Join us for the 2021 Spook Hill Cider & Wine Run!
Saturday, October 16, historic Burkittsville, Maryland
The Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4 Mile Run's rolling, loop course stays primarily within the confines of the historic town of Burkittsville, MD. You will run up the gentle incline of legendary Spook Hill before turning off of the asphalt for a loop through the Boordy Winery Vineyard on the west end of town. While running through the vineyard, you'll be treated to splendid views of South Mountain, painted with its first hint fall color. Running through the Historic Union Cemetery in the center of town, participants are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding farmland. A loop through the Distillery Lane Ciderworks orchard on the east end of town brings you to the home stretch.
This is a fall race not to be missed as the scenery is second to none!
With in-person events still not a given, even for the fall, and with permitted events being subject to revocation of permits by municipal authorities if coronavirus pandemic metrics warrant, we will be offering registration for virtual and in-person runs. You will be able to change your registration between these options (space permitting) at no cost or initiate a partial refund via your RunSignup profile up until 9/16/2021. After 10/1, if we are forced to cancel the in-person event, all registrants will be transitioned to the virtual event. ***5/24/2021 COVID UPDATE: With a return to in-person running events, be assured that we will, at a minimum, be following current local, state, and CDC guidance dicta regarding coronavirus mitigation procedures.
Post-run, hit the Spook Hill Wine Tasting Trail: Our generous participating wineries are all in for 2021. Your race bib (virtual and in-person) will have ticket stubs that can be redeemed at each participating winery. Coupon specials are good from race day through November and are subject to change. Must be 21 or older to redeem (except at the Little Red Barn).
DLC - Located across the street from our race hq: $5 off of your $30+ purchase
Antietam Creek Vineyards - Two tastings (or flights) for the price of one.
Orchid Cellar - Two flights for the price of one.
Willow Oaks - Buy one, get one on a flight of four OR on individual glasses of wine/cider.
Boordy Vineyards - Covid restrictions permitting, Boordy will be in Burkittsville again this year. Their participation will be confirmed closer to race day.
Little Red Barn Ice Cream Cafe - Free "kids sized" cone or cup for showing your bib on race day.
Want to make a weekend of it in Maryland's wine country? Run the Makin' Hay 10K on Sunday, October 17th! The start/finish of that run is located a scant 5-miles from Burkittsville and I defy you to find a prettier 10K course in Maryland. Register for both via our bundle package and save.
5/24/2021 COVID UPDATE: If coronavirus mitigation and vaccinations allow us to return to nearly pre-pandemic racing protocols, which seem likely at this point in time, most of the following protocols will be rendered moot, however, we will do what is necessary to provide for a safe environment for our participants, volunteers, and spectators. Full pandemic mitigation protocols will be communicated via email closer to race day. Potential Covid protocols that may be in place (subject to change and with more details communicated to participants closer to race day): 1) Assigned ingress/egress routes and/or arrival & starting windows. 2) Participants must maintain social distancing at all times and will be required to wear a properly worn face covering: a. at all times pre-race upon exiting your vehicle until crossing the starting mat. b. on the course when social-distancing cannot be maintained between themselves and other participants (unless members of the same household), race officials, pedestrians and others encountered while on the course. c. before exiting the finish chute and at all times until you reach your vehicle. 3) Spectators are prohibited and will be barred from the permitted use area. 4) Time Trial style start (pick up your bib, pin it on and go). Participants will be separated by 20 seconds. You'll get your swag after finishing) 5) No water stops. Plan on bringing enough water for pre-race and for your needs during the event). 6) Fewer course marshals (we will have the course well marked) 7) More portable toilets and hand-washing/hand sanitizing stations at race HQ. 8) Post-race snacks/water will be pre-packaged, grab and go. 9) You will be expected to depart in a timely manner after exiting the finish chute. 10) Official results will not be posted or available to review during the event but will be posted online as soon as possible. 11) Age group and overall awards will be available to pick up at a later date. 12) Limited field size for in-person. 13) The traditional course may be shortened (no orchard loop) to approximately 5k to be able to accommodate arriving participant vehicular traffic while runners are on the course should restrictions necessitate.
These procedures will help us to ensure that we meet or exceed official coronavirus mitigation protocols put forth by local, state, and federal entities.
Experience for yourself in-person why we were again ranked one of the top fall runs in the country by
Runners World Magazine.
Register via RunSignUp.com
2021 field limited to 225 (*cap raised to 350 on 5/24/2021) in-person registrants. The field will be broadened if circumstances/restrictions permit.
Registration fee schedule for in-person and virtual events:
April 1-May 31: $30
May 1-Sept 25: $33
September 26-October 15: $35
No Race Day Registration
Race Day Schedule for Traditional Start:
0700 - Participants begin arriving, packet pickup opens
0815 - Packet pickup closes
0830 - Race starts from E. Main St.
0945 - Course closed.
Tentative race day schedule if rolling start is used due to pandemic restrictions:
0745 - Participants begin arriving
0800 - First participant starts
0830 - Final participant/course sweep starts
0945 - Course Closed
Note: No refunds/exchanges/event swaps after 9/25/2021. No dogs or strollers permitted.
For the latest updates, information and sponsor specials,"like" our Facebook page.
SWAG: The first 300 registrants will receive a Spook Hill wine-stopper medal (same design as 2020) and a race tee shirt, the design of which will be debuted in July. For the in-person event only, finishers can plan on getting a wine glass to add to your collection! SWAG will not be mailed to in-person event registrants.
2021 field limited to 225 (*cap raised to 350 on 5/24/2021) in-person registrants. The field will be broadened if circumstances/restrictions permit.
Registration fee schedule for in-person and virtual events:
April 1-May 31: $30
May 1-Sept 25: $33
September 26-October 15: $35
No Race Day Registration
Race Day Schedule for Traditional Start:
0700 - Participants begin arriving, packet pickup opens
0815 - Packet pickup closes
0830 - Race starts from E. Main St.
0945 - Course closed.
Tentative race day schedule if rolling start is used due to pandemic restrictions:
0745 - Participants begin arriving
0800 - First participant starts
0830 - Final participant/course sweep starts
0945 - Course Closed
Note: No refunds/exchanges/event swaps after 9/25/2021. No dogs or strollers permitted.
For the latest updates, information and sponsor specials,"like" our Facebook page.
SWAG: The first 300 registrants will receive a Spook Hill wine-stopper medal (same design as 2020) and a race tee shirt, the design of which will be debuted in July. For the in-person event only, finishers can plan on getting a wine glass to add to your collection! SWAG will not be mailed to in-person event registrants.
National Acclaim: In 2014, the Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4 Mile Run gained national attention with Competitor.com naming us a "Must Do" fall race in the Mid-Atlantic region!
Spook Hill appeared in the October 2015 edition of
Runner's World magazine, in the Races & Places feature.
Also in 2015, Fleet Feet Sports in Baltimore ranked us the
#1 October race to do in Maryland!
Again in 2018, Runners World ranked us 2nd of 15 Great Halloween Runs in the Country!
Spook Hill appeared in the October 2015 edition of
Runner's World magazine, in the Races & Places feature.
Also in 2015, Fleet Feet Sports in Baltimore ranked us the
#1 October race to do in Maryland!
Again in 2018, Runners World ranked us 2nd of 15 Great Halloween Runs in the Country!
Here is an unsolicited email from a 3 year Spook Hill participant:
"This run is without a doubt, the most delightful little race in Maryland. Thank you so, so much for a wonderful event--- Kudos all around. From arrival to the ease of parking (very nice parking attendants to guide you to your spot) a very organized, efficient packet pick-up, and a great DJ to warm you up pre-race. And who wouldn't love a beautiful wine glass for race swag!?
The course is just challenging enough for the elite, and manageable for the middle-of-the-pack and brisk walkers to feel like a morning well-spent! A fall jaunt thru vineyards and orchards is perfect.
My third year running and each year it just gets better and better. Everyone does an outstanding job and makes the whole experience an event not to be missed. From start to finish this run is just darn fun!
Thank you so much again, and look forward to seeing you all again next year,
Cheers!
Terry Zanowicz 10/25/2015"
"This run is without a doubt, the most delightful little race in Maryland. Thank you so, so much for a wonderful event--- Kudos all around. From arrival to the ease of parking (very nice parking attendants to guide you to your spot) a very organized, efficient packet pick-up, and a great DJ to warm you up pre-race. And who wouldn't love a beautiful wine glass for race swag!?
The course is just challenging enough for the elite, and manageable for the middle-of-the-pack and brisk walkers to feel like a morning well-spent! A fall jaunt thru vineyards and orchards is perfect.
My third year running and each year it just gets better and better. Everyone does an outstanding job and makes the whole experience an event not to be missed. From start to finish this run is just darn fun!
Thank you so much again, and look forward to seeing you all again next year,
Cheers!
Terry Zanowicz 10/25/2015"
Thank You to our Partner Landowners!
Distillery Lane Ciderworks
Distillery Lane Ciderworks, located just outside of historic Burkittsville, Maryland, specializes in growing a wide variety of apples perfect for cider, baking, and eating. Our family-owned and operated farm and cidery offers unique apple varieties, sweet cider, and hard cider.
|
Boordy Vineyards
We at Boordy celebrate life, wine and good food. We enjoy the spirit of challenge and adventure. We treasure art and music, and love to dance. We marvel at nature's beauty. We value our community and our traditions. We are proud to farm and produce our wine for you.
|
