Conquer The Cove Marathon Trail Race

Event overview

The Conquer the Cove trail races take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Sherwood Archers in Roanoke, Virginia, inside Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. The event is part of the Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS) and is limited to 300 runners. Race options include:

• 25k
• Marathon
• Virtual versions of both distances and a bundle option

Carvins Cove spans about 12,700 acres with roughly 40 miles of roads and trails. Spectators and participants will not need a Carvins Cove day use pass for the event. Sherwood Archers property rules state that dogs are not permitted.

Course, logistics and rules

Both distances are on marked trail routes. The marathon has approximately 3,500 ft of elevation gain, with about 1,000 ft of climbing after mile 18, followed by a 2.35-mile downhill and about 2 relatively easy miles to the finish. The organizer provides eight aid stations stocked with water, Skratch, gels, bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, and other items. All finishers receive a medal. Awards include top three overall male and female, first-place masters M/F, and first place in each age group. Age groups start at 14 and under and continue in ten-year brackets up to 70 and up.

In wet conditions the 25k course may remain unchanged; miles 8-18 of the marathon are susceptible to alteration. If altered, the marathon may be run as two laps of the 25k with a second-loop deviation, increasing total distance to 28.72 miles. Standard race rules apply for bib visibility, no short-cutting, and volunteer courtesy. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.