Conquer The Cove Marathon Trail Race

Event overview

The Conquer the Cove offers two trail race distances:

• 25k
• Marathon

The event is scheduled for May 31, 2026 and has a 300 runner limit. The venue and headquarters are at Sherwood Archers. Registration will open in November. Fee ranges listed by the organizer are: 25k from $50 to $80 and marathon from $80 to $100 depending on registration date; online processing fees apply. A virtual option is available for $30 and counts as a Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS) qualifying race. Participants do not need a Carvins Cove day use pass to take part.

Course, support and rules

The marathon includes approximately 3,500 ft of elevation gain, with about 1,000 ft occurring after mile 18; this is followed by about 2.35 miles downhill and roughly 2 miles to the finish. There are eight aid stations offering water and Skratch, gels, bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly, chips, and other items. In excessively wet conditions, miles 8-18 of the marathon may be altered; an alternate plan uses two laps of the 25k course and can increase total distance to about 28.72 miles. Awards include a finishers medal for all finishers, top three overall male and female, masters winners, and first place in each age group. Event rules note no dogs on the property, requirement to keep the race number visible, stay on the marked course, and no amplified music on course or in start/finish areas. Packet pickup is provided at local partner locations before race day and at Sherwood Archers on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.