20th Explore Your Limits 5k & 10k
Race Date – February 24th 2024, at 9:00am
Registration is Open
Registration Fees
5k:
$28.00 for one week ending December 8th (plus online processing fee)
$31.00 between December 9th until January 30th (plus online processing fee)
$36.00 between January 30th until February 22nd at 6pm (plus online processing fee)
$40.00 after February 22nd at 6pm and until/on Race Day (plus online processing fee)
10k:
$33.00 for one week ending December 8th (plus online processing fee)
$36.00 between December 9th until January 30th (plus online processing fee)
$41.00 between January 30th until February 22nd at 6pm (plus online processing fee)
$45.00 after February 22nd at 6pm and until/on Race Day (plus online processing fee)
Virtual Option:
$25 for both the 5k & 10k
Our Virtual events are setup for you to be a part of the series without having to be in person for each event. This is a run anywhere option, that counts as one of the RNUTS qualifying races. In addition, you will get the race shirt until 1/30/24, after that, all registrants will get a Mountain Junkies LLC Hoo Rag (similar to a Buff).
About the race
The Explore Your Limits 5/10k was started in 2005 as the first annual trail run in the Roanoke Valley. Due to the 5k being a great race for people getting into trail running and the challenge of the 10k it has grown to be the largest event in the Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS). This race is a way to showcase what this park has to offer and the miles of tight and twisty IMBA designed single track trails.
Course Description
The 5k is a great race to introduce runners to trail running. The race course will take runners through some of the trails and gravel roads of the Explore Park. The 5k is 1/3 trail and 2/3 gravel road and asphalt. The 10k continues on to the single track biking trails for the remainder of the race (a lollipop loop configuration). This is challenging course and a great way to start your racing season. Walkers Welcome.
5K Course:
The 5k course runs on some of the Historic Areas of the park, heading down the Palmer’s Pond Trail, then a left onto the Deer Run Trail, and a clockwise run on the Turkey Scratch Loop, along the River Walk, up the gravel road next to Slone’s Grist Mill and then doing a counter clockwise run of the Farmstead Loop, then running along Journey’s End Trail, and finally, climbing up Old Salem Turnpike (Vomit Hill), and taking a left at the top of the hill and finishing at the Water Tower (near the entrance to the Yellow Trail).
EYL_5k_Course_Profile (350ft elevation)
Course Records 5k
2010 – Michael Davis 20 – 17:30
2008 – Alice Uhl 33 – 20:45
Masters
2014 – Bill Vickery 43 – 21:08.82
2013 – Tamalyn Tanis 41 – 25:56.83
10k Course:
As you run with the 5k finishers to the finish line. The 10k group will head directly out onto the intermediate biking trails. Once you run over the bridge and up the hill, the course will take a left onto the jeep road. At the bottom of this road you will take a left onto the 1.26 mile endurance loop. This will come back to the trail you ran out on and the remainder .67 back to the finish line.
10k_Map (10k does the 5k course, map above, then continues onto this map)
EYL_10k_Course_Profile (780ft elevation)
Course Records 10k
2006 – Aaron Saft 28 – 35:27
2011- Jackie Kosakowski 27 – 43:41:14
Masters
2022 – Ed Dickenson 58 – 38:54.60
2022 – Michelle Lowry 44 – 46:29.61
Awards/Race Age Groups:
Award ceremonies will be done separately following the last finisher of each event.
The top 3 male and female overall and the top male and female winners of each race will receive unique awards.
13 male and female age groups. with medals given to the top 3 in each age group.
14 and under; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 & up.
If you win an award and cannot stay for the awards presentation, we’ll have the awards at Gilbert Chiropractic, for 2 weeks (540-375-3990). After that, they will go into the rotation for the next year.
Packet Pickup and Race Day Info
Thursday 2/22/24 at Gilbert Chiropractic in Salem – 375-3990; from 10-1 & 3-6.
Friday 2/23/24 at Fleet Feet Sports in Roanoke – 4347 Franklin Road – 777-1166; from 10am-6pm
Saturday 2/24/24 Registration and Packet Pickup at the Explore Park – 7:15-8:40
There will be a Race Briefing at 8:40.
RACE DAY RULES:
- Race number must be on your front, and visible at all times. Do not tear off the bottom strip until the finish (Even if we chip time the event. The tear tag is our backup).
- Follow the marked trail – no short cutting. We have eyes everywhere!
- Communicate and be courteous when passing or being passed.
- Same goes for our volunteers. They’ve taken their day off to help you.
- Headphones (ipods, mp3 players, etc) are permitted only if you keep the volume down so that you can hear other runners behind you and our volunteers when they need to get your attention. Failure to do this will jeopardize the use of headphones for you and the other runners in the future.
- Dogs are NOT permitted.
- If you drop out of the race, please let us know at the finish line.
Directions to the Explore Park
You may want to consult this PAGE to verify if the parkway is closed;
Once on the Blue Ridge Parkway go to milepost 115. Take the road into the Explore Park. Once in the gate you will park in the first lot on your right. Race headquarters will be in the Visitor’s Center.
From the South on I-81
Take I-81 to exit 143 for I-581 south. Take I-581 south through downtown Roanoke. Once you are through downtown I-581 turns to HWY 220. Continue to take 220 south until you reach the exit for the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). This will be about a mile after the Lowe’s and Home Depot. Take the BRP north approximately 6 miles to the exit for Virginia’s Explore Park. Take this road a mile or so until you enter the park. Race headquarters is in the Visitor’s Center.
From the North on I-81
Take I-81 to exit 150B (alternate 220 South). Take A220 approximately 5.5 miles south to HWY 460. You will take a left onto 460 East. Take 460 approximately 2.9 miles to the exit for the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). Once on the BRP head south for approximately 9.4 miles to the exit for Virginia’s Explore Park. Take this road a mile or so until you enter the park. Race headquarters is in the Visitor’s Center.
If the Blue Ridge Parkway is Closed:
Take I-581 towards Downtown Roanoke. Take the Elm Exit. From the North take a RIGHT on Elm or From the SOUTH take a LEFT. Pass the hospital and take a LEFT at 2nd light onto Jefferson Street. Once on Jefferson take a LEFT at the 4th light onto Walnut Ave. Follow Route 116: After crossing the bridge take a LEFT on Piedmont, then a quick Right on Riverland. After 1.5 miles take a LEFT, off of Route 116, on to Rutrough Road (we will try to have a sign/ARROW here to direct you at this tricky turn. We have had many signs taken from this location so we will not guarantee the sign will stay there). Take Rutrough approximately 4 miles to a sign for the park on your LEFT. Enter Park and parking will be in the second lot on your left.
For Race Information Contact:
Mountain Junkies L.L.C.
26 West Main Street, Salem, VA 24153
540-525-9452
info@mountainjunkies.net