Runners hit the pavement for a variety of reasons—to clear their minds, improve cardiovascular health, lose weight, find like-minded fitness friends and more. But no matter why they begin, once runners learn to love the sport, entering races is a natural progression that fosters a competitive spirit and helps them feel a strong sense of accomplishment. And a guaranteed way to earn that PR they’ve been hoping for may be to focus on a glass of wine or frosty mug of suds waiting for them once they cross the finish line. Races hosted at wineries or breweries have become quite popular as participants improve their strides in order to imbibe at post-race parties and tastings. As an added bonus, many of these runs feature scenic courses that wind through wine country with beautiful views at each step of the way. We’ve compiled a variety of wine- and beer-themed races happening throughout the commonwealth this spring or summer. Sign up, start your training, and we bet you’ll be sprinting for sips by the final mile.
Uncorked Half Marathon & 5K
May 4: Run through the Virginia countryside with New Kent Winery as a backdrop, with a post-race massage, deluxe brunch package and award-winning wine. Register online. $35–$85. 7:30–11:30 a.m. New Kent Winery, New Kent. NewKentWinery.com
Run Sweat & Beers
May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 20: These laid-back runs sponsored by VA Momentum provide 1-, 3- or 5-mile options that end at Brothers Craft Brewing. Grab your friends for a stress-free race and toast your success with post-run discounts at the brewery. No pre-registration required. 5:30 p.m. 800 N Main St, Harrisonburg. VAMomentum.com/Run-Sweat–Beers
Corkscrew Racing
This fun company organizes races catered to wine, beer and cider lovers throughout the year in the Shenandoah Valley. Their events offer Blue Ridge Mountain views and courses meandering through country roads. Other perks include gender-specific tech shirts, finisher tasting glasses and post-race parties with live music and food trucks paired with spirit samplings from Virginia’s wineries, breweries and cideries. Some of their upcoming events include:
May 25: The Be BOLD Orchard 5K is an evening, sunset event at Carter Mountain Orchard offering a unique apple orchard course, awesome views and Bold Rock at the finish. $30–$45. Register online. 6 p.m. 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville. CorkscrewRacing.com/Be-Bold-Orchard-5K
June 22: Participants in the Vine to Wine 5K get great mountain views, a post-race awards ceremony and an after party at Barren Ridge Vineyards with live music, food trucks and commemorative wine glasses for samplings. $30–$45. Register online. 6:30 p.m. 984 Barren Ridge Rd, Fishersville. CorkscrewRacing.com/Vine-To-Wine-5K
Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
June 1: This race starts and finishes at Doukenie Winery in Loudoun County and takes runners on a scenic, tree-laden course that runs north of the winery on historic byways, passing vineyards, farms, ranches and estates along the way. A post-run Wine & Music Festival presented by the Loudoun Wineries Association is held after the race at Doukenie and includes more than 15 local wineries offering tastings as well as food vendors. The Jay Summerour Band, an all-star blues quartet, will provide entertainment. Entry into the Wine and Music Festival requires the purchase of the SCHOTT ZWIESEL® Crystal Glassware. The wine glass and entry into the Wine and Music Festival is $30; race registration prices (5K, 10K or Half Marathon) vary. Register online. 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro. VirginiaWineCountryHalf.com
Author: VisitVirginia
