18 Must-Attend Running Events in Virginia: Spring & Summer 2017
Note: These events are from 2017. Many are annual—check official sites for current dates and details.
Looking for an exciting way to hit your fitness goals? Whether you're a beginner tackling a 5K or a veteran marathoner chasing new challenges, Virginia's 2017 running events offer options for every runner. Go solo, team up with friends, or bring the family—strollers welcome at select races!
Mad Anthony Mud Run—Waynesboro
Date: February 25, 2017
Held at Coyners Springs Park, the Mad Anthony Mud Run brings unpredictable weather—past races saw temps from 6°F to 60°F. Post-race, warm up by a bonfire with two free beers from Seven Arrows Brewing Company after the 4.5-mile muddy trail. Registration closes February 22. Learn More & Register
Hardywood Shamrock 3 Miler—Richmond
Date: March 12, 2017
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Richmond-style: Run 3 miles in green, then hit Hardywood Brewery for live music, craft beer, and festivities. Earn your pint! Learn More & Register
Marine Corps 17.75K—Dumfries
Date: March 25, 2017
The 17.75K honors the U.S. Marine Corps' founding year. Run through Prince William Forest Park near Quantico, with Marines cheering you on and lottery skips for the fall marathon. Learn More & Register
Martinsville Bulletin Half Marathon, 5K, & Relay—Martinsville
Date: March 25, 2017
YMCA-sponsored races wind through scenic uptown Martinsville. In its 7th year, with a 16-week training program to prep for your distance. Learn More & Register
Hell Climb 10K+—Pembroke
Date: April 1, 2017
Conquer 1,800 feet of elevation over 6.5 miles from Mountain Lake base to summit—all uphill. Not for beginners! Learn More & Register
Run for the Animals—Onancock
Date: April 2, 2017
Support Eastern Shore animal groups with half marathon, 10K, or 5K from historic Onancock School, followed by a festival. Leashed dogs and strollers OK. Learn More & Register
Be Bold 4 Miler—Nellysford
Date: April 8, 2017
Cider fans rejoice: 4 miles with mountain views end at Bold Rock Cidery. Post-race: tastings, food trucks, live music. Learn More & Register
Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon & 5K—Chesapeake
Date: April 8, 2017
Flat roads through Dismal Swamp wetlands. Choose 5K for beginners or half for pros. After: music, food, Big Ugly Brewery beer. Learn More & Register
Petersburg Half Marathon & 5K—Petersburg
Date: April 22, 2017
History buffs: Run past battle reenactments at Petersburg National Battlefield. Flat course, cannon motivation for PRs! Learn More & Register
Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K—Roanoke
Date: April 22, 2017
“America’s Toughest Road Marathon”: 7,430+ ft gain over three mountains. Epic views, finishes at Downtown Music Festival with music, food, brews. Learn More & Register
Ribbon Run—Brambleton
Date: April 22, 2017
5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run benefit Step Sisters breast cancer fight. Refuel at post-race Blue Ridge Grill breakfast. Learn More & Register
Colors of Cancer—Tazewell
5K/10K raise funds for cancer research and aid. Start in white, get colored cornstarch each km. Strollers welcome. Registration opens soon.
Grayson Highlands 5K & Half Marathon—Mouth of Wilson
Date: May 5 & 6, 2017
Virginia's highest race: Rocky trails, big elevation, wild pony sightings in Grayson Highlands State Park. Bucket-list views! Learn More & Register
Rugged Maniac—Petersburg
Date: May 6, 2017
Fun obstacle course: mud, trampolines, fire, waterslide. No pressure—ends with beer and festival games. Learn More & Register
Uncorked Half Marathon—New Kent
Date: May 6, 2017
13.1 miles to New Kent Winery. Recover with massages, yoga, brunch, award-winning wine. Learn More & Register
Dominion Riverrock Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K—Richmond
Date: May 19-21, 2017
Nation's largest outdoor festival: Trail half, 10K scramble, filthy 5K mud. Celebrate at Brown's Island with music, dogs, food, brews. Learn More & Register
Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon—Leesburg
Date: June 3, 2017
Scenic 13.1 through vineyards to Doukenie Winery: tastings, live music post-race. Learn More & Register
Moonlight Bootlegger 5K—Roanoke
Date: June 30, 2017
Evening trail run beats summer heat, followed by bluegrass and moonshine cocktails. Learn More & Register
From first 5Ks to epic marathons, Virginia's races keep you moving. Check for 2017 spots or annual repeats—stay active!
