Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run

Race 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.

Contact Information

• Joe LaRocco 5k Inquiries: 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.
• High School/Middle School Inquiries: Questions regarding the high school or middle school races should be directed to Head Meet Director Tommy Maguire at tmaguire@rcps.us.

Event Details

Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00 AM

• Eligibility: This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes attending public or private middle/high schools with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day.
• Policy: Per VHSL/NFHS policies, home-schooled athletes cannot race against public or private Virginia schools or other sanctioned out-of-state schools and must participate in this separate "open" race.
• Awards: Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall and as well as the Top Male/Female Masters (40+) runners. Coaches with individuals or teams racing at Knights Crossing are eligible for the "fastest coach" award (Male/Female).
• Purpose: This race is named after the late Joe LaRocco, a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School.

Records/Results

• Overall Records:
  • Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022)
  • Women: Annie LeHardy 18:21.00 (2024)
• Master's Records:
  • Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022)
  • Women: Ashley Palmer 18:46.9 (2025)
• Coach's Records:
  • Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019)
  • Women: Kate Vanderstelt 21:18.6 (2025)

Team Participation

Racers can compete as part of a co-ed racing team using Cross Country scoring. A team is NOT required but encouraged. Note that teams require 5 or more runners to be scored and be in consideration for the awards (Top 3 teams).

Elementary School 1k: @ 9:00 AM

• Eligibility: This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade).
• Participant Gifts: All participants will receive a 2024 Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.
• 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 7:00 AM.

2026 Schedule of Events

• 7:00 AM - Course Opens - Packet Pick-up (Near Concessions) & Open Race registration (Online only - At Finish line)
• 7:45 AM - Open Race (Joe LaRocco 5k and 1k Elementary School Race) closes
• 8:00 AM - "Joe LaRocco" Open 5K Team Race for men and women
• 9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)

For more information, visit the race page: Joe LaRocco 5K Race.