In addition to providing outdoor recreation programs throughout the year, PLAY Roanoke also offers races and competitive events for a variety of ages and activities!
Races include the Wednesday Night Disco races on Mill Mountain, Happy Valley Grit gravel race at Carvins Cove, Youth Mountain Bike Race, Crash the Cove Paddle Race, and even Tiny Tot Tri for the youngest athletes!
Tiny Tot Tri
Details below pertain to previous event. Stay tuned for future dates.
📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026
🕐 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Elmwood Park
RUN! BIKE! SPLASH! Get ready for the cutest and most exciting event you will see at Elmwood Park this spring! Tiny competitors (ages 18 months – 5 years) will participate in a triathlon designed just for them! Each tiny tot will run, bike, and splash their way to the finish line. Participants will need to bring their own bicycle or tricycle, helmet, tennis shoes, comfortable clothes (that can get wet), swim diaper (if your child is still in diapers or pull-ups), towel, and a change of clothes (for the ride home). Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. There will be coffee donuts for the grown-ups and juice boxes and snacks for the racers! $20/racer
Youth Mountain Bike Race
Details below pertain to previous event. Stay tuned for future dates.
📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
🕐 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Washington Park
Aimed at novice riders from ages 2 to 14. Riders will compete on a short, spectator-friendly course against youth their own age and skill level. Pre-register online to save time (and staff sanity). Pre-registration closes at noon the day of each race. On-site registration opens on the race dates at 4:30 pm races start promptly at 5:30 p.m. All riders need to check in at registration prior to lining up to race. $5/racer
On the Rocks: Short Track Preview
Details below pertain to previous event. Stay tuned for future dates.
📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
🕐 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Elmwood Park
The Short Track Preview Race last year was so much fun! So we’re bringing it back! This race is designed to test out the 2026 Endurance Mountain Bike XCC Championship Course in Roanoke, Va in July, 2026. Pre-ride the course at Elmwood Park before the big day!
A short track mountain bike race is like the high-intensity sprint version of mountain bike racing. Instead of long endurance courses, short track races take place on a compact, looping course, typically around 0.5 to 1 mile long, with a mix of dirt, grass, small hills, tight corners, and technical features like rock gardens. The race usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, making it a fast, intense, and spectator-friendly event.
Riders do multiple laps, pushing their limits on speed and handling while jockeying for position. Because the course is short, there’s little time for recovery, and strategy plays a big role, knowing when to attack, how to handle corners efficiently, and managing energy is key. It’s an exciting, action-packed style of racing that blends endurance, skill, and head-to-head competition. Perfect for racers who love fast, aggressive riding!
Note: This is mostly just for fun race and a preview of the course. This race will be timed, but it’s nothing official or sanctioned.
Come for the races, stay for the atmosphere! We’ll have DJ Flex live on-site spinning beats, bevvies for sale as well as a delicious food from Birriera La Vaca food truck! Come race and watch the fun as racers battle it out on this non-traditional course for the first time. All are welcome!
Pre-register before April 29th for the biggest kudos and good vibes from your race organizers!
On-site registration will be available from 4:30pm – 5:15pm (but please read the sentence above this one).
