Of all the things that I am fueled by before, during, and after a race (oatmeal, nervousness, water, energy gel, the risk of embarrassing myself), the best thing I can think of may just be fine wine.
The 2022 Fueled by Fine Wine Half, Quarter, and newly added 5k is a 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 a star-studded lineup of DHWA wineries taking part in a post-race party to remember.
Note that course is subject to slight changes before race day based on permissions and the number of private vineyards involved
But first onto the race. There are only 1000 spots for this year’s event and it’s filling fast. This means you should SIGN UP NOW. There’s also a virtual option if you still aren’t ready to tackle the route through the private vineyards just yet. From the website:
“Rooted in the Dundee Hills, the FBFW actually traverses the wineries and hills that make up the heart of our tasting tent. You will be CHALLENGED by the hills and tough terrain but REWARDED by the wine! The course features a mix of dirt, grass, gravel roads, and hilly country roads as you weave your way across some of the most acclaimed vineyards in the Northwest. If you like flat road courses, this race is not for you. If you love challenging yourself, amazing wine, and creating a memory that will last forever with your friends, this is for you!”
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Be prepared to love the course and the views but beware that it isn’t all a “grape-walk”. 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. These are some of Oregon’s best offerings, and all in the company of winemakers and fellow wine connoisseurs. For additional safety in our post-covid world, there will be individual winery tents for all the wineries this year rather than the single communal tent.
Additional tickets will be available online for your guests at the cost of $40 (valued at over 3 times that amount) and they’ll get a commemorative glass just like you! In addition to the party, runners will receive swag bags that include the etched pinot noir glass just mentioned, tech shirts, and a big, shiny medal. Head over to their Facebook page and peruse through the photos to get an even better idea of the awesomeness that awaits.
Details:
- What: 2022 Fueled By Fine Wine Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, & 5k
- When: Sunday, July 17th, 2022 with waves starting at 7am
- Where: Dundee Billick Park, 320 SW 5th St, Dundee, OR 97115
- Cost:
- $64 for the 5k,
- $84 for the Quarter Marathon, and
- $94 for the Half Marathon.
- Price increase June 2nd
- Register: Here
- Packet Pick-Up:
- July 10th at Foot Traffic Cedar Mill from 11am-5pm,
- July 15th at Foot Traffic NE from 10am-6pm, and
- July 16th at the Dundee Area Winery TBAam-4pm
