Course

For those who love a flat and fast 5K course or a nice scenic trek through the forest, this is the race for you! The Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk begins at the pool pavilion in Kanawha State Forest (which is right outside of Charleston, WV). The race then heads back towards the entrance of Kanawha State Forest. After reaching the entrance, the race circles around and heads back towards the pool pavilion. So you are aware, there is a slight uphill grade right after you make the turn. With that said, the race is pretty simple and is a great way to spend your Saturday morning.

Entry Fees

Pre-Registration fee (which must be submitted by May 20, 2016): $20

Race Day Registration: $25
 

Age Groups

Awards will be provided to the Top 3 male and Top 3 female overall finishers and Top 3 male and female finishers in each age bracket (19 & under; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 & over).

Awards

This will be the Second Annual Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk. If you were present last year, awards consisted of commemorative soccer balls for the top 3 overall male and female finishers and the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group. 2016 will be no different! So, please come out and run away with a Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk Soccer Ball which looks great on any shelve or desk in your home or office.
 

Charity Information

All proceeds of the Second Annual Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk will be donated to the Kawawha-Charleston Soccer Foundation. This Foundation manages the soccer fields and Trace Fork which are utilized by numerous schools, recreation leagues, and children from all ages. Last year the Tom Hopper Foundation donated $4,500.00 to the Kanawha-Charleston Soccer Foundation. Please help us by surpassing this achievement!

More Information

I hope to see hundreds of people at the Second Annual Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk (We had 170 participants last year). So you are aware, Tom Hopper was a long time soccer coach in the Charleston, West Virginia, area. He began his coaching career when my sisters began playing soccer in the Kanawha Valley in the 1980s. At that time, he knew very little about the sport. In 2000, he took over as the head coach for the George Washington high school boy's soccer team. Over the next fourteen seasons, he compiled a record of 189-80-35 and 3 State championships. Unfortunately, in 2014, my Dad fell ill to non-smoker's long cancer and on September 21, 2014, he passed away at the age of 68. The Tom Hopper 5K Run/Walk serves many functions. First, it facilitates fundraising for soccer in West Virginia: a cause which my Dad was a big supporter. Second, it gives us all a chance to partake in a morning run: another thing in which my Dad was a big believer. And finally, it gives all of us who knew my Dad a chance to get together and share our memories of him. So, please come out on June 4, 2016, to enjoy a nice summer morning and to honor Tom Hopper.

Sponsors