Imagined over a glass of County wine, and realized through a passion to promote Prince Edward County’s many local charms the inaugural Terroir Run will be held on May 29th in Hillier, Ontario. Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance’s Rebecca LeHeup & Buddha Dog co-founder Andrew Mackenzie have brought together nine celebrated wineries, Sandbanks Vacations, Barley Days Brewery, Vicki’s Veggies, Sparkbox Studios and several other County partners to celebrate our natural landscape, remarkable vineyards, seasonal products and legendary sense of community.

“We love to run and explore all the unique parts of Prince Edward County with like-minded culinary tourists but couldn’t find an organized event in the area.” explained Mackenzie. “We’re Huge admirers of the excellent County Marathon and wondered if we could do something similar for recreational runners that included a very special experience. So we did.” added LeHeup.

On May 29th the first of what may become similar runs in other parts of the County will start off at The Old Third Winery on Closson Road. “When we shared the idea with owners Bruno Francois & Jens Korberg they were so enthusiastic they even volunteered to start the race with their vineyard bird-banger!” says LeHeup. From their barn runners will travel Closson Rd past Closson Chase, Lacey Estates, Lift Haus, The Grange of Prince Edward County, Hinterland, down Benway Rd then along Greer Rd past Casa-Dea, around the antique tractor in front of Rosehall Run, and finishing at Norman Hardie. “Unlike a typical run that ends with a finish line and energy bars, our runners will find a local wood oven pizza lunch with spring green salad and wine/beer tastings.” Further there will be prizes and each runner will receive a free tasting passport for each of the wineries they passed by. LeHeup and Mackenzie expect visitors to the Satuday, May 28th, 6th Annual Terroir Event at Picton’s Crystal Palace will choose to make a “County Wine Weekend” and stay over to enjoy their Terroir Run the next day – a win for our local hotels and B&Bs.

“We are blown away at the level of excitement and enthusiasm this event has created both in our community and from visitors interested in participating from away. It never ceases to amaze me how people in the County rally behind a creative idea and work together to promote our destination.” adds LeHeup.

The run begins at 10AM on Sunday May 29th and costs $50 per runner – only 50 spaces are available. More information and online registration can be found at http://www.terroirrun.com or by following @terroirrun on Twitter.

Tags: Marathon, outdoor activities, running