Bad to the Bone Sports Launches Monte Vino Races, a Limited-Entry Race Series, in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

June 18, 2020

Vesuvius, VA–June 18, 2020. The Monte Vino Races, presented by Bad to the Bone Sports, are intimate events with limited entries.  In this new environment, the Monte Vino Races strive to bring together the running community in a safer, small crowd setting. With the Monte Vino Races, Bad to the Bone Sports’ mission is to provide its runners with a safer outlet to practice the sport they love and support its staff and volunteers with a safer work environment.

The Monte Vino Races will take place in some of the most beautiful mountain vineyard landscapes.  The first event is scheduled for October 17 and October 18 and 12 Ridges Vineyard, one of the most stunning locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saturday will include a Marathon, limited to 50 entrants (starting at 8:00am) and a Half Marathon, limited to 50 entrants (starting at 9:00am).  Sunday will include a 50K (starting at 8:00am) and Half Marathon (starting at 9:00am), both limited to 50 entrants each.

“Like all race production companies, we have struggled with when and how to bring back our events while keeping everyone safe,” says James Russell Gill III, Bad to the Bone Sports owner and CEO.  “We have several large events scheduled for the fall which are still in limbo and dependent on state and local reopening regulations.  By limiting the field of the Monte Vino Races, we are in accordance with Phase 2 and have a safe outlet to bring our runners together and, at the same time, support our staff and volunteers.”

On July 1, when registration opens, runners will be able to “reserve” their spot on a first-come first-serve basis: registration will only be open to 100 runners plus 25 alternates for each day (50 in each race).  Credit cards will not be charged until approximately August 1st or when the race organizers have absolute confirmation that the event will happen, depending on state and local government regulations and COVID-19 restrictions.

The course for all events is a stunning mountain course through the 12 Ridges Vineyard property and on gravel mountain roads surrounding 12 Ridges in Nelson County.  The challenging and mountainous out-and-back course is 3 miles on a wide grass path and the remaining on gravel roads, with a mixture of gradual and steep ascents and descents.  The start-finish at 12 Ridges Vineyard has 360-degrees views of the Blue Ridge Mountains: they will be open for tastings and food following the event with social distance protocols.

Because of the very limited size, Monte Vino Races have small budgets and cannot provide all the amenities of larger events. In addition, there will be a strict safety protocol to keep runners and staff safe from any contact.  Changes will include: masks required in the pre-race area, no expo and socially distanced bib and shirt handouts with assigned time slots, pre-race briefing via social media and virtual award ceremony on Facebook Live, medals will be customized virtual medals emailed to finishers, limited and pre-packaged nutrition on course and at the finish, no crews or spectators on the course and runners will be required to carry a handheld bottle as there will be no cups at the water stops.

The Monte Vino Races are produced by Bad to the Bone Sports and registration will open on July 1.  More information can be found at www.badtothebone.biz.  For more information or press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or francesca@badtothebone.biz.  On social media, the Monte Vino Races can be found on Facebook and Instagram.  #montevinoraces

About Bad to the Bone Sports^™

By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports^™strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 18 years, Bad to the Bone Sports^™events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. #badtothebonesports www.badtothebone.biz

About 12 Ridges Vineyard

12 Ridges Vineyard boasts one of the most beautiful locations in all of Virginia, Skylark Farm and Nature Preserve on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  12 Ridges, a family-owned vineyard, offers an intimate Tasting Room, over seven thousand five hundred square feet of outdoor patio space, and glorious 360-degree hilltop views.  12 Ridges is a cool climate, sparkling-focused vineyard. The high altitude at 3,300′, a permeable and stony soil low in clay, cooler temperatures as well as lower humidity, all combine to give 12 Ridges an extraordinary opportunity for our chosen varietals to thrive.  12 Ridges’ sparkling wines will be complemented by other chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris, and pinot noir wines.  During the Monte Vino Races, 12 Ridges Vineyard will be open for the sale of bottles, glasses and wine tastings, as well as offering pre-packaged foods.  Due to ABC laws, outside alcohol (including beer, spirits and hard cider) is NOT permitted. #12RidgesVineyard https://www.12ridges.com