By Paul T. Choate
April 2, 2013. This year’s eighth annual Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival is slam-packed with events that cover just about everybody’s interests. For the athletically inclined, Chetola Resort has added a brand new event this year that is sure to please.
The Corkscrew 5K, in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival and Zap Fitness, takes place on Saturday, April 13, and combines road racing and wine (or walking and wine, for those who aren’t big on running).
“We just wanted to add something new and fun to the festival and on Chetola grounds,” said Allison West, Chetola marketing and events director. “Plus, the event is early enough during the day that this allows people to not miss any of the other events throughout the day.”
The 5K starts at Chetola Resort, located at 500 Main St., Blowing Rock. Participants will be taken along an accurately measured, winding and scenic run through Chetola Resort and Tanger properties and will conclude the 5K back at Chetola.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk/run begins at 8:30 a.m. Early registration is available online or by mailing in a registration form. The “wine-free” ticket prices are $25 in advance or $35 on race day. The “wine-lovers” ticket prices are $30 in advance or $40 on race day and include four wine stations along the walk/run. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.
West said that at least 60 people have already pre-registered for the event as of April 2.
“We’re thrilled. For a first year event that is fantastic,” West said, adding that she hopes to end up with around 150 people participating in the event.
For those who choose to run, awards will be given to top overall male and female, top master male and female, plus top three in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.
Prizes include wine, wine-related items, stays at Chetola Resort, massages from the Spa at Chetola Resort, tickets to Blowing Rock Chamber events, plus prizes donated from The Best Cellar, Tweetsie, Knight’s on Main, Kilwins, Sunset Tee’s and Hattery and more.
For those who don’t want to take part in the 5K, be a spectator and cheer on the participants while enjoying the to-go breakfast bar and the Bloody Mary/Mimosa bar set up on Timberlake’s patio from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
No roller blades, baby strollers or dogs will be allowed at the 5K.
To pre-register online or download and print the registration form, visit chetola.com/corkscrew5k.html.
For more information, call 828-295-5535 or email awest@chetola.com.
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