
From the Organizer
Welcome to the Tartan 5K, A Twilight Run, a celebration of health, happiness, and community! This race is sponsored by Radford University in Roanoke. As a health science campus, this event aims to provide support in celebrating both current and future healthcare professionals.
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embrace the spirit of the Tartan as you dash through the Roanoke Greenway in this unique and lively event. Whether you choose to run in scrubs to honor the healthcare community, or a kilt to show your Highlander pride – every step you take will contribute to a healthier, happier you, as well as a stronger community bond. Mark your calendars for September 18, 2026!
Runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs of all ages are welcome!
Pre-race party starts at 5:30pm!
*This race is chip-timed.
Discounts for Radford University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as for current healthcare workers, can be applied during checkout after early bird registration ends on May 14.
Award Groups:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female in runners at 18-30, 40-49 (Masters), and 50+ (Grandmasters).
Highlander Tartan Spirit Award
Youngest and oldest finishers
Packet Pick-up:
Wednesday, September 16
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. & 4-6 p.m.
Radford University Carilion (101 Elm Ave, SE, Roanoke, VA 24013)
Thursday, September 17
4-6 p.m.
Run About Sports (3635 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24014)
Participants will receive:
-Finisher Medal
-Race T-Shirt (shirts guaranteed for the first 150 participants to register by August 15, 2026)
-Swag Bag
- Free cup of tropical ice
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
79°
Typical Low
59°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Roanoke Rgnl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
98,677
as of 2023
Elevation
968 ft
Nearest Airport
ROA
Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 82 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Radford University Tartan 5k, A Twilight Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
102
Days to train
Coming Up
Rainbow Run 2026
Less than a mile away
The Spilman Thomas & Battle Jaunt for Justice 5K
Less than a mile away
NCS Take the Hill 5K & Kids Fun Run
Less than a mile away
$5 5K presented by RunAbout Sports Roanoke
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Radford University Tartan 5k, A Twilight Run
Sep 18, 2026