2023 Arkema 5K Race & One Mile Fun Run

The Arkema 5K Race & One Mile Fun Run is an annual fundraising run supporting the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department, the Chatham Rescue Squad, and various qualified local charities, schools, and school organizations serving Chatham and Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

While both runs support fundraising, they are competitive. The primary 5K course is TAC certified (VA98028RT) with no switchbacks. The One Mile Fun run is a great introductory, child friendly course also with no switchbacks. One escort can accompany any child for free!

Break a Record. The 5K course maintains a course record that if broken the runner will receive a $250 cash bounty payable once the record is correctly confirmed and recorded. (We'll pay before you leave, but we are also taking photos!) A cash bounty is available for both the record breaking man and woman. Dale Ball set a men's course record of 15:55 on October 13, 2001. Allison Peters set the women's record with a 18:52 on October 12, 2013. Someone come break these records. We want to party!

Do you like hardware? This race has the bling. The 5K course has awards for walkers, runners, and teams (men's, women's, mixed). The 5K run includes top three awards for male and female runners in the following age groups: 0-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; and 65 & Over. The 5K walk includes top three awards for the male and female walkers in the following age groups: 0-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 & Over. First place team awards are provided for men, women, and mixed teams. The one mile fun run has awards for the top three boys and girls aged 12 & Under. Finally, there is an overall male and female award for the fastest finisher.

Take it easy. The one mile fun run is open to anyone, but it is a separate course for kids and families. Moms and dads are welcomed to escort a young runner for free. Or, they can push a stroller. Or walk. Ribbons are provided for the top finishers for girls and boys 12 and Under.

Everyone gets a Vote. The official registration form features a selection, "Please list select one local community organization, non-profit, or school to fund." As a charity race, runners and our race volunteers get a vote. They may direct funds to a favorite local organization serving Chatham or Pittsylvania County. The Race Committee will tabulate the votes and, if there are enough votes, provide your selection with a percentage of the race funding.