11th Conquer the Cove 25k and Marathon Trail Races 2024

Short review

Please see the race webpage for all of the Virtual Race details - https://mountainjunkies.net/conquer-the-cove-25k-marathon/

This event has it all, great headquarters and trail system, tough challenging courses and the perfect time of year to see mountain laurel and rhododendrons in bloom.  If you are from Roanoke it gives you a chance to compete against the home town folks to see who’s top dog.  If you aren’t from Roanoke it gives you the chance to see 80% of the trails of the park that will be well marked and maintained.  This is the anchor event to the Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS) and is the perfect place to test your fitness.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the place to run and ride if you are in Roanoke.  It is the second largest municipal park in the nation. It holds not only a major water source within its 12,700 acres, but also overflowing recreation opportunities.  There is approximately 40 miles of roads and trails in the park and within trail plan there should be miles and miles of new trails added each year.

Both race distances will be challenging.  There will be a lot of climbing, approximately 3500ft of elevation gain in the marathon.  1000ft of this will occur following mile 18, but your reward will be 2.35 miles of downhill followed by a relatively easy 1 mile to the finish.