Burke Creek Barn Burner - 5K & 15K

Brace yourselves for our next adventure at the Burke Creek Barn Burner Trail Race! As they say, third time is the charm, and we can hardly be more excited. We have sent notices to our previous venders to start putting together their best race prizes, finish line fare, and overall stoke!

We know winter running isn't always easy, but that's what makes it fun, right? You'll get to run through some amazing scenery, and yeah, it might be a bit chilly, but that just means you'll warm up faster! Don't worry if you're new to trail running - this race is for everyone. Old pros, first-timers, and everyone in between are welcome. We're all about having a good time out there. So what do you say? Ready to join us for some winter trail action? It'll be a blast, we promise. Plus, you'll have some great stories to tell afterward. Come on, lace up those running shoes and let's hit the trails together!

Community Art Contest!

New for this year, we're going to host an art contest for participants to submit their designs for a 3" round sticker. The winning sticker will be printed and included as a finisher prize for all participants. Participants who submit a design will receive a discount of $5 off their registration fee (code: Sticker2027), and the winner will receive a FREE race entry (as provided through a refund). The process will include: accept designs through 10/23/26 followed by public voting (likely through Instagram/participant email/Google form) from 10/26/26 - 11/1/26.

To participate, please upload a copy of your design (pdf or image file) to the designated link during race registration. If you wish to participate in the sticker contest after registering, please reach out for additional options (but I think you can simply go back and "edit" your registration and include the file then.

This will be the first year trying this out, so let's see what happens! Please keep the submissions appropriate though...

Note for the Winter Series! 

Also new for this year! We're providing a coordinated effort between the three Winter Series events, Burke Creek Barn Burner, Walnut Creek 5 and Dime (first of February), and Naked Creek 10k/25k (first of March). Participants in each event will receive a commemorative prize, at no additional cost, regardless of the distance completed! 

You can run any combination of the race distances across the three events, but will need to register for each event separately, and we're going to do our best to keep track of everyone participating. 

Winter Series Training Series!

There will be an informal set of training runs kicking off early-mid December for those local to Charlottesville. This will consist of Saturday morning jaunts around local parks, neighborhoods, gravel roads, mountain trails, etc. These training runs will kick-off at about 6 miles and increase in distance from there, all in an effort to prepare for the Naked Creek 25k (and participate in the BCBB and Walnut Creek races along the way). They will generally run as a no-drop excursion offering everyone the opportunity to explore the local goods. Check out the CATs website for additional details.

Race Day Schedule

• 7:30 AM - Race Day check-in opens
• 8:00 AM - Coffee Truck opens
• 9:00 AM - 15k Start (please show up at least 20 minutes prior to the start to check-in)
• 10:00 AM - 5k Start (same note)
• ~11:00 AM - Awards (Starting with 5k then 15k)

Start/Finish Experience

• There will be hot drinks available (either a local vendor or instant tea/coffee packs)
• Local Eats will be providing finish line fare 
  • There will be gluten free and vegan options

Race Notes

• Please note that race day registration is available, but please register in advance to ease the RD's nerves.
  • We cannot guarantee swag items for race day sign-ups
• For the safety and comfort of all participants, we do not allow dogs or other pets to participate in this event
  • Pets are allowed at Pleasant Grove Park, but please keep them on a leash and under control at all times. We will kindly ask if a pet is unruly that they remain away from the finish line area.
• Strollers are not permitted on the race course (and really it'd be quite rowdy for them to ride along anyway)
• Race swag orders will be placed in advance - registrations after 11/28/2026 may not receive swag items
• Our no-refund policy has an exception for pregnancy and postpartum circumstances - please email waltonbarnett@gmail.com if you need to request a pregnancy/postpartum-related refund

Additional Registration Note:

Active members of the Charlottesville Area Trail Runners will receive a $5 discount at registration. If you are an active member and do not see this option applied, please let us know.