January

Tread Lightly 5K Trail Race and Canine 5K Run/Walk

Part of the Great Eastern Trail Run Series.

When: 8:15 a.m. Jan. 24

Where: Observatory Hill, Charlottesville

Cost: $15, advance; $18, race day

Contact: (434) 293-7115, badtothebone.biz

February

Holiday Lake 50K++

A two-loop, shady course with rolling hills on trails, forest service roads and dirt roads. Part of the 2009 Lynchburg Ultra Series.

When: 6:30 a.m. Feb. 14

Where: Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Cost: $65 before Jan. 23; $85 after

Contact: (434) 582-2386, extremeultrarunning.com

Leave No Trace Canine 5K Run/Walk and Trail Race

Part of the Great Eastern Trail Run Series. Canine run/walk begins 15 minutes after the trail race.

When: 8 a.m. Feb. 21

Where: Mint Spring Park, Crozet

Run/walk cost: $15, advance; $18, race day

Trail race cost: $20, advance; $23, race day

Contact: (434) 293-7115, badtothebone.biz

Blacksburg Classic 10 Mile and 5K

The 24th annual race is organized by the Blacksburg Striders along residential roads and the Huckleberry Trail, a greenway. A one-mile fun run is held before the start of the 5K and 10-mile races.

When: 1 p.m. Feb. 21

Where: Margaret Beeks Elementary School, Blacksburg

5K cost: $15 before Feb. 1; $18 before Feb. 20; $20 on race day

10-mile cost: $17 before Feb. 1; $20 before Feb. 20; $22 on race day

Fun run/walk cost: $3; $12 with T-shirt

Contact: civic.bev.net/striders/classic_2009.html

March

What Goes Down Must Come Up 4-Miler

The 14th annual predict-your-time event followed by a pancake breakfast.

When: 8:50 a.m. March 7

Where: Jefferson Forest High School, Forest

Cost: $7, advance; $10, race day

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Explore Your Limits 5K and 10K Trail Run

The fifth annual race sponsored by Mountain Junkies.

When: 9 a.m. March 7

Where: Milepost 115 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke

Contact: 375-3990, mountainjunkies.net

Gifts for Gulu

A 5K run and children's fun run in support of local nonprofit sports outreach.

When: 9 a.m. March 14

Where: Lynchburg College track

Cost: Donation of new or used sports equipment

Contact: riversiderunners.com, giftsforgulu.com

Shamrock Hill Distance Run

Proceeds benefit the scholarship program at Roanoke Catholic School. One-mile fun run is 45 minutes before the 5K race.

When: 9:15 a.m. March 14

Where: Roanoke Catholic School, Roanoke

Cost: $15 before March 6; $25 after

Contact: roanokecatholic.com

Shamrock 5K Trail Run

Proceeds benefit the Shenandoah Valley High Rollers Wheelchair Basketball Team.

When: 9:30 a.m. March 21

Where: Hillandale Park, Harrisonburg

Contact: 433-2474, erikd@ci.harrisonburg.va.us

James River Day School 5K

When: March 21

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Bel Monte Endurance Run

With a 25K, 50K and 50-mile run. Part of the Great Eastern Trail Run Series.

When: 6:30 a.m. March 28

Where: Sherando Lake, Waynesboro

50-mile cost: $95 until March 1; $110 after

50K cost: $85 until March 1; $100 after

25K cost: $70 until March 1; $85 after

Contact: (434) 293-7115, badtothebone.biz

Terrapin Mountain 50K and Half Marathon

Part of the 2009 Lynchburg Ultra Series and the Beast Series.

When: 7 a.m. March 28

Where: Sedalia Center, Big Island

Half-marathon cost: $50 before Feb. 28; $70 after

50K cost: $65 before Feb. 28; $85 after

Contact: eco-xsports.com/terrapin.php

Montvale Park 5 and 10 Mile Races

On the new, scenic trail in Bedford County.

When: 9 a.m. March 28

Where: Just behind Montvale Elementary School, Bedford

Contact: mountainjunkies.net

Kappa Delta "5KD"

When: March 28; 9 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., race

Where: Duck Pond, Virginia Tech

Contact: runaboutsports.com

April

Charlottesville Ten Miler

Charlottesville's oldest footrace features musical performers along the route. Proceeds benefit People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM).

When: 7:45 a.m. April 4

Where: Beginning on the University of Virginia campus, through downtown Charlottesville

Cost: $30, individual; $20, team; registration closes April 2

Contact: cvilletenmiler.com

Point of Honor 5K

Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series. Proceeds benefit LifeNet.

When: April 4

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Charlottesville Marathon and Half Marathon

Along roads with historic sites including Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda, at the University of Virginia, and continuing through Albemarle wine and horse country.

When: 6:30 a.m. April 18

Where: Near downtown Charlottesville

Contact: (434) 293-7115, charlottesvillemarathon.com

Mill Mountain Mayhem 10K

Corkscrew around the mountain twice as you climb to the top and finish with a long downhill run.

When: 9 a.m. April 18

Where: Start at the trailhead for the Star Trail

Contact: mountainjunkies.net

Godparents Home 5K

Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: April 18

Where: Kemper Street Station entrance to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Angels Race Expo

When: Noon to 6 p.m. April 25

Where: Holiday Inn Select, Main Street, Lynchburg

Cost: Free

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Promise Land 50K

Part of the 2009 Lynchburg Ultra Series.

When: April 25

Contact: (434) 582-2386, extremeultrarunning.com

Vinton Baptist Dogwood Challenge

A 5K as part of the Vinton Dogwood Festival.

When: April 25

Where: Downtown Vinton

Contact: 983-0613, vintondogwoodfestival.com

Angels Race Triathlon

300-meter pool swim, 25K bike ride and 5K run.

When: 8 a.m. April 26

Where: Lynchburg Downtown YMCA

Contact: riversiderunners.com, angelsrace.com

University Bookstore Hokie Hope 5K Run/Walk

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. One-mile fun run begins one hour before 5K run/walk. Course is on- and off-road.

When: April 26

Where: Duck Pond, Virginia Tech

Contact: www.recsports.vt.edu

Chug for the Jug

A four-mile road race. Historically held in April.

Where: Rocky Mount

Contact: 489-3825, rockymountva.org

Star City Women's 5K Race

The 26th annual race has a training group that will start about six weeks before the 5K for beginner runners. Historically held in April.

Where: Grandin area, Roanoke

Contact: starcitystriders.com

May

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

750-meter swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run.

When: 9 a.m. May 2

Where: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston

Individual cost: $55 before April 1; $60 before April 30; $70 before May 2

Relay team cost: $90 before April 1; $100 before April 30; $110 before May 2

Contact: setupevents.com

Heart of Virginia 10K

When: May 2

Where: Farmville

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Gallop 4 The Greenways

Proceeds benefit Pathfinders for Greenways and support the network of pedestrian- and bike-friendly trails in Roanoke.

When: May 9

Where: Roanoke

Contact: gallop4thegreenways.com/welcome

New Balance Wondergirl 5K

A noncompetitive, family-oriented event featuring Girls on the Run of Greater Lynchburg.

When: 8:30 a.m. May 16

Where: Kember Street Station, Lynchburg

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Appalachian Power Festival Run

5K and 10K runs as part of Roanoke's Festival in the Park. Post-race celebration in Elmwood Park.

When: 8 a.m. May 23

Where: Downtown Roanoke and the city greenways

Cost: $18 before May 4; $28 after

Central Virginia Kidney Association Memorial 10K

Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: 8 a.m. May 25

Where: Holiday Inn Select parking lot, Lynchburg

Contact: riversiderunners.com

June

Low Impact Canine 5K Run/Walk and Trail Race

Part of the Great Eastern Trail Run Series. Canine run/walk begins 15 minutes after the trail race.

When: 8 a.m. June 6

Where: Mint Spring Park, Crozet

Cost: $15, advance; $18, race day

Contact: (434) 293-7115, badtothebone.biz

Trail Nut 10K and Half Marathon

The 10K will lap the park's rolling single-track trails. The half-marathon will continue on a seven-and-a-half-mile loop and an additional four-mile loop. The race is 90 percent trail and 10 percent grassy fields.

When: 9 a.m. June 6

Where: Falling Creek Park, Bedford

Contact: mountainjunkies.net

Presbyterian Homes 5K

Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: 8 a.m. June 20

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Run With Grace

The race held in memory of Grace Lovegrove, a Patrick Henry High School alumna who died of sudden cardiac arrest at age 18 in 2005, is historically held in June. Keep checking the Web site for more information.

Contact: runwithgrace.com

July

Downtown Academy Mile

Relatively flat and fast. Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: July 4

Where: Commerce Street, downtown Lynchburg

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Fourth of July Shawsville 5K

Historically held in celebration of the Shawsville Independence Day Celebrations.

When: July 4

Where: Eastern Montgomery High School, Elliston

New River Valley Triathlon

A 400-meter swim, a 13-mile bike ride and a 5K run. For first-timers to pros ages 10 and up. Proceeds benefit the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley.

When: 7 a.m. July 12

Where: Christiansburg Aquatic Center

Individual cost: $65

Relay team cost: $110

Contact: newrivervalleytriathlon.com

Percival's Island 5-Miler

Flat and fast. Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: July 18

Where: Blackwater Creek Natural Area, downtown Lynchburg

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Coventry Commonwealth

The games include cycling (July 5 in Blacksburg, July 6 in Roanoke); mountain biking (July 19-20 in Roanoke); a 5K (July 19 in Roanoke); swimming (July 19-22 in Roanoke) and much more.

Contact: commonwealthgames.org

August

Lynchburg Half Marathon and 5K

Part of the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: 7:30 a.m. Aug. 15

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Fab 5K Run

Historically held in mid-August.

Where: Green Hill Park, Roanoke County

Contact: 772-7529, roanokecountyva.gov

Salem Distance Run

Has historically included a three-mile poker walk, 5K and 10K runs.

Where: Longwood Park, Salem

Contact: healthfocusswva.org

September

Danville Half Marathon and River City 5K

When: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12

Contact: riversiderunners.com, danvillehalfmarathon.com

Virginia 10-Miler, 4-Miler and Kids Amazing Mile

Double points in the Lynchburg Road Runners Race Series.

When: 8 a.m. Sept. 26

Where: E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg

Contact: virginia10miler.com

Big Lick Triathlon

A 1,500-meter swim, 40K bike course and 10K. Benefits YMCA of Roanoke Valley's youth programs.

When: Sept. 26

Where: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston

Contact: ymcaroanoke.org

Great Eastern Endurance Run 100K

With a 50K. Half-marathon begins one hour after 50K and 100K races. Registration opens Feb. 2.

When: Sept. 26

Where: Sherando Lake Recreation Area, George Washington National Forest

100K cost: $125 until Aug. 15; $140 after

50K cost: $85 until Aug. 15; $100 after

Half-marathon cost: $60 until Aug. 15; $75 after

Contact: rungillrun@comcast.net, badtothebone.biz

5K Run

Historically held in September.

Where: Rocky Mount

Contact: 489-3825, rockymountva.org

Johnny CASA 5-Miler Run/5K Walk

Historically held in early September to benefit the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center at LakeWatch Plantation.

Contact: johnnycasa 5miler-5kwalk.com

Marine Mud Run 5K

Historically held in mid- to late September in Green Hill Park in Roanoke County. Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots and Camp Roanoke.

Contact: mudrun.com

October

John A. Stephenson Memorial Youth Run

Race distance varies with age.

When: 9 a.m. Oct. 3

Contact: riversiderunners.com

New River Trail 50K

The second annual race.

When: Oct. 10

Contact: ncnr.org/nrt50k.html

Charlottesville Fall Classic 10K Road Championship

A scenic road course historically held in late October.

Contact: badtothebone.biz

Into the Darkness 4 Mile Trail Run

A night run on a twisty, rolling single track. Trails will be marked with reflective arrows and glow sticks. Headlamps or flashlights recommended.

When: Oct. 24 (tentative date)

Where: Milepost 115 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke

Contact: mountainjunkies.net

November

Apple Valley 5K

A rolling cross-country course through scenic Gross' Orchard on grass, gravel and dirt roads.

When: 10 a.m. Nov. 7

Where: Bedford

Contact: 297-2709, e173boyes@aol.com

MMTR 50 Miler

Part of the 2009 Lynchburg Ultra Series.

When: Nov. 7

Contact: (434) 582-2386, extremeultrarunning.com

Pack It Out Canine 5K Run/Walk and Trail Race

Part of the Great Eastern Trail Run Series. Canine run/walk begins 15 minutes after the trail race.

When: 8 a.m. Nov. 14

Where: Walnut Creek Park, Charlottesville

Run/walk cost: $15, advance; $18, race day

Trail race cost: $28, advance; $32, race day

Contact: (434) 293-7115, badtothebone.biz

Girls on the Run of Greater Lynchburg 5K

When: 9 a.m. Nov. 21

Where: Blackwater Creek Bikeway, Kemper Street Station

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Altavista Giblet Jog 5K

When: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 26

Where: Altavista High School cross-country course

Contact: altavistaontrack.com

Genesis House Turkey Trot 5K and Youth Mile

When: 9 a.m. Nov. 26

Where: Lynchburg

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Drumstick Dash

5K run and family walk historically held on Thanksgiving Day to benefit the Rescue Mission.

When: Nov. 26

Where: Downtown Roanoke

Contact: rescuemission.net

50th annual Domino's 10K

Road race historically held in November.

Where: Lexington to Buena Vista

Contact: rarorec.org

Star City Half Marathon

Historically held in mid-November through downtown Roanoke and the greenway system.

Where: Wiley Drive, Roanoke

Contact: starcitystriders.com

December

Holiday Classic 5K Run

Sponsored by the Southside Virginia YMCA

When: 9 a.m. Dec. 12

Where: Farmville

Contact: riversiderunners.com

Jingle Bell Fun Run

Prizes for holiday spirit. Followed by cookies and hot cider.

When: 8:30 a.m. Dec. 19

Where: Riverside Runners, Lynchburg

Contact: 846-7449, riversiderunners.com

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Three-mile timed race and one-mile walk historically held in early December. Proceeds go toward helping people living with arthritis.

Contact: jinglebellrunroanoke.kintera.org

Just getting started?

So, a marathon's not for you -- yet. Don't worry, there's plenty you can do as a beginner.

Star City Striders In addition to monthly meetings, this Roanoke running and walking group hosts fun runs eight or nine times a year. Plus, they have a number of ongoing group runs to help you get into shape. Check them out and find more information about the weekly group runs at starcitystriders.com.

Fleet Feet The Roanoke sports apparel store has twice-a-year 5K beginner training programs. The 12-week spring program will begin in February and costs $75. For more information, call 777-1166 or visit fleetfeetsports.com.

RunAbout Sports The Blacksburg sports apparel store offers a weekly run/walk. The group meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the store and goes three to seven miles. For more information, call 552-9339 or visit runaboutsports.com.

Give It A Tri First-Timer Triathlon Training Working toward a triathlon? Start training with the TriAdventure Multisport Coaching and Fitness spring session. Informational meeting at 7 p.m. April 27 at the Weight Club in Blacksburg's University Mall. Training begins at 6 p.m. May 3 at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center. The fee is $50. For more information, contact Anne at racer15 @triadventure.com or 230-3019; Kelly at kelly@triadventure.com or 818-1463; or visit triadventure.com.

Indoor Try-Athlon An event for first-time triathletes. This Farmville event is open to anyone 14 and older. Registration required by Jan. 10. Mandatory pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m. race day, Jan. 17. For more information, visit riversiderunners.com.

Team in Training The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's sports training program helps people train for marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, 100-mile century bike rides and hiking adventures while funding research for blood cancers. For more information, contact Elliot Smith at (804) 627-0400 or elliot.smith@lls.org. Regional informational meetings are as follows: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at the downtown Roanoke Main Library; and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Blacksburg Public Library.

Did we miss an event? Send it to events@roanoke.com or post on the roanoke.com calendar for future listings.

NOTE: Make sure to check the event details regularly. Many, especially those later in the year, are likely to change.