Running in Charlottesville
If Virginia is for lovers, Charlottesville is for runners.
Cville has been a running town for as long as most of its residents can remember. Whether you’re strolling on the Downtown Mall, driving through mid-town, or grabbing a bite on The Corner – it seems everywhere you look a runner will be out for a casual jog, and training session, or you might even catch a road closure early on a Saturday morning for a 5K (typically paired with a worthy fundraiser). There are brewery run clubs, running gyms, and middle school, high school, and collegiate track teams.
If you’re a runner who has come to Cville to race or to play, and you’re looking for a welcoming route or running group to jump into – read on for all of our recommended resources.
There is one thing that’s for sure: the runners and their running groups here are friendly and inviting.
Running Groups & Clubs
Prolyfyck is a running group that has become synonymous with inclusion, support, and pure running joy. It is a community-based group of runners. Prolyfyck’s mindset centers around community and abundance, rather than competition. James Dowell, co-founder of this newsworthy and community-oriented club says, “We run together, not against each other. Success isn’t measured by beating a competitor, by finishing first, but by bringing everyone home, by ensuring that everyone finishes the run or the race. We choose to run together, encouraging participants to only compete against themselves, not as measured against their neighbor, but against their previous endeavors. We want everyone to have the opportunity to be prolific.”
For a brewery run club, Random Row has one of the best groups in town, with one of the largest turnouts if you’re looking to meet new people. Dana Thiele, co-founder of the brewery and run club organizer says, “Random Row Run Club (RRRC) has an incredible weekly turnout every Monday, with close to 100 runners and walkers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to exercise and socialize. I know many regulars would say this is the highlight of their week! Runners look forward to a weekly post-run raffle, and occasional games and friendly competitions – like feats of strength, balloon tosses, and RRRC Olympics. Members also volunteer time to help out the community with a trash clean up day a few times per year, and also participate in food and clothing drives for those in need. RRRC, going strong for over 8 years now, provides an awesome opportunity to meet new people and feel more connected to the Charlottesville community!”
Also make sure to check out Decipher Brewing’s run club, which meets on Tuesday evenings in the Woolen Mills neighborhood.
Running Gyms
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Formula Complete Fitness is the place to go to get a run in, especially when the weather conditions are bad or if you need a pro to give you some gait and stride tips. Ann Dunn and her team help make newcomers and members feel welcome. Located behind Shenandoah Joe’s off of Preston, Formula offers a wide array of classes tailored to the needs of runners, whether it’s for training, improving gait, or cooling down during a taper.
Running Routes
In town: Monticello Trail, Rivanna Trail
Out of town: Ridge Road, Decca, Clark
Races
Beginning in the early spring, race season in Cville starts to pick up. The Charlottesville Ten Miler (one of the oldest footraces in Virginia) is celebrating its 50th year. The unofficial start to race season in the area, it attracts thousands of runners. Make sure to get to town early ahead of race day to get some training in, stop by the beloved Ragged Mountain Running Shop for gear, and enjoy a post-race cool down run at a local brewery run club.
Annual races include:
March: Charlottesville 10-Miler, RAM at UVA 5K
April: Charlottesville Marathon and Half Marathon, Girls on the Run 5K, Nord at UVA Race for Rare 5K, UVA School of Medicine 5K, Rose 5K
May: Hospice of the Piedmont 5K, Charlottesville High School’s Band on the Run 5K
June: Cunningham Creek 5K, Rocky Ridge 5K and 10K, Oh!lly Trail 5K
July: Boar’s Head Turn and Burn,
August: Women’s Four Miler, Cal Tri Charlottesville, Random Row Brewing 5K and 10K, Late Summer Meltdown 4M
September: Knight’s Gambit 5K and 1.5 Mile, Bill Steers 5K, Splash for a Cure
October: Charlottesville Fall Classic Half Marathon
November: Boar’s Head Turkey Trot, Charlottesville Turkey Trot
February: Liberation and Freedom Days Reparations Run
Visit here for up-to-date information.
Race Gear
Undoubtedly the most cherished (and important) part to a successful running practice comes down to the gear you use. Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop is the unequivocal business to check out if you’re looking for great shoes. The team at Ragged Mountain is a family (in every way) and has been serving Charlottesville for decades. Located on The Corner, it is owned and operated by the Lorenzoni family, who also works to sponsor and organize a number of races in the area each year, including the Women’s Four Miler. Son of founder Mark Lorenzoni, Alec, says, “For 43 years, one of the central tenets of Ragged Mountain’s philosophy is to be as engaged as possible with our community. Whether that’s supporting races, training programs, kid’s events, or other philanthropic endeavors, paying it forward and investing in the countless non-profit organizations locally is what we’ve built our foundation on.” Ragged Mountain also sponsors the fall and spring Girls on the Run 5Ks, which offer inspirational programming to elementary and middle school girls.
Plan your next race in Cville! Click here for an excellent resource: The Charlottesville Track Club (CTC) and learn all about running in Cville.
Looking for lodging during race weekend? Make your reservation here.
