Competing in Charlottesville -SUMMER EDITION
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 2024, the event ran through C’ville in March. Missed it? 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 remainder of the year. Here is just a sampling:
OH!lly Trail 5K: June 11th at 7 pm
OH!lly is the second race of the Charlottesville Summer Trail Running Series, a four-race series of 5k to nearly 5-mile distance trail runs. The OH!lly Trail 5K takes place completely on single-track trails with challenging and fun ups and downs. The total elevation change is 684 ft.
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.Every Mind Matters: June 22nd at 8 am
Every person at some time in life feels strain mentally. We also at some point feel alone. Today we are shining a light on our mental health, and running for clarity. The stigma about mental health must change, and we are coming together to change it. This race, at Yowell Meadow Park in
Culpeper, will educate you on where to go when you need help.Kiwanis Independence 5K: June 29th at
A Charlottesville Holiday Tradition since 1983, to benefit The Salvation Army-Camp Happyland, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ben Hair Just Swim for Life, Community Bikes, and Central Little League. This year, the race will start at Hollymead Elementary School.Valley 4th Run: July 4th at 8 am
The Valley 4th Run is home to the 40 ft. inflatable Slip ‘n Slide Finish Line! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to run through the streets of downtown Harrisonburg on the greatest holiday of the year.Boar’s Head Resort Turn & Burn: July 13th at 7:30 am
The Turn & Burn is the third race of the Charlottesville Summer Trail Running Series. Explore the sweet trails at the Boar’s Head Resort, and the amazing start/finish area by the lake. The course has a total distance of 5 miles and a total elevation gain (and loss) of 745 ft.
Guts, Gravel, Glory: 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.Late Summer Meltdown 4M: August 13th at 7 am
The Late Summer Meltdown, which is the final race in the Charlottesville Summer Trail Running Series, starts at Pen Park and follows parts of the Rivanna Trail on single-track and double-track trails. The out-and-back course has some rolling hills and flat grassy sections and is not very technical. The total elevation gain is 416 ft. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers, and points will be awarded to Charlottesville Trail Running Series runners, cumulative time scoring, based on their place at the finish. Race fee covers post-race BBQ and banquet.Charlottesville’s Women’s 4 Miler: August 31st at 8 am
Since 1983, runners and walkers have come together to raise over 4.2 million dollars for the UVA Breast Care Center, and this year is no exception. Join them for the 42nd annual Charlottesville Women's Four Miler, which will be held at Foxfield and will again, help a great cause! We will have a group of Success Studio women and volunteers and some options to help you prepare! Message us if you would like the details.Run the Runway 5K: September 15th at 2:30 pm
This professionally chip-timed event will offer a unique race opportunity on a real airport runway at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, and is a perfect fit for runners, walkers, and families at all fitness levels. The course is flat and completely paved making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. All proceeds will benefit the Explore More Discovery Museum’s aviation exhibit.
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.Loop da Ville: September 28th
Not a race, Loop da Ville Fest is a full day of guided group hikes, walks, runs, bike rides, and accessible strolls on the Rivanna Trail, followed by an after party and outdoor concert. There’s a 20 mile trail run, a 20 miler bike ride, a 20 mile walk, and shorter distances for others.Knight’s Gambit 5K and 1.5 Miler: September 29th at 2:30 pm
A virtual option is available. Check the website for more details.Hoofin It for Horses: 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.JackFest 2024: October 20th at Noon
Your participation in JackFest raises funds for two critical organizations that keep families together as they face serious childhood illnesses: the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville and the pediatric oncology program at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. Front and center at JackFest are the Kids' Races! There will be footraces of varying distances on the gently rolling grass fields of Foxfield for kids of all ages.Chessie Trail Marathon and Half: October 26th
Run America’s most spectacular rail trail! The Chessie Nature Trail was voted one of the top three recreational trails in the nation in 2023. Sanctioned by USATF and a Boston Qualifier, you’ll run 26.2 miles without ever having to cross a road, jump a curb, or pound your knees on concrete and asphalt. You’ll glide through an ever-changing landscape along the wild Maury River, through farmland and leafy canopies at their peak of fall color, past ruins of massive stone locks and dams. View wildlife from fish and ducks to rabbits, deer, wild turkeys, river otters, and even bald eagles. A 26.2 relay option is available, as is a virtual, and a half marathon, plus both a 5K and a 10K.Girls On The Run 5K: November 17th at 8 am
Celebrate the Greater Charlottesville Fall Season Celebratory 5K with GOTR. Starts at St. Anne's-Belfield Learning Village.Boar’s Head Turkey Trot: November 28th at 9 am
Join Boar’s Head for a Charlottesville tradition on Thanksgiving Day for the 43rd annual Boar's Head Turkey Trot 5K road race benefitting UVA Health Children's! The course starts and ends at Boar's Head Resort. The route winds through the surrounding neighborhoods and is very hilly.Charlottesville Turkey Trot 10K: November 28th at 9 am
The race conveniently starts and finishes next to Albemarle High School and the course is held on the surrounding neighborhood roads consisting of flat stretches and mild rolling hills with a total elevation gain of 133 feet. Ample parking will be available at Albemarle High School, Journey Middle School, and Greer Elementary. The race beneficiaries are the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.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).New Year’s Eve Glow Run: December 31st at 4:30 pm
The New Year’s Eve Glow Run 5K is the hottest way to ring in the new year with friends and family. Enjoy a 5K course at Heritage Oaks Golf Course in Harrisonburg along the beautiful cart paths as the sun sets on 2024. Even better, all participants receive glow paraphernalia to help light up the course (participants are also asked to bring their own headlamps & flashlights). Noise makers will be given to all kids to feel the thrill at the Kids Countdown Run at 4:30pm. They won’t want to miss the half-mile roundtrip with disco ball and countdown to the new year at the halfway point.
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! And if you are looking to run, jog, or walk the 4 Miler on August 4th - message us at info@successstudiopt.com to get all the details on how we can help you prepare and to join our community on race day!