COMPETING IN C’VILLE: 2024
C’Ville is an historic city best known as the home of presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Visitors travel from all over to see Jefferson’s Monticello plantation and The University of Virginia. But Charlottesville is also popular for its Downtown Mall, arts and culture festivals, as a launching pad for outdoor adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and for the Charlottesville Ten Miler.
The Charlottesville Ten Miler, established in 1976, is the area's oldest and most prestigious footrace and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities over the past 40 years. In 2023, the event ran through C’ville in March, as it will again this year. Not going to be around? Don’t fear! There are plenty of other races in and around the area that will be held both virtually and in-person throughout the upcoming year. Here is just a sampling:
Freeze Your Socks Off Fun Run: Saturday February 10th at 10 am
Support the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville, AND get a pair of red and white striped socks to keep your tootsies warm at the Freeze Your Socks Off Fun Run 5K at Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville.Colonial Half Marathon and 5K: Saturday February 17th
This is not just any ordinary sports event, it's a tradition filled with history and prestige in the beautiful city of Williamsburg, where you can conquer the infamous Fortitude Hill. The Colonial Half Marathon and 5K is a Healthy Hearts! Healthy Mind! event, dedicated to promoting physical fitness and overall well-being.Monster Cross: Sunday February 18th
This is the the granddaddy of gravel races in Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield. Try either the 25 or 50-mile routes.Bel Monte Endurance Races: Saturday March 9th
Taking place in the George Washington National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains and created by ultra runners for ultra runners, BMER has all the qualities most coveted in an ultra: a stunning course on single-track trails, a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and a welcoming start/finish location very close to the trails! BMER is what ultras are all about: the perfect spring ultra and the perfect ultra to do with friends! Choose from 50 mile, 50k, or 25k.River City Half: Saturday March 9th
Watch nature wake from its winter slumber and take in the early signs of spring in Virginia as you run over and along the James River, through well-established neighborhoods and outdoor gems like Pony Pasture, and start and finish on the gorgeous campus of the University of Richmond. You’ll not only accomplish a personal goal but will also support Sports Backers nonprofit goal of building a vibrant community.Shamrock Run: Sunday March 10th at 6 am
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day at the Annual Shamrock RunRVA 5k! This 5k road run/walk will start and end at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, in the heart of RVA brewery district. Dress in your best St. Patrick’s day garb and have a chance to win a prize presented by Hardywood.
Charlottesville 10 Miler: Saturday March 23rd at 7:15 am
Established in 1976, the Charlottesville Ten Miler is the area's oldest and most prestigious footrace. This not-for-profit race has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities over the past 40 years.Charlottesville Marathon: Saturday April 6th
One of the oldest and most coveted races in Charlottesville, the Charlottesville Marathon is USTAF certified, and can be used as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Participants in Charlottesville’s longest annual race are able to run through a beautiful, historic city and view landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda in addition to Charlottesville’s famous wine country and historic local neighborhoods. For less experienced runners, a half marathon, an 8K, and a kids’ run are offered.Park-to-Park Half Marathon: Saturday April 27th at 7 am
The point-to-point course takes its runners from the town of Stuarts Draft, on a scenic trek; down country roads, past farmland and streams, and into the quaint city of Waynesboro, where the course ends in Ridgeview Park along the South River. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to Charlottesville’s Therapeutic Adventures, Inc., a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable educational organization. TA is committed to providing greater access to adaptive outdoor recreation — their primary goal is to improve the quality of life of ALL persons by helping them achieve independence in the outdoor environments where adaptive adventure activities are offered and enjoyed.Charlottesville High School's Band On The Run 5K: Saturday May 11th
This 5K fun run/walk benefits Charlottesville High School’s Band programs.REV3Endurance 50 Hour Challenge: Saturday May 17-19th
Designed for all ability-levels, teams (of 1-4) will explore the beautiful New River Gorge National Park and surrounding areas by way of mountain bike, trek, and guided whitewater rafting. All teams will enjoy the beautiful scenery as they push themselves with teamwork and motivation through the finish line. The total distance of the course will be 125+ miles and 40-50 checkpoints along the course for teams to find. There are lots of route options to get to the different transition areas to resupply and access to several towns along the route. Challenge accepted?Summer Solstice 5K: June 20th at 7 pm
Enjoy an evening run in Richmond’s Forest Hill Park on the longest day of the year.Guts, Gravel, Glory: Sunday August 6th
Bike on dirt roads/paths ranging from 8-12 feet wide at Pocahontas State Park. The loop is about 6 miles, and you can choose to ride a 50, 37, or 19 mile race.Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard 5K & 10K: Saturday September 21st at 9 am
Come out and enjoy this scenic 5k/10k that runs around Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard while supporting the Charlottesville SPCA.Hoofin It for Horses: Saturday October 5th
Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue is hosting another “Hoofin’ It For Horses” 5K Trail Run. The trail will take you through the beautiful, peaceful terrain of Castle Rock Farm, Hope’s Legacy’s farm. All proceeds will benefit the animals at Hope’s Legacy, a 501(c)(3) charity.The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon: Sunday December 3rd at 7:30 am
The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon is officially certified by the USATF and is Boston Qualifier. The course is 6.5 "loops" of the fairly flat 4-mile out-and-back trail beginning at Riverview Park and following along the river on the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail. The Half Marathon is 3.25 "loops” of the 4-mile out-and-back trail (but is NOT a USATF certified course).
Be sure to click on the links for race details and registration information for each event.
Your current fitness level is a big factor in determining if you should participate in a race without training. If you are in good cardiovascular shape and was able to run a race before you stopped training you should be able to pull it off. But why wing it if you can be prepared? Start training today at Success Studio. It’s as easy as clicking the button below!