6 Most Scenic Races in Culpeper, Virginia

March 11, 2024 Things to Do Share

Find your inner peace, connect with nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by discovering joy in Culpeper, VA – where life moves a bit slower. If a traditional wellness or health retreat is not for you, Culpeper might be the perfect alternative for a restorative escape. Culpeper hosts several annual races, and offers visitors a variety of great running, walking, and biking spots. Meet new people, connect with old friends, and unite with fellow athletes to celebrate the love of running, biking, swimming, and your wellness journey!

Upcoming Events:

15th Annual Wicked Bottom Cross County 5K, 10K, & 1/2 Mile Fun Run – May 4, 2024 – This cross-country run starts from the scenic grounds of Lenn Park. The course circles the northern side of the park then crosses over to Old House Vineyards where you will pass the rows of vines while following the gravel road, then return to Lenn Park where you will follow the gravel trail that winds along the border of the park property in view of Mountain Run Creek. The 5K finishes after one loop, the 10K will do a second loop though Lenn Park before finishing. The course is fairly level with only a few short hills and with luck, you may catch a glimpse of wildlife.

2024 Cal Tri Culpeper – June 9, 2024 – Since 2005 the Culpeper Triathlon has been staged out of Mountain Run Lake Park at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After a swim in Mountain Run Lake athletes roll out of T1 for a challenging bike course with great pavement and amazing views. It’s not a PR bike course, but it is so beautiful and a place you will come back to ride! The run course has great views of Mountain Run Lake, the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a rolling mix of flats and steady hills.

Dead of Summer 6K – July 20, 2024 – Death Ridge Brewery and Verdun Adventure Bound present the 4th annual The Dead of Summer 6K. The XC course begins and ends at Death Ridge Brewery and includes a significant portion of the Verdun Adventure Bound Cross Country Course. If you keep an eye out, you might actually see some Emu and a Zebra (no, really!) as the course cuts through a neighbor’s property.

Culpeper Triathlon – July 27, 2024 – Situated at Mountain Run Lake Park, this event weekend features 14 event options including: 7 Olympic distance events (Triathlon, Triathlon Relay, RunBikeRun, SwimBike, SwimRun, 1640 Yard Swim & 10K Run) and 7 Sprint distance events (Triathlon, Triathlon Relay, RunBikeRun, SwimBike, SwimRun, 400 yard Swim & 5K Run). Triathlon = swim + bike + run. Triathlon Relay is 2 or 3 athletes combined to complete the triathlon. Typically, the swim and run distances are standard but the bike distance varies from race to race. Check out the course maps for more detailed information.

2024 Cedar Mountain Rally 5K & 10K – September 28, 2024 – The Cedar Mountain Battlefield is more than just a historical site of a horrific Civil War battle on August 9, 1862. It is also a 160 acres of nature reserve with a large variety of wildflowers and birds. It is a community park that is always open to the public with well-maintained trails for birding enthusiasts, dog walkers and runners. And lastly, it is very scenic with both wooded and open areas. This is a looped route through a battlefield and forest trails.

More Places to Walk, Run, and Bike