DOBSON — At first glance the Running the Vines event has no direct relationship to Special Olympics, but that program will be a key beneficiary of the annual 5K and 10K races at Shelton Vineyard later this month.
Organizers are eyeing a hoped-for turnout of 400 runners to maximum the proceeds for that other aforementioned athletic pursuit: local Special Olympics sports activities benefiting youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.
In addition to Special Olympics, operated through Surry County Parks and Recreation, Running the Vines proceeds benefit the Reeves Community Center Foundation that is involved with Mount Airy Parks and Recreation.
The foundation’s mission includes providing scholarships for recreational activities in Mount Airy to persons who wouldn’t be able to participate otherwise.
In recent years, the Running the Vines proceeds have totaled around $10,000.
Event rundown
This year the race day for Running the Vines is May 18. The 10K (6.2-mile) race is scheduled for 8 a.m., with the 5K (3.1-mile) segment starting at 8:15 a.m.
The latter will include a 5K team challenge in which groups seek to have the fastest overall average time, with a commemorative crystal team trophy at stake.
Both the 5K and 10K are to start and finish at Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson.
A kids fun run is slated for 9:30 a.m.
The competition aspect will be enhanced by the race courses that feature beautiful views of the grounds at Shelton Vineyards and neighboring farms, organizers say.
“We have over 200 runners registered to date with a goal of 400 runners,” City Manager Darren Lewis reported Sunday night. Lewis is a veteran runner who has long been involved with local races including Running the Vines.
The registration cost from April 30 to race day is $45 for adults for the 10K and $40 for the 5K. For those younger than 18, the fees are $30 and $25, respectively.
Lewis mentioned that all runners will receive a T-shirt and those 21 and older, two tickets to a post-race sunset concert from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. featuring The Next Level Band of Charlotte. The concert is on rain or shine.
The top three overall male and female finishers of the 5K and 10K races and age divisions will receive medals and prizes including a bottle of Shelton Vineyards wine.
Age divisions for awards categories involving the top-three male and female competitors in each include 13 and younger, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70-plus.
The event at Shelton Vineyards also will include an “afternoon cooldown” from 1 to 4 p.m. featuring hayrides, tours, tastings and more.
Lewis said that in addition a worthwhile community event aiding local charitable causes, Running the Vines is “a major tourism draw for our area.”
Participants tend to come from all over North Carolina and Virginia along with other parts of the Southeast, drawn to one of the more picturesque spots in the region.
Registration can be completed at https://runningthevines.itsyourrace.com .
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