ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation is bringing back the Backpack Run for 2021. The event will feature in-person and virtual races for the 5K and 10K distances.
The in-person races will take place on March 20 at Green Hill Park, starting at 9 a.m. The 5K and 10K races will begin at the same time. Runners participating in an in-person race will be randomly assigned a corral to stagger start times.
New for the year will be a virtual half marathon featuring an all-new Backpack Challenge: participate in all three race events (5K, 10K, and half marathon) to earn all three individual finisher medals and a fourth exclusive custom Backpack Challenge medal. Challenge runners participate in all three events virtually or have the option to substitute one virtual event for an in-person race (5K or 10K).
To register for the Backpack Run, visit www.supportroanokecountyed.org.
Registration fees for the 5K (virtual & in-person) run $25-$40. Fees for the 10K (virtual & in-person) are $40-$60. Registration for the half marathon (virtual only) is $65-$80. The Backpack Challenge (5K, 10K, & half) is $140-$160. Prices vary depending on age (student or adult) and team participation.
Register for the in-person 5K, 10K, or Backpack Challenge by March 1 to guarantee an event t-shirt on March 20. Finisher medals and event t-shirts for virtual events will be available for pickup or shipping in late April.
Proceeds from the Backpack Run will go to support the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation.
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