Fall Race Preview

As we enter the inevitable “back-to-school” mode in and around Fauquier County, we start to see a shift in seasons and schedules. This can potentially feel overwhelming, but rest assured there is lots to look forward to during this August to autumn transition.

We still have long sunny days, abundant daylight and the promise of cooler weather on the horizon. All of these things combine to create pristine running and walking conditions. As schools head back into session, calendars tend to fill up quickly. But, in a way, this structure brings with it the opportunity to get health, wellness and fitness routines up and running. The change of seasons and the start of the new school year naturally lends itself to a goal-setting and achieving mindset, making this an excellent chance to look ahead to a robust fall running calendar that includes local runs and nearby races.

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Old Bust Head Benefit 5K Walk and Run

Oct. 28, 11 a.m., Old Bust Head Brewing Company in Vint Hill

Celebrating its 10th year this fall, the Old Bust Head Benefit 5K is fun for the whole family and supports a great cause.

“We are so proud of Finley and Finley’s Green Leap Forward Fund for reaching a tremendous milestone this year — $500,000 granted to environmental organizations since she started the fund in 2014,” says Julie Broaddus, Owner of Old Bust Head Brewing Company. “The funds have gone directly to planting trees, restoring mangroves, and protecting forests to keep carbon out of the atmosphere and make the planet a healthier place for all who inhabit it!”

This event for a great cause is a breath of fresh air and runners, walkers, dogs, costumes and more are welcome on this scenic course through Virginia’s rolling countryside. This event is the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend and a festive upcoming fall season!

The entry fee Includes a T-shirt and one Old Bust Head beer (ID required and must be 21 or over) or root beer.

For more information and to register, go online to bit.ly/OldBustHead5K.

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Remington Harvesting Hope 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

Nov. 4, 10 a.m., Margaret M. Pierce Elementary School in Remington

The Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation is reviving a county favorite this fall with the Remington Harvesting Hope 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Paused for a few years, this event is back on the calendar with a new date earlier in November making it the perfect option between those Halloween races and the Thanksgiving turkey trots.

The 5K is a timed and competitive race and all participants will receive a T-shirt and medal with fall themed prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each age category. The event also offers a 1-mile fun run, which includes a T-shirt.

The Remington Harvesting Hope 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run benefits the FCPR Scholarship Fund and 100% of the registration fees will go towards providing program scholarship assistance to those in need.

“The FCPR scholarship fund is a powerful example of how the department strengthens our community by providing access to recreation opportunities to all, specifically those residents who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate due to the cost of a program,” says Janet Pulliam, Superintendent for the Fauquier County Department of Parks and Recreation. “Last fiscal year $14,000 in financial assistance was awarded to those in need. Recipients learned to swim, attended camp and learned new skills, thereby enriching our community, and making it safer.”

For more information on this great race that is back on the calendar after a brief break and to register, go to bit.ly/HarvestingHopeRun.

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Gobble Gobble Run or Wobble 5K and Kids Dash

Nov. 18, 8 a.m., Main Street in Warrenton

The 9th annual Gobble Gobble Run or Wobble 5K and Kids Dash is a festive fall classic in Fauquier County. Hundreds of runners and walkers gather on historic Main Street in charming Old Town Warrenton each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Register by November 6 to ensure you receive the highly sought after race T-shirt. This popular race tee has developed a following over the years and many participants try to collect all the shirt colors.

The Gobble Gobble Run or Wobble 5K and Kids Dash benefits Learning Starts Early, where a volunteer-driven board continues to work to prepare every preschool child in Fauquier County for success in kindergarten and beyond.

“Come join us for a super fun race supporting a great cause in early childhood education,” says Kathleen Nevill, one of the event’s race directors.

For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/GobbleGobbleRun.

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Ready, set, register and run this upcoming fall with fun-for-the-whole-family races that benefit great causes right here in our communities.

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As a columnist for FauquierNow, this was originally written by me for Fit in Fauquier, our fitness and well-being column.