Hey there, fellow wine lovers! Ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through vineyards and valleys? Let’s dive into the exciting world of running surrounded by beautiful wineries, recounting personal experiences and exploring similar events lined up for 2024.
Last year, I leaped headfirst into the realm of running, gearing up for the much-anticipated Ribera Run scheduled in September. Just picture it: lush vineyards, centuries-old monasteries, and tantalizing wine—everything that makes Ribera del Duero so enchanting, and it’s all just a short distance from the Spanish capital.
Ribera del Duero it’s celebrated for its distinctive Tempranillo, which adds its own unique flavour to the region’s exceptional vintages. But it’s not just about the wine; it’s about the entire experience. Imagine strolling through ancient monasteries and convents, inhaling the crisp countryside air, and savouring every sip of those exquisite wines. And guess what? The hotel we stayed in used to be a convent, adding an extra touch of historical flair to our stay.
Our journey began with a flight from London to Madrid, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant city vibes before hopping on a train to Valladolid. From there, we ventured in a taxi to Penafiel, our starting point for the run, a mere 56 kilometres away. Of course, there are other options to travel from Valladolid to Penafiel, including the bus (though be mindful of the schedule) or renting a car, but beware—the temptation for wine tasting is real!
After a swift ride, we arrived at our Penafiel destination, eager for the adventure ahead. First stop? A wine tasting hosted by our amazing friends at Vinos La Luz in Melida. Guided by the charming owner Ricardo Nunez, Pablo and Gema, we delved into the rich history of winemaking while indulging in a tasting line-up featuring Pagos de Valcerracin line. This special line encapsulates the migration journey of the winery family ancestors seeking a better future. Pagos de Valcerracin features red and white wines, consisting of Tempranillo and Verdejo. The table was carefully paired with Spanish delights like chorizos, Manchego cheese, and my personal favourite, tortilla. What started as a usual tasting ended as a lively conversation with fellow runners visiting the region for the Ribera Run, some for the third time.
For me, the highlight was the Pagos de Valcerracin Crianza 2018. Aged for 16 months in oak barrels, offers a delightful mix of fruit aromas and subtle wood notes. In the mouth, it’s smooth, and well-balanced, leaving a nice lingering finish. Against the backdrop of a breath-taking sunset, it stole the spotlight, setting the stage for our Ribera Run eve.
After a restful night’s sleep (courtesy of the wine, perhaps), we rose at the crack of dawn, gearing up for the 17-kilometer challenge ahead. The Ribera Run isn’t just about the race—it’s a celebration of harvest time, an opportunity to bask in the vibrancy of the wineries, and immerse ourselves in the essence of Ribera del Duero. For the ones running 17km (Media), the race started in Bodega Emilio Moro. We kicked off with a 5km hilly run, soaking in the views at our first stop in Palacio de los Zuniga Castle, where we were received by Bodega Comenge with a lively environment full of music, snacks, and wine to fortify us for the next 12km ahead. Along the way, we made two more stops in Bodega Vinaltus and in Bodega Carramimbre; each stop was so lively that, for moments, it was easy to forget we were actually in a run.
Fast forward to our last stop in Bodega Protos; we found more food and wine, this time even my favourite, tortilla, and it was a great moment for a quick stretch before the last push. I must confess, since the beginning, I thought people were joking about the uphill climb to the city castle for the last 2km, until we found ourselves facing a steep hill and people transitioning from running to hiking. But after 15 kilometres, it’s better to laugh than to cry (new motto!). The fun part? Coming down the hill was so refreshing!
As we crossed the finish line, a wave of pride and joy washed over us, and with music, more wine, paella, and great vibes awaiting us, it was the perfect end to our journey before heading back to Madrid. Pro tip: plan to stay at the run location from the day before until the day after—at least two nights—because there are so many post-run activities to enjoy, and rest is key.
Now, this run was so incredible that I can’t wait to sign up for more adventures in 2024. I’d happily tackle the Ribera Run again—the vibe, the scenery, and the friendly folks in Spain offering tips and cheers made it an unforgettable experience!
- Mendoza Marathon in Mendoza, Argentina, on April 28th, 2024, takes you on a breath-taking journey through the Andes foothills, vineyard-rich regions, and iconic landmarks in Mendoza.
- Hunter Valley Running Festival in Australia on July 14th, 2024, invites you to run through world-famous vineyards and resorts in one of Australia’s best holiday spots.
- Napa to Sonoma in Napa Valley, USA, on July 20th and 21st, 2024, offers scenic views of rolling vineyards and farms as you race through wine country’s finest.
- Marathon du Medoc in Bordeaux, France, on September 2nd, 2024, combines entertainment and wine as you traverse the enchanting area of Margaux, stopping at wine stations along the way.
- Bacchus Wine Half-marathon & 10k on September 8th in Dorking, United Kingdom, starts and finishes at Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard. With six wine tasting stations per lap, post-race BBQ, fancy dress, stunning views, and an international field, the focus of this event is enjoyment!
We are constantly updating our calendar with more events, not only tastings, but including running and other fun stuff related to wine. Stay tuned to our website and subscribe to our calendar for more fun and unique wine-related events around the world. Get ready to lace up, sip up, and run wild in 2024!
And remember, whether you’re racing through vineyards or exploring new trails, every step is a celebration of life, adventure, and the joy of running. Cheers to many more unforgettable journeys ahead!
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