Nestled in the New River Valley and surrounded by the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg is known for its vibrant college-town energy, beautiful outdoor spaces, and welcoming community spirit. Home to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg blends scenic mountain views with unique local shops, incredible food, and a strong focus on wellness and outdoor recreation.

The Huckleberry Trail, one of Southwest Virginia’s most loved greenways, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for the Western Region Making Moves Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. Stretching between Blacksburg and Christiansburg, the paved multi-use trail winds through forests, open fields, and quiet natural areas. It’s ideal for walkers, runners, bikers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful day outside.

To make the most of the MMABC event, turn it into a weekend getaway and experience everything Blacksburg has to offer!

Where to Eat

• Cabo Fish Taco (117 S Main St, Blacksburg, VA) – A fan favorite! Fresh Baja-style tacos, vibrant atmosphere, and great margaritas.

• The Black Hen & Bar Blue (126 Jackson St NW, Blacksburg, VA) – Upscale Appalachian-American cuisine with a modern twist. Great for a celebratory meal.

• Boudreaux’s (205 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA) – Cajun & Creole comfort food right in the heart of downtown.

• Bollo’s Café & Bakery (875 E University City Blvd, Blacksburg, VA) – Local staple for pastries, coffee, and cozy vibes.

• The Cellar (302 N Main St, Blacksburg, VA) – Greek-American fare with a huge beer selection. A long-time Blacksburg favorite.

• Gillie’s (153 College Ave, Blacksburg, VA) – Beloved vegetarian and pescatarian restaurant known for brunch and wholesome dishes.

• Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill (4237 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA) – Locally brewed beer, wings, and casual dining in a fun atmosphere.

Shopping

• Downtown Blacksburg – Walkable, charming, and filled with unique local shops, bookstores, and artsy boutiques.

• Blacksburg Books (401 S Main St) – Independent bookstore with curated reads and local literature.

• Fringe Benefit (141 Jackson St) – Stylish women’s boutique offering clothing, accessories, and gifts.

• Moss Arts Center Gallery Store – Artful gifts, local crafts, and Virginia Tech-themed items.

• Market Square Park & Blacksburg Farmers Market – If you’re in town on a Saturday, visit for local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts.

Things to Do

• Huckleberry Trail Extension – Explore additional miles of scenic paved trail perfect for biking or a relaxed afternoon stroll.

• Virginia Tech Duck Pond – Iconic campus landmark and peaceful place to unwind.

• Moss Arts Center – Enjoy performances, galleries, and cultural programming on the VT campus.

• Hahn Horticulture Garden – Beautiful free botanical garden filled with native plants and quiet walking paths.

• Lyric Theatre – Historic downtown theatre showing indie films, concerts, and special events.

• Pandapas Pond – Just outside town, offering hiking trails, fishing, and beautiful mountain scenery.

• New River Valley Rail Trail & Mountain Biking Areas – Great for participants who want even more outdoor adventure.

Saturday, April 25 - Event Day

• 8:00 AM - Site Opens

  • Huckleberry Trail - Blacksburg Lubrary Trailhead, 200 Miller Street

  • Packet pick-up begins for all particpants

• 8:50 AM -  Opening Cermonies 

  • Welcome remarks, mission moment, and particpant recognition

• 9:00 AM - MM ABC Western Region 5K Walk/Run Begins!

  • Particpants will complete a 5k on the scenic Huckleberry Trail, going out and back from the trailhead. 

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Finish Line Festivities

  • Join us at the finish line for: 

    • Light refreshments

    • Coffee station

    • Celebration photo backdrop

    • You’re welcome to enjoy the celebration on-site or take your refreshments with you.

Need help fundraising? See how you can Raise $300 in a Month!

If you have donors that would like to mail in a check, please use our 2026 Making Moves Against Breast Cancer - Blacksburg donation form.  Click here.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

Building a team for the MMABC Western Region 5K Walk/Run is one of the best ways to boost your impact, have fun, and get others moving with you. Here are ways to grow your team and spread the word.

How to Invite Others to Join Your Team

• Use your Participant Center to email friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors and invite them to join your team.

• Update your Facebook, Instagram, and other social platforms to share your team link.

• Host a small recruitment meet-up — at home, a community space, your workplace, or online — and invite potential teammates.

• Place MMABC flyers at your workplace, school, gym, or place of worship.

• Start a family team for a shared experience.

• Form a neighborhood team or gather members of an organization, club, or group you’re part of.

How Others Can Register to Join Your Team

To join a team, participants can search for your team name on the registration site and select “Join.”
If someone needs help with registration, they can contact us and simply share your team name so we can assist them.

HOW TO HOST A TEAM RECRUITMENT PARTY

Hosting a small gathering is a great way to grow your team and build excitement.

Before the Party

• Secure a location: a conference room, community center, place of worship, or your home.

• Send out invitations to friends, family, coworkers, past donors, and neighbors.

• Promote the gathering on social media and encourage RSVPs.

• If you'd like a VBCF staff member to attend or provide materials, reach out to us.

• Set up your space with refreshments and a device to walk people through registration.

During the Party

• Share why you’re participating in the MMABC 5K Walk/Run and what it means to you.

• Invite everyone to join your team. For those who can’t participate, encourage them to support your fundraising.

• If questions come up, check our FAQ or reach out for help.

• Have a laptop or tablet ready so guests can register right away.

• Keep the environment upbeat and welcoming — enthusiasm is contagious.

After the Party

• Send a thank-you message from your Participant Center.

• Remind attendees how to join your team if they haven’t signed up yet.

TEAM FUNDRAISING

Each individual participant is encouraged to fundraise, but teams can multiply their impact by fundraising together. Try these ideas to help meet and exceed your team goals:

Team Fundraising Ideas

• Make a Team Flag: Let donors sign it as a symbol of support.

• Create and Sell Team Shirts: Showcase your team name and mission and raise funds through sales.

• Host a Dinner Party: Share why you’re participating and invite donations.

• Set Up a Fundraising Table: Ask local gyms, cafés, or community hubs to let you set up a small information table.

• Special Screening Night: Ask a local theater for a donated screening and charge a donation-based entry fee.

• Get Press Coverage: Ask your local newspaper or company newsletter to feature your team’s story.

• Benefit Night: Partner with a restaurant or small business to donate a percentage of sales.

• Run an Auction or Raffle: Collect donated items and host a mini-auction at work or at a team gathering.

• Team Car Wash: Partner with a local car wash to host a community fundraising event.

Team Donations

Even though each participant has an individual fundraising goal, teams can support each other:

• Encourage teammates who hit $300 early to direct donors to others who still need support.

• Share team links and personal pages regularly.

• If someone struggles to meet their goal, work as a group to help them get there.

• Donors may also mail checks to the Team Captain (made out to VBCF) to be distributed to teammates who need support.

Helping Team Members Overcome Fundraising Fears

• Hold an open conversation about concerns — reassurance goes a long way.

• Create a team-wide fundraising plan and timeline.

• Ask VBCF for help or guidance anytime.

• Celebrate fundraising milestones to keep everyone motivated.

• Assign tasks based on strengths — outgoing teammates can make asks, while more introverted members can support behind the scenes.