North Cross School Take the Hill! 5K and Fun Run on Sat, Sept 30, 2023 on the NCS campus. New this year the Kids' Fun Run starts at 8AM. 5K starts at 9AM
When & where can I pick up my race packet? NEW LOCATION! RunAbout Sports has moved. Their new location 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 Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10 am - 6 pm. 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 (9/30) can be found at the Check-in Table on the NCS Campus. Race Day Packet pickup will end at 8:30 am.
Can I register on race day? NO!!! Online Registration ends at midnight on Thursday, September 28! No exceptions. You will be able to register in person during race-packet pickup on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10 am-6 pm at RunAbout Sports. If you are an Early Bird, you will be entered in the 5K $250 Run About Sports gift certificate raffle and/or the Kids' Fun Run $20 Sugar Magnolia gift certificate raffle. We will also have a raffle for the September 9th registration deadline to secure a race shirt.
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 or the expensive software 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. New this year, the Kids Fun Run will be the first race. The Kids Fun Run will start at 8am.
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. The Fun Run will be postponed for another day if possible. Otherwise it will become a virtual event. If the 5K race must be canceled, 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 and your email for more information.
Is there a new course? YES! Coach Dickenson, his sons, and U.S. Lawns created a new 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!
Is there an Early Bird Registration Raffle? All EARLY BIRD registrants registered by 8/7 for the 5k will receive one entry into the raffle for a $250 gift card to RunAbout Sports! All EARLY BIRD registrants registered by 8/7 for the Kids' Fun Run will receive one entry into the raffle for a $20 gift card to Sugar Magnolia! Both Early Bird Raffles will be notified via email, and announced on social media. We will hold another raffle for everyone (including early bird registers) registered before the t-shirt deadline of September 9th. Please register early; it ensures a much smoother race day, and you could get some great goodies.
How much is the entry fee for the race? How much does it increase after July 31 (Early Bird Registration deadline)? 5K Early Bird Registration, by August 7, is only $25. All 5K Early Birds will be entered in a raffle for a $250 gift card to RunAbout Sports. 5K Registration is $30 from 8/8 to 9/16, $35 from 9/17-9/24 for late Registration. and $40 for the final week 9/25-9/28. Please register early; it ensures a much smoother race day and you can save some money by registering early. Online Registration ends at midnight on Thursday, September 28! There will be NO race day registration.
Kids' Fun Run Early Bird Registration, by August 7, is only $15. Early Birds will be entered in a $20 gift card Raffle to Sugar Magnolia! Kids' Fun Run Registration is $18 from 8/8-9/16. Late Registration from 9/17-9/24 is $20. $25 for the final week 9/25-9/28 Please register early; it ensures a much smoother race day and you can save some money by registering early. Online Registration ends at midnight on Thursday, September 28! There will be NO race-day registration.
Is the 5K timed? Yes, Run Roanoke will be timing the 5K. The Kids' Fun Run will NOT be timed. For an accurate 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. But if you are just a spectator, not running or walking the Course, feel free to bring pets on a leash and strollers.
Will there be bathrooms available? Yes, there will be a Porta-John across from Cook Field.
Is there a course time limit? Yes, there is a 1- hour limit.
Can I walk the 5K? Absolutely, and it's a beautiful walk!
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 (Lower School parking lot to the left of the school entrance) or Willis Hall (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.
What are your COVID policies? We will follow all government and medical guidelines to ensure a safe race for all participants. Please check the Take The Hill website and your emails as race day gets closer for Covid updates and possible changes to masks and crowd safety rules.
Will there be medals? We will give medals to all the Kids' Fun Run participants. If you finished the Take the Hill! 5K, you deserve a medal! All participants will get a medal.
There will also be an award ceremony for top finishers of the 5K in the following categories; 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+
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 has moved. Their new location 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 Friday, September 29, 2022, from 10 am-6 pm. 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.