Sunday, October 15, 2017 • Hiltons, VA • Course Map
Set for its second annual running this fall between a pair of small towns here in southwestern Virginia, the Crooked River Half Marathon takes runners on a beautifully scenic tour of the highway that Lonely Planet has called one of the nation’s top 10 drives, and out-and-back course with some challenging hills and gorgeous views.
The race begins at the Lodge at Crooked River, a 200-acre estate that overlooks the North Fork of the Holston River, built around a historic 1823-era Ohio Grist Mill. From there, runners make their way between Hiltons and Mendota, which is sometimes called the “hawk capital of the world” thanks to the 16 species of raptors that fly down from the nearby mountains every fall.
From the starting line near the lodge, runners make their way first southwest along the A.P. Carter Highway, named for the founder of the legendary Carter Family, one of country music’s most historic acts. They’ll make their way all the way to the first turnaround point, between miles 1 and 2, just past Barkers Chapel Church.
After they make the turn, they head all the way back along the route they’ve just run into nearby Mendota, where they’ll follow the highway to turns on Civil Drive and Federal Road, before reaching the second turnaround point between miles 8 and 9, running all the while in the shadow of nearby Clinch Mountain.
Once they make the second turn, then it’s all the way back along the same roads to the Lodge at Crooked River again, where they’ll cross the finish line.
The course is USATF-certified (#VA16003MS) and runners will have a time limit of 3 hours, 15 minutes to complete the half marathon.
The race is part of the Skelton Law Racing Series, and part of the State of Franklin Track Club King & Queen Competition and Long Distance Race Series.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled in the corner of southwestern Virginia, just north of Kingsport, Tenn., and roughly 180 miles north of Charlotte, N.C., Hiltons typically sees some of its mildest and driest weather of the year in October, when temperatures average between the mid-40s to the low-70s.
On race day (Oct. 15), the average low is 45ºF and the average high is 70ºF.
Past Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Crooked River Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
3:00 PM
Fees
- $30 for the half marathon, if registered by September 30, 2017
- $50 for late registrations
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of Hiltons’ Crooked River Half Marathon, download this registration form and mail it in to the race organizers.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the Crooked River Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, as well as anything you learned about the race that you think other runners/walkers should know.
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