Joe LaRocco 5K
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Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run
The Joe LaRocco 5K and Elementary School 1K Run take place at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia. These races are organized as part of the broader Knights Crossing Cross Country Invitational, a large-scale meet that hosts thousands of participants from multiple states across various divisions.
The event features two primary race distances:
- 5 km
- 1 km
The courses consist entirely of grass and gravel surfaces and are characterized by a flat profile. The 5 km race, named in honor of a long-time coach and official at Cave Spring High School, is open to coaches, parents, alumni, and the general public. This includes home-schooled athletes who, according to specific athletic policies, participate in this open division rather than the sanctioned school races held later in the day. Participants in the 5K can compete individually or as part of a co-ed team. Teams require at least five runners to be eligible for cross-country style scoring.
The 1 km race is a non-competitive run specifically for elementary-aged students between the 1st and 5th grades. All finishers in this distance receive a commemorative medal.
The park facilities include basic concessions and food vendors located near the start line. Medical support is provided on-site by athletic trainers and local rescue squads. Registered participants in the 5K receive an event t-shirt while supplies last, and packets can be collected on the morning of the event at the designated pick-up area within Green Hill Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
