Sponsored.
Blue Ridge Outdoors is proud to present the top races and events from the Blue Ridge and beyond. Festivals, marathons, mud runs, expos, concerts and more! Mark your calendars now.
February 2018
Association for Experiential Education 2018 Southeast Regional Conference: Reaching Back To Our Roots To Shape Our Future
February 23-25, 2018 | YMCA Camp Greenville, Cleveland, SC
Teachers, students, therapists, leaders, and facilitators who believe that learning through experience positively transforms people and our world: YOU are invited to AEE-SE 2018! Enjoy engaging workshops, a keynote by Trey Fouche of Charlotte Latin School, live music, and fellow professionals who strive for excellence.
AVL Beer Expo
February 24, 2018 | Asheville Masonic Temple, Asheville, NC
30+ breweries, 30+ craft beers, educational panels, and meet the brewers! Limited tickets for the carefully curated industry event that lets craft beer geeks peek behind the curtain of #avlbeer. $30 GA/$60 VIP.
March 2018
LanternAsia
March 9-13, 2018 | Norfolk, VA
LanternAsia returns to Norfolk Botanical Garden March 9 through May 13!
Experience the magic as the garden is transformed with colossal works of art—
MORE Art by Day, MORE Magic by Night!
For tickets and information call (757) 441-5830 or visit our websites.
lanternasia.org | norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll
Washington D.C. Marathon & ½ Marathon
March 10, 2018 | Washington, D.C.
The United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. Marathon and 1/2 Marathon returns March 10, 2018 and you’re invited to ROCK the biggest running festival to hit the capital city! More than just a political capital, D.C. is a cultural capital with an endless list of things to do and experience during the race weekend.
Transylvania Adventure Games (TAG)
March 17, 2018| Brevard Music Center, Brevard, NC
Family fun adventure run complete with two courses, an untimed 5k for ages 8 and up, and a mini course for ages 3-12 and under. Both courses are full of memory tests, rope webs, rock walls, and more. The race will be followed by a festival with live music, local vendors, and food trucks! This is a fundraiser event for Mountain Sun Community School!
mountainsunschool.org/events/
Campapalooza 2018
March 31, 2018| Diamond Brand Outdoors, Asheville, NC
Spring camping season gets an early start with a preview of 2018’s best reviewed gear from international innovators as well as local favorites. Free hourly workshops on topics from festival camping to choosing the right backpack for a thru hike are joined by special buys, giveaways, and the presentation of grants to local environmental nonprofits.
diamondbrandoutdoors.com/
April 2018
The Cooper River Bridge Run
April 7, 2018 | Charleston, SC
The Cooper River Bridge Run, located in beautiful Charleston, is the 3rd largest 10K in the U.S., averaging 40,000 participants with world-class competition. The main goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Take part in our Health & Wellness EXPO on April 7 and 8.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Half Marathon presented by WRAL
April 7-8, 2018 | Raleigh, NC
Join us in April for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Half Marathon presented by WRAL—the best year yet with more music for your miles! Meet us in the sophisticated and charming capital city of North Carolina to discover
the hidden gem of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series!
The Runners Marathon of Reston
April 8, 2018 | Reston, VA
Located just 20 miles from D.C. in Reston, Virginia, the Runners Marathon of Reston includes a mix of beautiful wooded, paved trails and roads. Runners and volunteers enjoy a free pre-race pasta party, an indoor venue, a post-race feast, and great give-aways. Choose between the marathon, the half marathon, or the relay!
Tom Tom Founders Festival
April 9-15, 2018 | Charlottesville, VA
Tom Tom is a celebration of founding—what happens when people envision something cool and make it happen. A week of Summits, keynotes, concerts, competitions, installations, and workshops are designed to make the connections that start great things. Come for the party, leave inspired.
Tom Tom Fest Community Bike Ride
April 14, 2018 | Charlottesville, VA
Please join Blue Ridge Outdoors, Tom Tom and Blue Ridge Cyclery for a community bike ride at Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Devils Backbone Mountain Cross and Blue Ridge Metric
April 14-15, 2018 | Nelson County, VA
Two amazing rides in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! On Saturday, a mixture of paved and unpaved roads and on Sunday, an all paved ride. Choose between 65-mile or 45-mile options. All riders receive a $15 gift card to the Brewery. Registration online.
bikereg.com/devils-backbone-mountain-cross
James River Adventure Triathlon
April 21, 2018 | James River State Park, Gladstone, VA
The fifth race of the Virginia State Park Adventure Series features a beautiful course with a 7-mile kayak run, an 8-mile Mountain Bike leg and a 3.1-mile trail run. Racers can compete solo or in teams. All abilities are welcome. Bring the family and enjoy camping on the river during your stay. Proceeds will benefit the Gladstone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
trireg.com/adventures-on-the-
The 2018 Redbud Ride
April 21, 2018 | London, KY
The Redbud Ride is one of the most beautiful and challenging bike rides you’ll ever experience! The ride starts in beautiful downtown London, Kentucky, one of the top 10 redbud sight-seeing routes in the state! Register online today!
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon
April 26-29, 2018 | Nashville, TN
Join one of the best spectator-supported and most music-filled courses in the Series! This challenging yet beautiful route takes you past the iconic Honky Tonks and through some of Nashville’s hippest neighborhoods.
Virginia Creeper Fest
April 28, 2018 | Abingdon, VA
Come join us at the trail head of the Creeper Trail in Abingdon, Virginia as we celebrate outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia. Get hands-on at this event with activities like a 10K race, Yoga in the Park, Rock Climbing, Trail Excursions, Sunset Bike Rides and more, friendly to all ages! Full schedule and information on our website.
May 2018
Spring Shakori hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance
May 3-6, 2018 | Pittsboro, NC
The 16th annual spring festival features 40+ bands on four stages. Located on 72 beautiful farmland acres in central North Carolina, just down the road from Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Greensboro. Local crafts, delicious food, kids’ activities, healing arts, music and dance workshops, environmental sustainability forums, camping and much more, all in a family friendly setting.
French Broad River Festival
May 4-6, 2018 | Hot Springs, NC
Celebrate spring in the mountains at the 21st French Broad River Festival in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater, mountain biking, hiking, kid’s village, and music including The Travelin’ McCourys, The Jeff Austin Band, Billy Strings, Jon Stickley Trio and more!
Frederick Running Festival
May 5-6, 2018 | Frederick, MD
The Frederick Running Festival, now in its 15th year, is one of the hidden gems of the running community. With four race distance options, each participant receives a race premium and a
Maryland themed medal and crosses the finish line at the
Frederick Fairgrounds.
Mudder’s Day Madness 5k
May 12, 2018 | Maryville, TN
Mudder’s Day Madness 5k is a mud run that consists of obstacles and, of course, plenty of mud! Everyone eight years of age and up are welcome! This is a fun, family friendly, fundraising event benefiting Harmony Family Center’s Montvale camp. It will be held Saturday, May 12, 2018 (the day before Mother’s Day) at 10:00AM on Montvale’s beautiful grounds at the foot of
Chilhowee Mountain.
AVL Beer Week
May 25-June 3 2018 | Asheville, NC
76+ events around Asheville and WNC. 8th Annual smorgasbord of beer-centric events, from beer dinners, to beer releases, Angry Yoga, education, music events, and more! Location and event entry varies.
Summer 2018
Alleghany Highlands Summer Events
Summer 2018 | Alleghany Highlands, VA
This summer, it’s GAME ON. We are home to four of the most action-packed outdoor events in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you run, bike, swim, all of the above, or simply enjoy great competition, don’t miss out on the fun. It’s uniquely Alleghany.
visitalleghanyhighlands.com/featured-events
2018 Bryce Bike Park Summer Series
Summer 2018 | Bryce Resort, Basye, VA
Join us from May to October for a six-race mountain bike series for new and experienced racers alike. The series features simplicity and fun with your fellow riders minus the high cost and stress associated with big series events. Visit our website for more info!
June 2018
Baltimore 10-Miler
June 2, 2018 | Baltimore, MD
2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the Baltimore Ten Miler, which starts and finishes at the scenic Druid Hill Park, home of the Maryland Zoo. Runners are treated to a post-race party and race premium, which Runners World awarded “Best Swag Item” in 2009!
Beer City Festival
June 2, 2018 | Roger McGuire Green, Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC
Enjoy 35+ breweries with rotating small batch offerings, guest breweries, and live local music. For $45 get unlimited samples / $25 entry with tokens. Designated Driver tickets are also available.
Bath County Triathlon
June 23, 2018 | Marina at Lake Moomaw, Warm Springs, VA
Nestled in the Virginia’s Western Highlands, Bath County is one of the hidden gems of TriAdventure. The Bath County Triathlon includes a 750 meter open water swim, 20k bike loop and a 5k run on closed roads. Awards and post race meal will be provided.
triadventure.com
Hops in the Hills
June 23, 2018 | Maryville, TN
Join us for the 4th Annual Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival… A Celebration of Fermentation. Enjoy some of the most unique and tasty craft beer with the Great Smoky Mountains as the backdrop. Beer…Food…Music… and Beauty. Come experience us.
July 2018
The Summit—A Hiking and Backpacking Conference for Women
July 13-15, 2018 | Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
The Summit is a weekend of classes that range from making your own gear and map reading, to outdoor writing and photography, all of which are designed to enhance your outdoor experience.
Come join us for inspiration, camaraderie and friendship.
September 2018
Breaks 40 Miler
September 8, 2018 | Breaks Interstate Park , Breaks, VA
The latest race adventure is coming to the Breaks Interstate Park! The park is partnering with Next Opportunity Events to challenge those brave enough to conquer two states, 40 miles of trail, and 24,000 feet of elevation change!
New River Trail Challenge
September 15, 2018 | New River Trail State Park, Max Meadows, VA
The penultimate race of the Virginia State Parks Adventure series, the “Challenge,” is one of the oldest, largest, and toughest Adventure Triathlons in Virginia. Started in 2000, the race features a 40-mile bike ride, 12.1-mile kayak and half marathon along the scenic New River. All ages and skill levels can compete solo or in teams. Competitors range from world class athletes to
costumed teams and “bucket listers.” Everyone is welcome.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Cumberland River Challenge
September 22, 2018 | Barbourville, KY
The Canoe and Kayak Race is an annual event, hosted by Union College, U Canoe and Barbourville Tourism. The race consists of 15 miles of river, ranging from calm water to beginner-level rapids. It starts on the Knox County line bordering Bell County and finishes in Knox County at the Thompson R.V. Park.
barbourvilletourism.com/adventure/canoe-kayak-race
October 2018
Pocadventure Adventure Triathlon
October 13, 2018 | Pocahontas State Park , Chesterfield, VA
Just a short drive from downtown Richmond, the final race of the Virginia State Park Adventure Series highlights a 4-mile lake paddle, 12-mile Mountain Bike leg, and a 5-mile trail run. Points will be tallied for the Adventure Series and an awards ceremony will be held shortly after the race. All proceeds go to expanding and maintaining the 80+ miles of trail in the park.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/
Baltimore Running Festival
October 20, 2018 | Batltimore, MD
Come out and see why runners are calling the Baltimore Running Festival one of the best races of the east coast. With five distances to choose from, an Under Armour race premium, and finishing at the Inner Harbor, what’s not to love?!
November 2018
Richmond Marathon
November 10, 2018 | Richmond, VA
Haven’t #RunRichmond yet? What are you waiting for?! Each of our scenic courses showcases some of our RVA’s favorite attributes. With thousands of volunteers and spectators encouraging you, and more race perks than you can count, you’ll see why we’ve earned our rep as “America’s Friendliest Marathon”!
