Local Scoops

1. The Women’s Four Miler is now the largest all-women’s single day gathering of any kind in the state! Since 2000 the race has more than tripled in size and during that time this not-for profit event has donated close to $500,000 to the Breast Care Center at UVa! The race entries are always available around June 15th and the race fills up (reaches its limit) by the first week of July. Stop by in mid-June for a entry blank or go to www.womens4miler.com
2. The Rivanna Trails Foundation (RTF) has almost completed its dream and quest to completely encircle the City of Charlottesville with 20 continuous miles of soft surface paths. The group hosts monthly work parties to create new trails or maintain current paths and all those interested in supporting this valuable resource are encouraged to join us. Go to our side bar under Rivanna Trails Foundation for more information. We have free detailed map of the current trails available at the shop.
3. Many landowners, especially those with livestock, have requested that runners have their dogs on a leash when exercising on roads like Ridge or Dick Woods. Their have been incidents of dogs darting out in front of cars or chasing horses and cattle on these country roads. Thanks!
4. The University of Virginia Track at Lannigan Field (next to Klockner Stadium) is the only athletic facility at the University still open to the public. The only time it is closed is when the varsity athletes are using the facility (usually 3:30-6:30pm). All of us who use this wonderful track on a regular basis are most grateful for this special accessibility. Let’s all continue to treat the facility with respect (no dogs are allowed, toss litter in the trash cans, stay in the outside lanes unless running a “speed workout”, so as to not wear out the inside lanes, which will then collect water on competition day).
5. Folks like to complain about how steep, plentiful and challenging our area uphills are but, in reality, it is the DOWN hills that can injure you. Knees, shins and the back are the three most common areas negatively affected by running down a hill too quickly or aggressively. Take it easy and take it down gear or two on the down hills and save the fast stuff for race day!
6. Dr. Robert Wilder, our area running Doc and team Doc for the UVa x-country and track squads, has a sub 2:40 marathon p.r to his credit. He served as the team doctor for The Dallas Burn professional soccer team, while living in Texas.
7. Forty five year old Andrea Wright became the oldest champion in race history when she won the Charlottesville Ten Miler in 2007!
8. The serial rapist, who has plagued the Charlottesville community for the past several years is still at large, so we continue to strongly encourage folks to run in pairs during the evening or early morning hours and to refrain from wearing headphones if running alone. Be aware of your surroundings!