The Blacksburg Striders running club, located in Blacksburg, Virginia, began in 1980 as the Virginia Tech Striders. Though the name has changed, our purpose remains the same: To provide community involvement and a source of camaraderie for local runners to enjoy group events, races, social activities and community service in the context of our sport.
Our location, centered around Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech campus, has broadened during the past decade to encompass the New River Valley community. Our membership continues to be primarily university-affiliated; however, active participants varying in age from 17 - 70 and older provide an environment which welcomes all interested runners of any skill level.
Volunteers serving as officers of the club organize monthly meetings, fun runs, social events, and special events throughout the year. Opportunities are always available for members willing to volunteer as race directors, to assist race directors, and for general administrative duties related to club activities. Members receive discounts from local athletic stores, reduced entrance fees to club-organized races, as well as a newsletter which we attempt to distribute quarterly (January, April, July, October). In addition, we are responsible for managing three races a year: The Blacksburg Classic 10 Miler & 5k (held in late February or early March), the Draper Mile (held during Steppin' Out in early August), and the Brush Mountain Breakdown 6 Miler & 16 Miler (held in mid-October). Blacksburg Striders T-shirts and singlets are available for purchase at cost to members. Annual membership dues are $8 per person or $12 for a family. For further information or a Striders membership application, write to: Blacksburg Striders, PO Box 764, Blacksburg, VA, 24063.
This page last updated: 18 January 2008