It’s Star City Half and Drumstick Dash Week

The week leading into Thanksgiving means something special to runners in the Roanoke Region.

Two long-time races are happening in the next week. Both events are running traditions in the region and offer something for almost every ability level.

Star City Half Marathon and 10K on Saturday, Nov. 18

The Star City Half Marathon is the final race in this year’s Roanoke Triple Crown series – following the Blue Ridge Half Marathon and Race 13.1 Roanoke.

The half marathon and 10K routes start downtown and take runners through both roadways and along parts of the Roanoke River Greenway. The half starts at 8 a.m. and the 10K will begin at 8:15 a.m. Both races have finisher medals for all participants and awards for the top three overall and age group finishers.

And make sure to stick around for the after party – fun for spectators and runners.

Online registration has ended, but you can sign up in person at packet pickup on Friday (Fleet Feet Sports, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or Saturday (O. Winston Link Museum, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.).

Drumstick Dash 5K Run/Walk on Thursday, Nov. 23

The Union Drumstick Dash might be the largest running/walking event in the region each year. Thousands of people will take to downtown Roanoke on Thanksgiving morning to “keep moving their feet so others can eat.”

The annual run/walk supports the Roanoke Rescue Mission and is in its 12th year. This year, the Rescue Mission will provide more than 250,000 meals to families.

Awards to the top three male and female overall winners and top three male and female in the masters division (ages 40 and over) as well as 14 age groups. This event is open to people with strollers and leashed dogs.

The race begins at 9 a.m. and walkers will start shortly thereafter. Enjoy the music along the USA Track & Field certified route as the Drumstick DASH provides a fun, family-friendly, rain or shine Thanksgiving morning event.

You can register online through Nov. 22 and on site race morning.