The Best Marathons and Fun Runs for Wine Lovers
Looking for a little wine to go along with your next marathon or 5K? Here are 10 runs through the country’s most beautiful wine regions that you should put on your running calendar this year.
1. Wineglass Marathon and Half Marathon
Starting Point: Bath, New York
Wine Region: Finger Lakes Wine Country
When: September 30, 2012
The Rundown: The Wineglass Marathon is a flat, fast and scenic marathon and half marathon starting in Bath, NY and finishing in Corning, NY. This run was voted “Speediest” Marathon by readers of Runners World in January 2010.
2. Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
Starting Point: Cuvaison Carneros Winery, Napa, California
Wine Region: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
When: July 15, 2012
The Rundown: This half marathon is a great one for vacationing wine lovers because it dovetails with loads of related activities in Napa and Sonoma Valleys and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. Runners from all over the world run the course through the scenic Carneros wine region passing thousands of acres of vineyards, ranches, the Napa/Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, wineries and downtown Sonoma.
3. Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
Starting Point: Doukenie Winery, Hillsboro, Virginia
Wine Region: Northern Virginia Wine Country
When: June 2, 2012
The Rundown: Loudoun County in Northern Virginia serves as a magnificent host for this event, as the area is full of historical sites, enterprise and government, culture, farming, beautiful landscapes and a burgeoning wine region. The event features four days of wine and food themed activities centered around the main event…..a scenic 13.1 mile race starting and finishing in a beautiful setting at Doukenie Winery.
4. Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon
Starting Point: Stoller Vineyards, Dayton, Oregon
Wine Region: Dundee Hills AVA
When: July 15, 2012
The Rundown: “Loved it – hills were more challenging than anticipated, but that only motivates me to train harder for next year. Great swag/food/wine, enough parking, nice motivators along the course, and you weren’t kidding about that VIEW from mile 8. I’m carrying my camera next time.” - Martrese – Portland, OR
Image via Running Chicks in PDX
5. Leelanau Peninsula Wine Makers Harvest Stampede
Starting Point: Ciccone Vineyard, Suttons Bay, Michigan
Wine Region: Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
When: September 8, 2012
The Rundown: Sponsored by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Makers, the course runs through a matrix of vineyard rows and trails in the majestic rolling hills of Leelanau. Best of all, it’s coupled with a wine tasting weekend and is perfect for both competitive runners and the thirsty walkers.
Register (When I last checked, 2012 registration info was not yet available. Alternatively, try this link)
6. Wine Country Runs Half Marathon & 5K
Starting Point: River Oaks Hot Springs, Paso Robles, California
Wine Region: Paso Robles Wine Country
When: March 25, 2012
The Rundown: Does it get better than running through the heart of California’s Central Coast, an area famous for wineries, natural hot springs, pristine beaches and Hearst Castle? This is a pretty easy course on mostly paved course takes you over rolling hills, through picturesque vineyards and down along the Salinas River. There’s also a Kids’ Half Mile Grape Stomp and pre-race pasta feed.
7. Water to Wine Half Marathon & 3-Mile Fun Run
Starting Point: Lake Sonoma Visitors Center, Healdsburg, California
Wine Region: Sonoma Wine Country
When: August 12, 2012
The Rundown: This point-to-point event in Sonoma County, starts at the Lake Sonoma Visitors Center at 7:00 am and will finish at Alderbrook Winery in Healdsburg. This may be one of the fastest half marathon courses on the west coast! Check out the elevation chart!
8. Spicewood Vineyards Half Marathon and 10K
Starting Point: Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood, Texas
Wine Region: Texas Hill Country
When: December 1, 2012
The Rundown: Filled with scenic farmland, vineyards and rural country roads, the course for this run offers challenging hills and lovely views of Texas Hill Country, which lies just a short drive from Austin. The race follows an out-and-back route from Spicewood Vineyards out onto the scenic farm roads of Burnet County.
Texas Wine Country, Image via Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road
9. The Great Arizona Grape Stomp
Starting Point: Starting points vary for each of the four runs
Wine Region: Sonoita/Elgin, Verde Vally, Willcox
When: 4 runs in September and October (dates to be announced)
The Rundown: The Great Arizona Grape Stomp is a collection of four different 5k fun runs across the state with proceeds benefiting the Arizona Wine Growers Association. What a fun way to tour Arizona enjoying the fresh air, unique landscape and tasting fabulous wines! You’ll make your choice of Arizona’s three wine producing regions – Sonoita/Elgin, the Verde Valley and Willcox – with a celebration run in Phoenix. Run all four faces you’ll be designated a “Grape Stomp Connoisseur”!
10. Idaho Wine Run Marathon and Half Marathon
Starting Point: Ste. Chapelle Winery, Caldwell, Idaho
Wine Region: West Snake River Valley, Idaho
When: September 30, 2012
Image via Denise
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Thanks for the info….I can’t think of a more scenic place for a run than the Wine Country!