2026 NCS Take the Hill 5K & Kids Fun Run

WHAT:  This annual fundraising event for the North Cross School Parents' Association features a 5K Run, 5K Walk, 0.8 Kids' Fun Run, and lots of fun for the kids. The NCS Ridgeline 5K course is one of our area's most challenging cross-country courses.

WHERE: North Cross School Cross Country Ridgeline Trail.  The course will begin and end on the red barn field on the North Cross School Campus, 4254 Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA 24018. 

WHEN: The 9th annual NCS Take the Hill 5K & Kids' Fun Run will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 2025, from 2 pm - 5 pm 

 

RIDGELINE COURSE for NCS TAKE THE HILL 5K

• Race Marshals, Public Safety, and NCS PA members will be along the course and at intersections to guide you, but take some time to look over the course map. It is every athlete's responsibility to know the course. Stay focused, and do not let a spectator, another participant, or a marshal decide your race for you!
• You'll be running on fields, sidewalks, paved roads, and wooded paths. There will be water and snacks provided at the beginning and end of the race.
• We encourage you to limit your running music to one earbud or a low volume to stay aware of your surroundings and the other runners on the narrow course. Your safety is our number one priority! ​
• The 5K course, Ridgeline, has an extremely challenging hill; therefore, strollers and pets are prohibited on the course. 

Double Click on map to enlarge and print.

Run Roanoke will time our event again this year! To find out more about the services they offer, click here.

We will have complimentary bounce houses to keep the kids busy.

 

A DJ will provide the music.

The North Cross School Early Childhood Program will have a tent with arts and crafts.

The NCS Upper School Students will be doing free face painting.

Photography will be provided by the incredible Morgan Kemp and her photography students.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a vendor, email jennifer.h.camp@gmail.com.

Where can I register?  
Link to our register page here

When & where can I pick up my race packet?  
RunAbout Sports is in Townside Festival Shopping Center, near Montano's, on 3635 Franklin Road SW in Roanoke, Va. The NCS PA will be handing out race packets on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Please mark your calendars! We don't want you to miss it.

Oh no! I missed packet pickup. What now?
"Morning of" Packet Pick Up can be found at the Check-in Table on the NCS Campus. Race Day Packet pickup will end at 2:00 PM.

Can I register on race day? 
NO! But you can register online up until noon the day before the race.

Can I switch my kid's registration from Kids Fun Run to 5K or vice versa? 
Unfortunately, no.  Since we are a volunteer run event, we just don't have the manpower to change registrations and issue refunds.  You will have to double register if your child decides to run a different race.

Can my child run in both races? 
Absolutely!  Just make sure you register them for both races.  The Kids Fun Run runs first and they will have time to grab some water and line up before the 5K starts. There is a bundle option if you register them for both races at once. 

Is this a rain or shine event? 
The 5K is a rain or shine event but will be cancelled if there is lightning or the course is considered treacherous or dangerous due to slippery and muddy conditions. No refunds will be given. The Fun Run will be postponed for another day if possible. Otherwise it will become a virtual event.  Registered participants will be able to pick up their race medal, bib and any merchandise purchased on a date and time determined by the organizer. If this happens, please check the website and your email for more information. 

Will the 5K run the Ridgeline Course we ran in 2025? 
​YES! Coach Dickenson and U.S. Lawns have created the streamlined NCS Cross Country Course for the Take the Hill 5K. It is every athlete's responsibility to know the course. Stay focused, and do not let a spectator, another participant, or a marshal decide your race for you! Here is the link to the race map.

How much is the 5K Run entry fee?
$25 from 4/1 to 5/29 (early bird)
$30 from 5/30 to 9/4 (regular) 
$35 from 9/5-9/18 (late registration) 
$40 from 9/19-10/3 (final 2 weeks)

How much is the 5K Walk entry fee?
$20 from 4/1 to 5/29 (early bird) 
$25 from 5/30 to 10/3 (late registration) 

This is NOT a timed event.

How much is the Kids' Fun Run entry fee?
$15 from 4/1 to 5/29 (early bird)
$20 from 5/30 to 9/4 (regular) 
$25 from 9/5-9/18 (late registration) 
$30 from 9/19-10/3 (final 2 weeks)

Is the 5K timed?  
Yes, Run Roanoke will be timing the '5K Run and Run/Walk'. The '5K Walk ONLY' is NOT a timed event.  Make sure you sign up for the correct race.

The Kids' Fun Run will NOT be timed. 

For an accurate '5K Run' finish time, please follow these instructions.
-Your bib must be worn on the front of your body to ensure the sensors detect the chip.
-Your bib cannot be covered.
-Do not bend, crinkle, or remove the timing chip on your bib.

Will gear check be available?  
No, there will NOT be any gear check. 

What type of running course is this race?  
You'll be running on fields, sidewalks, paved roads, and wooded paths.

Are dogs/pets or strollers allowed on the Course? 
NO!! This Course has an extremely challenging hill. As such, dogs/pets and strollers are not allowed on the Course. 

Will there be bathrooms available? 
Yes, there will be Porta-Johns across from Cook Field. 

Is there a course time limit for the 5K?  
Yes, there is a 1 hour and 15 minutes time limit. 

Can I walk the 5K?  
Absolutely, and it's a beautiful walk!  Get a group together and come enjoy the day.  The more the merrier.

Are headphones allowed? 
We encourage you to limit your running music to one earbud or a low volume to stay aware of your surroundings and the other runners on the narrow Course. Your safety is our number one priority!

Where do I park?  
​Parking is limited, so arrive early. Park in the Ellis Hall lot (Lower School parking lot to the left of the school entrance) or Willis Hall lot (Upper School parking lot to the right of the school entrance). If these lots are full, proceed to Eaton Hall (Middle School) parking lot, stay left past Ellis Hall. Please do not park beyond the orange cones, as this will be designated race jurisdiction. Overflow parking is available across the street from the school on Hooper Field. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, find a volunteer. 

Will there be medals?  
We will give participation medals to all the Kids' Fun Run participants. If you finished running the Take the Hill 5K, you deserve a medal! All 5K Runners will get a participation medal also. 

We will have a medal ceremony for the top finishers of the 5K runners ONLY, since that is the only timed event. Medals will be presented to the overall top 3 male and female winners, the first male and female masters (40 & older), and to the top three in each age group for both male and females. Age groups will be as follows: 9 & Under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ 

The top three kids that cross the Kids Fun Run finish line will also receive recognition.

Will there be t-shirts and swag?  
T-shirts and our sponsors' swag will be provided with your race packet. Race packet pickup is at RunAbout Sports. RunAbout Sports is in Townside Festival Shopping Center, near Montano's, on 3627 Franklin Road SW in Roanoke, Va. The NCS PA will be there handing out race packets, with t-shirts and our wonderful sponsors' swag, on Saturday, October 3, 2026.  Please mark your calendars. We don't want you to miss it! 

Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?  
Yes, photos will be uploaded to the race website.  

Is there a cancellation and refund policy?  
If the race must be canceled outright and cannot be rescheduled, it will be converted to a "virtual" race, and a link to upload your results will be shared. No refunds will be given. Registered participants will be able to pick up their race medal, bib and any merchandise purchased on a date and time determined by the organizer. If this happens, please check the website for more information. 
 

 

KIDS' FUN RUN COURSE DIRECTIONS 

The Fun Run will start and finish at the same starting line as the 5K and loop the Fishwick Tennis Center Hill. The course is 0.8 miles. An NCS Cross Country Runner will lead the kids. We will also have some NCS Cross Country Runners in the back, ensuring no kids are left behind! 
​
1. From the starting line, the kids will follow the cross country runners on a gentle loop around Red Barn Field.

​2. They will cross the paved campus road and run uphill around Fishwick Tennis Center and back down the hill.

3. They’ll cross the paved campus road again and head back toward Red Barn Field.

4. They will run the final gentle loop around Red Barn Field and finish where they started! 

*Complete Schedule and Map PDF can be downloaded at the bottom of the page to print.

 

Invite your friends and family to come and see you finish! Drop a few hints before the race about how much you'd love to see a sign with your name welcoming you across the finish line. Good luck, you are going to be great!

 

1:00PM: Kids' Corner and fun activities for the whole family open on Cook Field.  Enter through the NCS Main Entrance, across from Hometown Bank and Hooper Field.  The back gates will be closed. Parking is free but limited. Come early to secure a good spot and make sure you have enough time to get to the Red Barn field. 

 

1:00PM-2:00 PM: Race Day Packet Pickup Tent will be open. After you come in the main school entrance, take your first right toward the soccer field. The first table you see on your left near the spirit rock will be the Race Day Packet Pickup table.

 

1:45PM: Call Kids Fun Run participants to line up by age.

 

2:00PM: Kids’ Fun Run Starts. The NCS Cross Country Team will lead and follow the last kid to ensure they know where to go and leave no one behind. Each participant will receive a participant medal at the end of the race. The Fun Run is NOT timed but the first three kids to cross the finish line will be recognized.

 

2:15PM: Opening Remarks.

 

2:20PM: Call 5K Runners to line up. Find your race pace group number on your race bib and line up accordingly. The race pace group is based on your expected finish time. This is to help with the bottle necking on the course. We have our speedy runners upfront. REMEMBER: Pets & strollers are not allowed on the racecourse.

 
2:30PM: 5K Run, Run/Walk Starts After the race, be sure to grab some free water and snacks. Personal Record?!?!? Great job. Ring the Hamlin Builders Sponsored PR Bell by the finish line. 

 

2:35AM: 5K Walkers Start This is NOT a timed event.

 

3:30PM (approximately): 5K Run Awards Ceremony. The 5K medals will be awarded to the following; Female & Male Overall Winners, Female & Male Overall Masters Winners (40& older), Top Three Female & Male: 9 & Under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

3:45PM: 5K Course Closes.

5:00PM: Kids Corner Closes.

 

BECOME A SPONSOR

Promote your business by supporting and advertising to our North Cross Community and the Roanoke Community at large. We have lots of opportunities at different levels. Company and family Sponsorship opportunities/benefits below. Your Sponsorship is tax deductible.

Contact jennifer.h.camp@gmail.com

 

(1) Presenting Sponsor - $2,500

Company logo on 5K finisher medal and ribbon
Table/Tent on Race Day to promote your business
Prominent logo on race shirt and other marketing material
Logo in the NCS Yearbook
Four complimentary 5K entries and two complimentary Fun Run entries
NCS Social Media Post & PA Social Media Post
Verbal Recognition before the race
Promotional materials included on race packet (items provided by sponsor)

 

(8) Platinum Sponsors - $1,000

Table/Tent on Race Day to promote your business
Prominent logo on event posters, race shirts, website, heat signs & other marketing material
Logo in the NCS Yearbook
Two complimentary 5K entries and two complimentary Fun Run entries
NCS Social Media Post & PA Social Media Post
Verbal Recognition before the race
Promotional materials included in race packet (materials provided by sponsor)

 

(10) Gold Sponsors - $750

Table/Tent on Race Day to promote your business
Logo on race shirt & website
One complimentary 5K entries and one complimentary Fun Run entry
NCS Social Media Post & PA Social Media Post
Verbal Recognition before the race
Promotional materials included in race packet (materials provided by sponsor)

 

(10) Silver Sponsors - $500

Logo on race shirt and website
Verbal Recognition before the race
Promotional materials included in race packet (materials provided by sponsor) 

‘Friend of the NCSPA' Sponsor - Varying prices

5K Timer Sponsor* $700 *Name/logo on sponsor sign in front of timer station/finish line, and on the website & race shirt 
(3) Kids Corner Bounce Houses Sponsor* $500 each *Logo/name on sponsor sign in front of sponsored bounce house
Kids Corner Balloon Artist Sponsor* $400 *Logo/name on sponsor sign in front of balloon artist
Post Race Food Station Sponsor* $200 *Logo/name on sponsor sign in front of post race food station.
Kids Corner ECP Tent Sponsor* $250 face painting, tattoos, and craft projects *Logo/name on sponsor sign in front of ECP Tent
(3) Sponsor-a-mile* $200 each (3qty) *a sponsor sign at each of the three 5K mile markers 

 

Each item will have a realtor size sign with the words “Sponsored by” and either your company logo or your family name in front of the item or on the mile marker.  

 

All sponsors can put promotional material in the participants' race bags. Here are some of the things that were in previous years' bags. Be sure to order your items early so your promotional material will be included!

READY, SET, GO! If you’d like to become a sponsor or have more questions, please email jennifer.h.camp@gmail.com

We are so proud of you for clicking onto this page and preparing for a fun and challenging cross country 5K and/or Kids' Fun Run. We partnered with RunAbout Sports Roanoke to empower you to crush this race. You can do this, and we're here for you every step of the way.

TRAINING
Getting Started: It's not too late! Here is a 4-week 5K training guide. https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/5km/a760067/six-week-beginner-5k-schedule/

 

Stretching Tips: Stretching is IMPORTANT! RunAbout Sports has some great stretches tips here.
www.runaboutroanoke.com/post/stretching-for-runners-bare-bones-basics

 

Cross Country Training: https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20825636/cross-country-specific-training-tips/

 

Kids' Running Training: https://www.womensrunning.com/training/beginner/guide-starting-kids-running-safely/

 

LOCAL RUNNING GROUPS
RunAbout Sports Run Groups – This is one of our fabulous sponsors and organizers of this race. They welcome all fitness levels and are a fabulous group to train with. Free weekly group runs and training programs. https://www.runaboutroanoke.com/run-or-walk-with-us

 

C&C Runners – C&C Runners (Childress & Crew Runners) was born in 2010 out of a dream of creating a group of runners of all skill levels who support each other’s passion for running. The purpose of the team is to support each other in our pursuit of fitness, offering an outlet for our passion of running and Walking. https://candcrunners.com/cc-group-runs/

 

Star City Striders –The Star City Striders is a volunteer organized group of active individuals who celebrate a running and walking lifestyle.The Star City Striders have been around since the late 1970’s as a resource for runners and walkers in the area. http://www.starcitystriders.com/

2026 NCS TAKE THE HILL KIDS FUN RUN: Shirt & Finisher Medal

2026 NCS TAKE THE HILL 5K *RUN*: Shirt, Finisher Medal, & Awards

2026 NCS TAKE THE HILL 5K *WALKERS ONLY*: Shirt, Finisher Medal