Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run

Event Overview

The Joe LaRocco 5k and Elementary School 1k Run are a part of the Knights Crossing Cross Country Invitational hosted by Cave Spring High School. These courses are flat, fast, and 100% grass/gravel. If you want to get an early Fall PR, this is your course. Come be a part of a meet with the thousands of runners from multiple states racing in 11 different races.

Race Date: September 11, 2027

Location: 2501 Green Hill Park Rd, Salem, VA

More Information: Visit Race Page

Contact Information

Questions regarding the Joe LaRocco 5k or Elementary School Championship 1k races can be directed to the Assistant Meet Director John Wiggins at jwiggins@:rcps.us. Any questions regarding the high school or middle school races should be directed to Head Meet Director Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@:rcps.us.

Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00AM

• Eligibility: This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes who attend public or private middle/high schools and are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day.
• Awards: Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall and as well as the Top Male/Female Masters (40+) runners.
• Purpose: This race is named after the late Joe LaRocco who was a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School.
• T-Shirts: The paid registrants will receive a Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt until supplies run out!

Elementary School 1k: @ 9:00AM

This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade). All participants will be given a Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.

Records

• 1000m Elementary Records: Boys: Connor King 3:48.32 (2022), Girls: Aryana Sarmadi 4:00.2 (2025)

Additional Information

• Concessions: Basic concessions will be available for purchase behind the start line along with other food vendors.
• Medical: Emergency medical needs will be supported by the Cave Spring HS Athletic Trainer and the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.
• Packet Pick-up: Packets may be picked up the morning of the race at Green Hill Park starting at 7:00AM.

2026 Schedule of Events

• 7:00 AM - Course Opens - Packet Pick-up (Near Concessions) & Open Race registration (Online only - At Finish line)
• 8:00 AM - "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women
• 9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)
• 9:15 AM - Open Race Awards