlimited entries)

The "Gold" race is for all Virginia public and all private schools runners not entered in the "Black" race!

2:30 pm - Girls & Boys will race together in Gold Race 5k (Unlimited entries)