JANUARY 2020
Merrell Hike Series
- January 25
- Elk Knob State Park, N.C.
Join Merrell and Mast General Store on a winter hike in Elk Knob State Park. You will have the opportunity to try out new hiking styles from Merrell on the Summit Trail, which is 3.8 miles round trip. Visit the Facebook event for details!
FEBRUARY 2020
Merrell Hike Series
- February 8
- DuPont State Forest, N.C.
Join Merrell and DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors on a winter hike in DuPont State Forest. You will have the opportunity to try out new hiking styles from Merrell while exploring 3 waterfalls on a three-mile round-trip hike. Visit the Facebook event for details!
PACA’S Polar bear plunge
- February 15
- Luray, Va.
All participants receive a blanket, t-shirt and hot chocolate! Plunge for a chance to win awesome prizes and support a great cause! Costume contest. Food vendors will be onsite! Teams are encouraged! Register online!
Merrell Hike Series
- February 22
- Deep Creek Trail, N.C.
Join Merrell and Bryson City Outdoors on a winter hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. You will have the opportunity to try out new hiking styles from Merrell on the Deep Creek Trail, which is a 4.6-mile loop. Visit the Facebook event for details!
facebook.com/brysoncityoutdoors
Spirits of Southern Maryland
- February 22
- Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, Md.
This rare opportunity to taste & purchase Craft Spirits from across Southern Maryland will take place amidst a grand collection of historic naval aircraft. The event features full access to the museum, live music, and light fare.
marylandspirits.org/spirits-of-southern-maryland
MARCH 2020
Marathon of the Treasure Coast
- March 1
- Martin County, Fla.
The Marathon of the Treasure Coast is a high-profile signature event in Martin County, Fla., winding through the beautiful ocean communities of Stuart, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, and Sewall’s Point. The race is more than just a Boston-Qualifying marathon and certified half; it is a fun-filled weekend of races for kids and adults.
Running of the leprechauns
- March 14
- Nags Head Woods Preserve, Nags Head, N.C.
Come join Outer Banks Sporting Events for the Running of the Leprechauns (5K & 10K) on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Each finisher receives a Finishers Medal and an event shirt. The 10K race winds through the beautiful Nags Head Woods Preserve which is owned, maintained, and protected by The Nature Conservancy of North Carolina.
Yuengling shamrock marathon weekend
- March 20–22
- Virginia Beach, Va.
The 48th annual Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend hosts a race distance for everyone: Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and youth events. Cross the boardwalk finish line and enjoy a St. Paddy’s Day party on the beach with Yuengling beer, Irish stew, music, and more.
Asheville marathon
- March 22
- Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C.
This 26.2-mile racing event unlike any other takes place in Asheville, N.C. at America’s largest backyard on the Biltmore Estate. Asheville Marathoners
will wind through hardwood forest, meadows, crackling gardens, and breath-taking views of the Biltmore Estate.
Maryland Day
- March 25
- St. Clement’s Island Museum, Md.
Celebrate the founding of Maryland at the state’s birthplace at St. Clement’s Island Museum with FREE admission to the museum ALL day, free water taxi rides, activities, a ceremony featuring guest speakers and programs, and more.
visitstmarysmd.com/features/maryland-day
The New South Trail Marathon
- March 28
- U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C.
Take on 26.2 miles of singletrack with views of rivers, creeks, and hardwood forests during The New South Trail Marathon at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The New South Trail Half Marathon is available for those looking for a shorter option.
usnwc.org/play/whitewater-race-series/upcoming/the-new-south-trail-marathon
APRIL 2020
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
- April 18
- Roanoke, Va.
“America’s Toughest Road Marathon” has more elevation change than any road race in the U.S., offering breathtaking overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway and a festival-like finish. Join this three-day running celebration with a welcome party, live music all weekend, and a coffee & donuts recovery “Slow-K”.
Tuck Fest
- April 24–26, 2020
- U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C.
Tuck Fest is a multi-day festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, yoga, clinics, demos, and live music. Competitions include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, obstacle, and adventure racing. Race registration is a one-time, flat fee to access all competitions throughout the festival.
Delaware Running Festival
- April 26
- Wilmington, Del.
The Delaware Marathon Running Festival is an excellent assembly of races for all ages and skillsets. Runners enjoy the best of Wilmington, from the majestic views along the riverfront and through downtown (which could be considered the financial center of the United States). The marathon is challenging, yet BQ-enabling and now includes the Jack Markell Trail. The half covers the first 13 miles of the full marathon. The 5K and kids fun run on the same day amplifies the race day buzz. All include access to brilliant post-race festivities in a beautiful park setting.
MAY 2020
Alleghany Highlands Outdoor Event Series
- May through August 2020
- Alleghany Highlands, Va.
This summer, it’s GAME ON. The series is 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
French broad river festival
- May 1–3
- Hot Springs, N.C.
The 23rd annual French Broad River Festival has grown from a whitewater raft race with a few bands for charity afterwards to a full weekend of music, outdoor adventure, kid’s village, river cleanup, and much more to celebrate this beautiful, historic river in Hot Springs, N.C.
Frederick Running Festival
- May 2–3
- Frederick, Md.
Tucked away in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the Frederick Running Festival is one of the hidden gems of the running community. Part of the running landscape for nearly 20 years, the festival features four races, which all finish at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Runners can experience a big-time race with small town charm with the added value of off-site packet pick-up in the suburbs of Maryland. Not to mention a top of the line premium, free race photos, free parking, and more!
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance
- May 7–10 & October 8–11
- Pittsboro, N.C.
4 Days of music, dance, sustainability, and yoga workshops at a music lovers’ paradise conveniently located 2 hours from Charlotte and less than an hour Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro! Entering it’s 18th year, this family-friendly event is known for offering a wide variety of musical genres and developing local, regional, and national talent on it’s 4 stages. Camping options include primitive tents, vehicle camping, and RVs. Kids 12 and under are free and 13-15-year-olds enjoy a special youth rate.
St. Michaels Running Festival
- May 16
- St. Michaels, Md.
The 9th Annual St. Michaels Running Festival includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run! Set a new PR on the flattest and fastest courses in the mid-Atlantic. Celebrate at our rocking after-party with live music, DJ, local vendors, and a beer garden. All happening in charming, historic, and waterfront St. Michaels Md.
Virginia State Mountain Bike Championship Race – the Bootleggers Blitz
- May 24
- I.C. Dehart Memorial Park, Woolwine, Va.
USA Cycling, Southern Classic Mountain Bike Series, and Virginia Off-Road Series all come together for the State Championship for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Scorching fast descents, rock gardens, creek crossings, and beautiful single-track trails of the I.C. DeHart Memorial Park will provide each and every competitor a rewarding challenge.
JUNE 2020
Baltimore 10-Miler
- June 6
- Baltimore, Md.
With its early June race date, The Baltimore 10-Miler is a perfect bridge from late Spring to Summer. A challenging yet fair course, the 10-Miler takes participants through parts of Baltimore that are often not appreciated when driving through them. The premiums for this race never disappoint and the post-race party– with live Jimmy Buffet music in 2020– is a great reward for completing the race. Not to mention the cold towels, fresh watermelon, and icy craft beer that are icing on the cake.
Lockn’ Festival
- June 19–21
- Infinity Downs Farm, Arrington, Va.
LOCKN’ Festival 2020 returns to Infinity Downs Farm in Arrington, Va. for an all-star celebration of Phil Lesh’s 80th birthday June 18-21, 2020. A “Steal Your Thursday” add-on is new this year, allowing attendees to kick off their festival with Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.
SEPTEMBER 2020
New River Trail Challenge
- September 19
- New River Trail State Park, Max Meadows, Va.
The anchor race of the Virginia State Parks Adventure series, www.dcr.virginia.gov/AdvSeries, the Challenge is one of the 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.”
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/nrt-challenge
OCTOBER 2020
BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL
- October 17
- Baltimore, Md.
Charm City’s 20th Annual Running Festival offers races that never disappoint! From the furry cheerleaders at Maryland’s Zoo to the beautiful finish at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, runners are sure to have quite the unique and memorable experience. They’ll tour every corner of the city while tackling some challenging (yet respectable!) hills that only make the post-race festivities all the more amazing and certainly well-earned!
NOVEMBER 2020
VCU Health Richmond Marathon, Richmond half marathon, & Allianz Partners 8k
- November 14
- Richmond, Va.
Haven’t #RunRichmond yet? What are you waiting for?! Each of the scenic courses showcase some of RVA’s favorite attributes. With thousands of volunteers and spectators encouraging you, and more race perks than you can count, you’ll see why it’s earned the rep as “America’s Friendliest Marathon”!
