Running fever has well and truly grabbed us by a chokehold. If you feel like you were the only one not running the London Marathon or the Hackney Half recently, it’s probably because that’s true. Well, not quite – but your Instagram feed sure had you fooled.
If you’re looking to book in your first big run, but want to add some bubbly respite in among the heavy panting and pressure on the knees, then this is your call to sign up for the Bacchus Wine Half Marathon. Taking place on September 8 at the stunning Denbies Vineyard, which you reach from London in under two hours, it’s the perfect day trip out of the city for a rich cocktail of both tipples and gains. Truly living up to the meaning of the term fun run.
Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10k
If you think there’s more too it than wine and running, you’d be right, but that’s pretty much the sell! What we should also point out is that you’ll be doing the running through a winding and beautiful countryside vineyard, and stopping off along the way to sample the plentiful wine on offer. Oh, and a big part of the event is the fancy dress – so be sure to prepare your grape outfit ready to don as you run between the wine pit stops!
There will be six stations on the half marathon running route, and two on the 10k. It’s not just wine you’ll find at each stop, either. If you don’t fancy a libation at every single one, you can fill up on the snack selection of fresh fruit, cheese and biscuits as well as numerous desserts while bopping along to the live music. Of course, once you’ve finished the run, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty more food and booze without the thought of how many kilometres you’ve got left to conquer.
The aim of the game is to give runners the chance to savour and enjoy the circuit as opposed to rushing for the fastest time. Wine and live music is certainly a way to do that, and it’s easy to see why this event has become so popular.
The Bacchus Wine Half Marathon takes place on September 8, 2024, and you can find out more and sign up here. The 2023 event sold out weeks in advance, so be sure to book your spot in time for this year’s wine and run.