Race Preview: Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon (Dundee Hills in Willamette Valley Wine Country)

Of all the things that I am fueled by before, during, and after a race (oatmeal, nervousness, water, energy gel, the risk of embarrasing myself), the best thing I can think of may just be fine wine. The 5th annual Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon is a 100% local race held in the fertile grape growing town of Dundee. The race partners with local Dundee charities and Oregon sponsors to support the local economy and keep the dollars churning in the right places.The race will feature 25 Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) wineries taking part in a post-race party to remember. But first 

on to the race. There are currently less than 200 spots available until the max of 1200 is reached. Meaning SIGN UP NOW (see the end of this post for a little money saving information). From the website:

Just one of the views from a previous running of the Fueled by Fine Wine Half.
– Photo by Fueled by Fine Wine

Entrants will be treated to a unique departure from a typical running course, a large portion of the event will follow unpaved vineyard trails as they wind through rows of grapes and under branches of Oregon’s prized hazelnut trees.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Be prepared to love the course and the views, but beware that it isn’t all a “grape-walk”. I was actually talking to someone at the Lincoln City Half Marathon earlier this month and we got to talking races. When I mentioned I was running in a few wine-themed events, one of which being the Fueled by Fine Wine, he said how beautiful it was, but that it was TOUGH! No PR’s are to be expected as runners are greeted with the geographical features that wineries are known for – hills.

Now we can get to the after-party.

As you would expect, the after-race party will offer samplings (and bottles for sale as well) from some the best local wineries, Oregon’s best offerings, in the company of winemakers and fellow wine connoisseurs.  Additional tickets will be available online for your guests in a month or so at the cost of $20.In addition to the party, runners will receive swag bags, an etched pinot noir glass, tech shirts and medal. Head over to their Facebook page and peruse through the photos to get an even better idea of the awesomeness that awaits.

Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon (Dundee)
When: July 14, 2014 (Start at 7a)
Where: Dundee Hills AVA
Register: Online here; $85 if you sign up by 4/1; $90 after

Use code WINERUNOREGON when registering to save $10!