Featured Running Event of the Week - Vine Wine'd 10k Trail Run

When you run a 10k in a vineyard, you also PARK in the Vineyard...

That was the picture from the passenger window of the car upon being directed to my parking space by excellent volunteers.

The name of the event is the Vine Wine'd (as in, people "wind" through the vines) and it takes place at the Fenn Valley Vineyard & Winery near Lake Michigan, in Michigan.  The event consists of a 5k Trail Run, a 10k Trail Run (the 5k twice), and a 1 mile scenic walk.  All of the routes were scenic though.  The routes consisted 100% of trails - no asphalt anywhere.  Terrain consisted of grass, dirt, and crushed gravel (very little of this).  The route was hilly - reminiscent of those postcard pictures of vineyards.  Lots of green - and lots of rolling hills.  The course took runners on a winding journey between the vines, alongside the vines, up (and down) some hills, and through a couple of orchards.  The start (and finish) was along a crushed gravel path, that was no more than 1/10th of a mile - and this worked out well as it allowed runners to fan out.  But even after the gravel turned to grass, it was still plenty wide for quite a while, removing any possible congestion of a race.  The 10k started first, followed by the 5k after 5 minutes, and then the 1-mile walk 5 minutes after that.  Briefly walkers and runners shared the course at identical moments, but not for very long - and it caused no congestion.  The entire route was lined with pumpkins on the left and the right.  Not only did that make the trail very easy to navigate, it added to the ambience of the entire autumn event.  Autumn in the vineyard with pumpkins and ready-for-harvest grapes.  There was even an aroma of grapes in the air.  A very distinct experience in the running world.  Some really memorable portions of the trail were the running between the vines, very unique indeed - and running in the orchards.  Even though it was a late morning run - the orchard trees were so full that these areas were almost like running at dusk or pre-dawn.  Oddly, it was very reminiscent of the forest in Wizard of Oz.  (Fortunately none of the trees were throwing apples).  Some people say the run for the serenity it provides - if ever there was a course ideal for serenity - this would be it.

But this was more than just a race - it was an event.  Post-race, participants were treated to a very sizeable meal with a main course, sides, fruit, bread, and soft drink.  There was both a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option.  Either option was a good portion and good tasting!  There was also a grape-stomp competition, where 4 teams would square off head-to-head - and stomp grapes.  Yes, literally, they would climb into a box of grapes and begin stomping.  The team with the most grape juice produced - won.  There were several heats.  And, there was even a live band (Jimmy Phillips & The Mortals 2 Band) - who enjoyably - would play specific "grape stomping" music during the stomping heats just to liven things up.  The band focused primarily on 1960s folk-rock songs and originals.  Between the grape stomping, the food, and a 60s folk-rock band - it was probably exactly what one would expect from a Vineyard/Winery party.

Oh, did I forget something?  Yep - there was also 1 free glass of wine (or cider) for participants and a very cool collectible wine glass.  Various Fenn Valley wines were available for refills at a very reasonable price.

It was a fun event at a vineyard, which happened to start with a race.