Conquer The Cove Marathon Trail Race

Roanoke, United States • 31 May 2026

Event overview

The Conquer the Cove trail races take place on May 31, 2026, at Sherwood Archers in Roanoke, Virginia. The event has a 300 runner limit and offers both in-person and virtual options. Distances offered include:

  • 25k
  • Marathon
  • Virtual runs for both distances

Registration information and race details are available from the organizer. Participants do not need a Carvins Cove day use pass to take part in the event.

Course, logistics and rules

Both distances use trails in Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. The marathon includes about 3,500 ft of elevation gain; roughly 1,000 ft of that gain occurs after mile 18, followed by about 2.35 miles of downhill and then roughly 2 miles to the finish. There are eight stocked aid stations offering water, Skratch, gels, fruit, PB&J, chips and similar items. The organizer may require runners to carry water if weather is hot or humid.

Packet pickup is scheduled the Thursday and Saturday before the race at local pickup sites, with race day packet pickup at Sherwood Archers. The venue does not permit dogs for this event. All finishers receive a medal; top overall and master finishers and first-place age group finishers receive awards. The marathon has intermediate cutoff points and a published alternate course for excessively wet conditions that would increase mileage to about 28.72 miles. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

Marathon
Conquer the Cove Marathon
Marathon
Conquer the Cove Marathon Virtual Run
25 km
Conquer the Cove 25k
25 km
Conquer the Cove 25k Virtual Run
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Take on the Frozen Toe trail 10k in Roanoke on January 10, 2026, with a virtual option. Run the scenic Chestnut Ridge Loop from New Hope Church for a crisp winter trail challenge with age group awards.

Take on the Forever 5 and 10 Milers on January 31, 2026 in Blue Ridge VA, with in person and virtual options. Enjoy a scenic out and back on the rocky Forever Section of the Glenwood Horse Trail with race day packet pickup.

Experience scenic single loop trail races through old growth forest at Montvale Park VA on February 28, 2026, choosing 5 miles or 8.4 miles with a creek crossing and pavilion finish. Spots are limited to 225 in person and a virtual option i..

Take on the Trail Nut 10k or half marathon through twisty wooded single track at Bedford, VA's family park on March 14, 2026. Both in person and virtual options welcome amid playgrounds, fitness trails and frequent wildlife sightings.