Firebolt 5k and Race of 100 Harrys - Virtual or In-Person

Firebolt 5K and Race of 100 Harrys – In-Person & Virtual Options for 2026 You asked, we listened! Over the years, your feedback has told us loud and clear: you're ready for a break from house-color t-shirts. This year, every participant will receive a Luna Lovegood–inspired race tee, designed to perfectly match this year's brand-new medal — and every shirt will be the same eye-catching color. Don't worry, house pride is still very much alive! We're introducing house-color bibs so you can proudly represent your house on race day. We can't wait to bring you fresh excitement this year! Both the Firebolt 5K and the Race of 100 Harrys offer in-person and virtual options—run your race your way! ✨ And for our youngest wizards and witches: Every Race of 100 Harrys participant will earn a brand new Luna inspired medal! 🦅 A magical reward for a 1K well run. In-Person Participants Join us for the 9th Annual Firebolt 5k and Race of 100 Harrys in scenic Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, VA. Gypsy Hill Park offers a fairly flat and fast paved 5k experience. (Just a short walk to the QCMM Festival) Race festivities will begin at 8am on Saturday, September 26th, 2026. We will have free train rides on the Gypsy Hill Express, photo ops at our 9 and ¾ platform, free duck and fish food, and plenty of shade and space to hang out. Timed Race Only Option Show up and RUN! Pick up your bib the morning of the event. This option includes your bib and professionally chip timed race - no finishers medal or t-shirt. Virtual Participants Will you still get a cool t-shirt? Yes Will you still receive our iconic finishing medal? Yes Will you pick your course, day, and time to run? Yes In September you will receive a package in the mail with your t-shirt and the cool finishers medal. Upload your run/walk time by 12pm on Saturday, 9/26. The house with the most times uploaded will be awarded house cup points. Race of 100 Harrys The Race of 100 Harrys is a fast 1k designed to give young wizards a fun race experience and cool medal designed just for them. Race of 100 Harrys' finishers also receive a Luna inspired medal and t-shirt! Schedule of Events (times are approximate and subject to change) 9/25/26 12:30pm -6:30pm: In person packet pickup at Blue Ridge CASA, 119 W, Frederick St, Staunton, VA. 24401 9/26/26 8:00am – Welcome and race rules, Stonewall Brigade Bandstand, Constitution Dr, Staunton, VA 24401 8:05am – Race of 100 Harrys and Firebolt 5k participants gather and move to starting lines. Race of 100 Harrys starts as soon as participants are in place at the starting line. Firebolt 5k Participants line the race loop to cheer on the little wizards. 8:10am – 5k participants move to starting line. 5k race starts as soon as participants are in place at the starting line. 8:55am – Closing and awards for top female and male in each age category and Best Male and Female Overall Finishers. Stonewall Brigade Bandstand, Constitution Dr, Staunton, VA 24401 8:15am – 10am – FREE Rides on the Gypsy Express Mini Train! Be sure to visit the Gypsy Express Mini Train for free rides and a very cool 9 ¾ Platform Photo Op. 8:15am – 10am – Pick up a free bag of Duck/Fish Food and head over to the Gypsy Hill Duck Pond. Enjoy feeding ducks, geese, swans and the beautiful koi fish. (bags are first come, first served) Timed Race Only A race only option will be available for late registrants. Registration open until sold out. There will be no onsite registration. In-person participants can pick up their race bib on-site the day of the race. No t-shirt or medal will be offered with this option. In Person Awards Top Male and Female Finishers in the following age categories: TBD Race of 100 Harrys The Gypsy Hill Park loop will not be closed to traffic on the day of the race. Adults are encouraged to complete the race with younger children. Parking Parking is available along the Gypsy Hill Park Loop (600 Churchville Ave. Staunton, VA 24401) BEFORE 7:45am. Parking is also available along both sides of Thornrose Ave. (511 Thornrose Ave. Staunton, VA 24401) and near the Thomas D. Howie Memorial Armory, along 116th Regimental Rd. Staunton, VA 24401 Results Visit https://www.runroanoke.com/ for timed race results. Weather The event is rain or shine. If a serious weather threat prevents us from safely executing the event, medals will be available for pick up on race day from 9am-11am at the Blue Ridge CASA office: 119 W. Frederick St. Staunton, VA 24401 If dangerous weather occurs at the event, a siren will sound, and volunteers will direct participants to the closest shelter. Restrooms and Picnic shelters are located along Constitution Drive. Where is the festival? The festival is located in downtown Staunton, which is a flat one-mile walk from Gypsy Hill Park. (Churchville Ave to Central Ave to Beverley Street) Find Blue Ridge CASA at the QCMM Festival Free Patronus Game at Ollivanders Wand Shop Expecto Patronum! Now you can discover your Patronus here at Queen City Mischief and Magic! Visit Ollivanders Wand Shop on Do Good Alley for our free Patronus game. Once your Patronus is revealed, you will be given a collectible Patronus card to keep. Look for the Blue Ridge CASA tent! Ollivander’s Wand Shop This is where young wizards and witches come in search of the most essential wizarding item: their wand. At Ollivanders you will find all your favorite Harry Potter Character Wands including: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy and all your favorites. These character wands are replicas of the wands seen in the movies and books, designed to resemble the wands that each character used. Open Saturday 10am- 6pm (or sell out) Come early for the best selection. Look for the Blue Ridge CASA tent! Ollivanders Wand Shop and Patronus Game are staffed by volunteers. All proceeds benefit Blue Ridge CASA for Children, a 501c3 that advocates for abused and neglected children in the Shenandoah Valley. What else can I expect at the festival? The city is bustling with magical encounters! Use the SCHED website to plan your entire festival experience. SCHED link coming soon Questions? Concerns? Contact: Angela angela@blueridgecasa.org