Backpack Run
March 21, 2026 - Green Hill Park - 9 a.m.
We are very proud to announce the 2026 Backpack Run 5K has been re-named the Marion Childress 5K.
Registration now open!
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MARCH 19
Packet Pickup is at Run About Sports on Franklin Road (near Montano's) on Friday, March 20 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. If you are unable to come to packet pickup on March 20, there will be a limited time for packet pickup on race day (March 21). Please arrive no later than 8:15 a.m.
LATE REGISTRATION
Late registration is available at packet pickup on March 20 or at the race start line on March 21.
A $10 late registration fee will be applied
No discounts or team options will be accepted.
5K/10K course (5K one lap, 10K two laps):
Become a sponsor!Champion Sponsor: $750
One kilometer sign + water stations
(2 available)
Kilometer Sponsor: $500
One kilometer sign
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors!PRESENTING SPONSOR:
ELITE SPONSORS:
Virginia Credit Union
Cox Business
Kilometer Sponsors:
Lionberger Construction
Spillman Thomas & Battle
The course for the 2025 Marion Childress 5K and Backpack Run 10K is unchanged from recent years. Runners will begin near the front parking area, curving around the south side of the Green Hill property. Runners will cross the creek and use a short trail to connect to the south side of the baseball field access road. Runners will then pass along the baseball parking lot and connect to the greenway, passing the water station. Runners will follow the greenway back to the greenway parking lot near the entrance of Green Hill Park. At this point, runners will turn around and follow the same course in reverse. 5K runners will complete one lap of this out-back course. 10K runners will complete two laps of this out-back course.