Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run
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.
Joe LaRocco 5k: @ 8:00AM This race is open to coaches, parents, alumni and the general public. Athletes who attend public or private middle/high schools and are attending the Knights Crossing Invitational with their team should run in the appropriate division later in the day. Per VHSL/NFHS policies, athletes who are home schooled cannot race against public or private Virginia schools or other sanctioned out-of-state schools and must therefore 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. Additionally, 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 who was a long-time Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cave Spring High School. During his tenure at Cave Spring, he taught History and Government classes from 1980 until his retirement in 2013. Additionally, Mr. LaRocco was a long-time USATF official and starter, starting races at the high school and collegiate level for over 20 years.
Records/Results: 5000m Open Race Overall Records (New Course - 2019): Men: Luke Mussard 15:18.44 (2022) Women: Annie LeHardy 18:21.00 (2024) 5000m Open Race Master's (40+) Records (New Course - 2019): Men: Matthew Wisnioski 17:18.27 (2022) Women: Ashley Palmer 18:46.9 (2025) 5000m Open Race Coach's Records (New Course - 2019): Men: John Wiggins 16:20.00 (2019) Women: Kate Vanderstelt 21:18.6 (2025)
T-Shirts: The paid registrants will receive a Joe LaRocco 5k T-Shirt until supplies run out!
Teams: Racers can also compete as part of a co-ed racing team using Cross Country scoring to dictate winner. A team is NOT required to participate in this event but encouraged. Please note that teams require 5 or more runners to be scored and be in consideration for the awards (Top 3 teams).
Elementary School 1k: @ 9:00AM This race is open to all Elementary-age students (1st-5th grade). All participants will be given a 2024 Knights Crossing T-shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line commemorating their race.
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 7:00AM. When entering the park, packet pick-up is to the left along the road with the Concessions and is marked with a large blue "swooper" flag.
2025 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
- 8:30 AM - High School/Middle School Coaches Meeting at the Stage
- 9:00 AM - Elementary School Championship 1K Race - (Boys/Girls)
- 9:15 AM - Open Race Awards
- 9:30 AM - Girls Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)
- 10:15 AM - Boys Middle School Championship 4K Race (Medals to Top 25)
- 10:45 AM - Girls Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)
- 11:30 AM - Boys Red Race 5K (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams) (Medals to top 25)
- 12:00 PM Girls Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)
- 12:45 PM Boys Black Race 5K (Smaller VA Public schools & all private schools) (Medals to top 25)
- 1:15 PM - Girls White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)
- 2:00 PM - Boys White Race 5k (VA Public schools & out-of-state teams not in Red) (Unlimited entries)
- 2:30 pm - Girls & Boys will race together in Gold Race 5k (VA Public & all private schools not in Black race) (Unlimited entries)