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The top outdoor races, festivals, events and experiences in the Blue Ridge and Beyond.
MARCH
Frozen Foot Adventure Races at Sky Meadows State Park
March 11, 2023
Delaplane, VA
This adventure race is a combination of gravel bicycle ride and trek, navigating sky meadows state park, local wineries, and beyond. You can participate in a 4 or 8-hour race while navigating the beautiful park trail.
rev3endurance.com/sky-meadows-adventure-race
MEDIC SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certification Course
March 18-19, 2023 & more dates Carolina Beach, NC & more locations
March 25-26 Blacksburg, Chapel Hill & Charleston. April 15-16 Baltimore & Charlottesville. April 22-23 Charlotte. April 29-30 Richmond. May 20-21 Philadelphia & Raleigh. June 3-4 DC. June 10-11 Charlottesville & Norfolk. June 24-25 Chattanooga (and more)
For registration and more dates/locations: solowfa.com
Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
March 25, 2023
Green Bay, VA
This race features a 3.4 mile loop and a 10 mile option is available for those who don’t want to run the entire 12 or 24 hours. This year there’s a 36 hour solo and 36 hour relay option.
virginiaadventures.net/dogwood-ultra-marathons/
APRIL
The Appalachian Journey
April 1, 2023
Floyd, VA
Prepare for a tremendous weekend of Appalachian hospitality and culture paired up with some of the best riding riders will do all year. Floyd County has tremendous dirt, primitive, and gravel road resources, perfect for fostering a unique cycling experience.
James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
April 15, 2023
Gladstone, VA
This race is built to encourage new trail runners to attempt something difficult as well as offering experienced runners a challenging course. The course is a 10 mile loop that features a variety of trails.
ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=92415
Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Go Outside and Play Day
April 21, 2023
Celebrate all things outdoors for BRO’s first ever Go Outside and Play Day. Plan a day outside, and stay tuned for giveaways and other activities in the week leading up to our new holiday.
blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/go-outside-and-play-day/
Floyd County Kite Festival and Earth Day Celebration
April 22, 2023
Floyd, VA
Celebrate Earth Day with this family-fun event for all ages. We’ll celebrate the holiday by having kites take to the air along with various activities, music, demonstrations, and more. Free kites will be available while supplies last.
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon
April 22, 2023
Roanoke, VA
America’s Toughest Road Races are a celebration of the human spirit. You will find more elevation change here than in any other road race in America. You will also find legendary course support, a music festival at the finish line, and an epic recovery day.
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger
April 22, 2023
Richmond, VA
The Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger is celebrating its 24th year on April 22! Whether you’re in pursuit of a 6.2-mile PR or prefer a casual stroll, we guarantee costumed runners, live bands, porch parties, tree-lined streets, historic homes, stunning architecture, and more!
Pioneer Day & the Rock n Roller-Old Fort Edition Bike Ride
April 29, 2023
Old Fort, NC
Pack your weekend with family fun! Pioneer Day, mgmnc.org & the Rock n Roller-Old Fort Edition Bike Ride, mcdowelltrails.org, both happening April 29 in Old Fort.
Spring Bloom Race Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park
April 29, 2023
Spotsylvania, VA
If you love being outdoors: paddling, hiking and/or biking trails, getting off the sidewalks, then this is the event for you. There is a 4 hour race or a 10-hour race option.
broadrunoffroad.org/spring-bloom-adventure-race.
MAY
Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon
May 6, 2023
Huddleston, VA
Staged out of Smith Mountain Lake State Park this triathlon has clear water, mountain views and fun courses. The swim features a sandy beach start and a crisp, clear lake. Biking and running courses are rolling, but not too challenging.
kineticmultisports.com/races/smithmountainlakesprint/
Middle Mountain Momma Bike Race at Douthat State Park
May 7, 2023
Milboro, VA
Douthat offers a challenging Civilian Conservation Corps built single-track unlike anything you’ve ever ridden. There are classes for the whole family including 41, 21, 11, and 5.5 mile races for all ages and skill levels.
Gravista
May 13th, 2023
Glen Maury Park,
Buena Vista, VA
Gravista is a gravel bike race all about the views, the gravel, and having a good time! We have a weekend full of fun festivities. Race day is Saturday, May 13th.
Dominion Energy Riverrock
May 19-21, 2023
Richmond, VA
From music to trail runs, bikes to beer, SUPs to pups, and climbing to kayaks, Dominion Energy Riverrock draws thousands of visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to the downtown riverfront in Richmond, Virginia every May. Don’t miss the Nation’s Premier Sports and Music Festival!
Dawson Pediatric Peach Kids Triathlon – Championship
May 21, 2023, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Wills Park in Alpharetta, GA
Sign up to compete in the Dawson Pediatrics Peach Kids Triathlon. This high-quality youth triathlon experience is focused on fitness, fun, and safety. In keeping with this mission, all finishers will receive commemorative medals.
awesomealpharetta.com/event/peach-kids-triathlon/
Rooster Walk 13 Music & Arts Festival
May 25-28, 2023
Martinsville, VA
The annual Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival is held each Memorial Day weekend in the beautiful rolling foothills of Virginia with 50+ bands across 6 stages, plus top-notch food, family fun, craft beer, and numerous outdoor adventures. On-site camping is included with all tickets.
BambooCycles DIY Workshop
May 26-28, 2023
Roanoke Boutique Hotel, Roanoke, VA
This 3-day workshop includes all materials and hands-on instruction to build-your-own bamboo bike frame. Featured on Shark Tank and by Popular Mechanics, the BambooCycles workshop is a unique experience giving bike enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
bamboocycles.com or roanokeboutiquehotel.com
JUNE AND BEYOND
NC Trail Days
June 2-4, 2023
Base Camp Downtown Elkin, NC
A multi-day festival celebrating all things trail! Hike, Bike, Run, Paddle or just explore – guided or self-guided hikes, paddling events, MTB and road cycling, an evening music trail with tons of live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and so much more. There is something for everyone!
2023 Bike Virginia Tour
June 23-28, 2023
Staunton, VA & Harrisonburg, VA
Bike Virginia is back! Now 100% GPS-based, this scenic bike tour will take you through beautiful pastoral landscapes that offer views only found in the Shenandoah region. The route choice will remain the same with 3-4 routes of varying distances offered each day.
Red Wing Roots Music Festival
June 23-25, 2023
Natural Chimneys Park in
Mt. Solon, VA
The Steel Wheels present great music in the great outdoors at the 10th annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, 50+ bands will perform across five stages, June 23-25, 2023, at Natural Chimneys Park in Mt Solon, VA.
Springmaid Splash
August 5, 2023
Springmaid Mountain, Spruce Pine, NC
Run, camp and jam at Springmaid Mountain! The 5K and 10K trail races will amble through Springmaid Mountain’s 400-acre property with splashes through the North Toe River. After the race, stick around for bluegrass mountain music and optional overnight stays at the campground or cabins.
Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon
November 11, 2023
Whether you take part in the marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, or 8k, Richmond provides phenomenal course support, great fall scenery, and awesome finisher swag. The marathon is a top 25 Boston Qualifier, and the course is mostly flat with some rolling hills—perfect for first-timers.
