The Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run takes place at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia on September 12, 2026. The event offers two distances: a 1K option and a 5K, making it accessible for runners of varying abilities and ages. The race starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $7.00 to $25.00 depending on registration options. Green Hill Park is located at 2501 Green Hill Park Road, providing a local venue for endurance athletes and families in the Salem area looking to participate in a community running event.
From the Race Organizer
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. 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 Head Meet Director Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@rcps.us . Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00AM This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes who attend public or private middle/high schools and are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day. Per VHSL/NFHS policies, athletes who are home schooled cannot race against public or private Virginia schools or other sanctioned out-of-state schools and must therefore participate in this separate "open" race. 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). 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. Records/Results: 5000m Open Race Overall Records (New Course - 2019): Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022) Women: Annie LeHardy 18:21.00 (2024) 5000m Open Race Master's (40+) Records (New Course - 2019): Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022) Women: Ashley Palmer 18:46.9 (2025) 5000m Open Race Coach's Records (New Course - 2019): Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019) Women: Kate Vanderstelt 21:18.6 (2025) Historical 5k Team Results: 2025: 1st Krusty Krabs (21 points), 2nd Roanoke Valley Elite (RVE) (47 points), 3rd Patrick & Henry Community College XC (66 points) 2024: 1st Roanoke Valley Elite (RVE) (15 points), 2nd ABCA Cross Country (66 points), 3rd CSXC Alumni & Friends (71 points) 2023: 1st Blacksburg Striders (18 points), 2nd CSXC Alumni & Friends (59 points), 3rd C&C Runners (76 points) T-Shirts: The paid registrants will receive a Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt until supplies run out! 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: @ 9:00AM This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade). All participants will be given a 2024 Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race. 1000m Elementary Records: Boys: Connor King 3:48.32 (2022) Girls: Aryana Sarmadi 4:00.2 (2025) Additional Information: 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 Athletic 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. 2026 Schedule of Events: 7:00 AM Course Opens - Packet Pick-up (Near Concessions) & Open Race registration (Online only - At Finish line) 7:45 AM - Open Race (Joe LaRocco 5k and 1k Elementary School Race) closes 8:00 AM - "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women 8:30 AM - High School/Middle School 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) 10:15 AM - Boys Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25) 10:45 AM - Girls Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25) 11:30 AM - Boys Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25) 12:00 PM Girls Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25) 12:45 PM Boys Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25) 1:15 PM - Girls White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries) 2:00 PM - Boys White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries) 2:30 pm - Girls & Boys will r
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Salem, VA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Salem, VA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA?
Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Salem, Virginia.
Where is Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA held?
Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA is held at 2501 Green Hill Park Rd in Salem, Virginia.
Where can I find hotels near Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run 2026 — Salem, VA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Salem. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
