This December 7 event will be run in conjunction with the annual Martinsville Speedway Toy drive.  The Holiday Run Festival will feature two races and a walk, both starting and finishing on the iconic Martinsville Speedway.    Founded in 1947 by the late H. Clay Earles, Martinsville is the only track which has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races every year since the division’s inception in 1949.

The 2024 Holiday Run Festival will feature a new and improved course for each of the races.  Participants in the 2023 event asked to include more of the speedway in the courses.  We listened and think you will like the result.  All races start and finish at the checkered flag finish line located on the speedway’s front stretch.  See Route Map for details on new course for 2024.

The Youth in Motion 5K will start at 9:00 AM.  This is the fall race for the local Youth in Motion program.  This program is designed to inspire young girls and boys to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum and creatively integrating running into their lives.  This race will include serious competitors of all ages and will include the participation of a significant number of youngsters along with their coaches and mentors.

Also starting at 9:00 AM will be the 5K Toy Walk.  The walk will be open to those who just want to walk the course and enjoy the ambience of the Speedway venue.  Walkers will not be eligible for awards or race shirts.

The Southside 10K will start an hour later at 10:00 AM.  This race offers the opportunity for runners to challenge themselves over a longer distance.  The 10K is a great stepping stone for those runners who are considering stepping up to a half marathon or full marathon. 

Looking for more miles?  Check out our 15K DOUBLE CHALLENGE.  Register for both races under the category: 15K Double Challenge.  Run both the Youth in Motion 5K and the Southside 10K at scheduled times.  Your 5K finish will be recorded by our timing company as you cross the finish line, and then be added to your chip timed results for the 10K.  

15k Double Challenge runners must start respective races at prescribed times of 9 AM for 5K and 10AM for10K.  Participants may use the time prior to the start of the 10K to stretch, rest and re-hydrate.

Youth in Motion 5K participants will receive the official tech fabric short sleeve race shirt if registered by November 20.  Those registering after Nov 20 will receive shirts subject to available supply.

Southside 10K participants will receive the official tech fabric, gender specific long sleeve race shirt if registered by November 20.  Those registering after Nov 20 will receive shirts subject to available supply

15K Double Challenge participants will receive the official tech fabric, gender specific long sleeve race shirt if registered by November 20.  Those registering after Nov 20 will receive shirts subject to available supply.  In addition, 15K double challenge participants will receive a special finisher medal commemorating the achievement.

Participants will compete for Overall & Age Group awards in all three race categories. Note: 15K registrants may earn awards in each of the three categories.  

Races are open to runners of all ages and abilities.