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Dixie Dirt: Virginia Embraces Its Trail Running Spirit
By Tim SprinkleJanuary/February 2005
For the Washington Running Report
Trail runners, rejoice! After decades on the fringe of the Colorado- and New Mexico-centric running world, central Virginia has finally emerged as a world-class trail running destination in its own right. And it's about time, too. With Shenandoah National Park, the George Washington National Forest, and millions of wooded acres sitting right in our backyard, the Commonwealth is a trail runner's dream just waiting to be explored.
But it hasn't always been like this. Sure, towns like Charlottesville have hosted runners for generations, but trail running has never really been the focus around here. That's starting to change, however, as more and more people discover the benefits of running off pavement, and central Virginia's abundant trail resources become better known.
What goes into a great trail running town? First, it needs an active racing scene with plenty of opportunities for runners to get involved--check. Second, you've got to have scenery and some great places to work out--check. Finally, it needs to have a great local community of runners. I'm not necessarily talking about Olympic-caliber athletes, just regular folks who like to get out and run on trails--double check.
"The thing that's unique about Charlottesville is that it lies within minutes of so many great trails," says Russell Gill, owner of Bad to the Bone Race Productions and race director for the Charlottesville Marathon. "You can be on the Appalachian Trail or on the circuit trails of Shenandoah National Park in about 15 minutes, and from there you've got thousands of miles of trails going in every direction; some of the best trail running areas in the country."
And those trails have plenty to offer novice and experienced runners alike; with challenging climbs, winding singletrack, and technical descents tucked among the woods and waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can spend a day exploring the backcountry, an hour jogging around the edge of town, or a weekend competing in one of the area's many off-road distance races. And, at just over two hours from the Washington area, it's a great day trip for runners who are looking for a new twist in their off-road training routine. "The resources around Charlottesville are really kind of unique," Gill says. "It's probably best compared to Boulder, Colorado in the sheer number of trails and the easy access we have to them."
The local trail running boom really got started about three years ago when Gill, an experienced ultramarathon runner, decided that he just wasn't satisfied with the area's existing off-road options. Charlottesville has always been a great runners' town, but despite the abundant local resources, trail running had never really taken off.
"We were always amazed when we'd talk to our running friends that, even as recently as a few years ago, they didn't know about the great trails around here," he says. "We really saw Charlottesville as being on the cusp of becoming a great trail running community."
So he decided to organize what's become the Great Eastern Trail Run Series, a set of off-road races ranging from 5K to 100 miles. The runs, held in Charlottesville and in surrounding areas, offer a great introduction for first timers and a healthy dose of Virginia singletrack for more experienced racers.
If distance is your thing, the area is also home to several ultramarathon races. Gill has organized the Great Eastern Endurance Run 100K in George Washington National Forest for the last couple of years, and is adding a 50K race called the Bel Monte (Italian for "beautiful mountain") at Sherando Lake in 2005. The Mountain Masochist 50-Miler is a Virginia classic that this year will host the Montrail Ultra Cup championship race. Want more mileage? Check out the 100-mile Massanutten Mountain Trails and Old Dominion Endurance Runs, two well-loved races that take runners up, over, and through the heart of the Blue Ridge. Newer races like the Hellgate 100K in Lynchburg and Catherine's Big Butt 50K round out the offerings.
"Trail running used to be less popular around here than road running, but I think that's starting to change," Gill says. "People are starting to explore the area more, and the trail races have been growing every year. We're also seeing more people trying it out as a way to extend their running careers, since it's less pounding on the knees, and I think overall it's great news for the running community."
For more information about the Great Eastern Trail Run Series and the 100K Endurance Run, visit badtothe bone.biz.