Charlottesville Track Club 2026 New Year's Day 5K - Thursday, Jan 1st 10 a.m start

Fee (in-person or virtual)
$40.26 ($35.26 CTC Member)

*CTC Members receive a $5 discount. Membership must be valid on 1/1/26 to receive discount.  The price increases to $50.26 for race-day signup on 1/1/26.

Fireworks Beanie for all who register before December 10 and complete the race.

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

Shoes for Kids. Providing running shoes to athletes from 7-18.  

Thanks to Blue Ridge Timing for providing chip timing on the Free Union course!

VOLUNTEERS
Jobs are parking (4), Food and Beverage 2, hand out beanies 2, and course guidance (5). Time would be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please signup on VOLUNTEERS or contact Rick Willis at westeditor@gmail.com

Volunteer Jan 1, 2026 starting at 8:00 a.m. Race Begins at 10 a.m.  

VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE!
Run your 5K anywhere between 12/30/2025 and 1/01/2026

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!  Please start at the back of the pack to let the runners go first for everyone's safety.  

Is there packet pickup?
YES, there is race day packet pickup at Free Union from 9:00-9:45 am. 

Who is the race beneficiary?
Shoes for kids. A service of the C'ville Track Club.

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.​