Saturday 4/11

Co-op 5K

Sunday 4/19

Prison Break 10K, 5K, 1K

Saturday 4/25

Ashland Railroad Run 10K, 5K, 1 mile

Sunday 4/26

Moss Free Clinic 5K

Sunday 5/3

Great Train Race

Sunday 5/10

Ladies' Choice Multisport Festival Triathlons

Saturday 6/6

Run For The River 4 Mile 

This month we will highlight a different local race series each week. Running a race series can be a great way to stay motivated, get discounted pricing, compete in a unique format against fellow athletes, and get some pretty cool gear.  This week we are featuring Trains, Planes & Automobiles.

Stafford Race Series

The Stafford Race Series consists of four races in Stafford County.  There is a long course series for all ages and a short course series for kids 12 and under.  The Top 3 Male and Female runners in both the long and short course series will receive series trophies.  

BONUS: If you complete the whole series, you'll get a finishers shirt and a finishers medal!

The first race in the series is the Spring Fever 5K and 1/2 Mile on April 4th.  Runners will start and finish behind the hospital and the kids 1/2 mile is a fast and fun race to watch! This race also features a Battle of the Districts, so you'll see a lot of local leaders there running and walking to represent their voting district!

Up next is the NEW Memorial Day 10K and 1 Mile in Stafford on May 25th. We are excited to be adding a 10K race to the long course series this year while we also remember those who gave their lives for our country.  There is also a 5K Run/Walk option in this race, but if you want to be a part of the race series, you'll be running the 10K that morning!  

The third event is the Halloween 5K and Monster Mile which will be entering its 5th year! This race has been growing in popularity thanks to the dreaded (uh, we mean WELL LOVED) Halloween Hill and festive Halloween vibe. This race starts and ends on Mine Road in front of the JRSSC/Embrey Mill Park complex.  Costumes are welcomed, so don't be surprised if you end up running next to a caveman, Superwoman, or a banana.  

The final race in the series will feature the Frosty 3 Miler (formerly the Frosty 5K) and Reindeer Run.  The course will be an out and back on Mine Road.  Our Christmas present to you is that we are skipping the hill this year, so get ready to run FAST!  Last year, SANTA ran in the race along with a bunch of his reindeer and snowman friends. Once again, costumes are welcome at this race!  

The Stafford Race Series has the following pricing incentives in place through April 3rd:

          $2 off each individual event in the short course kids series

          $5 off each individual event in the long course series

In order to receive the discount, be sure to register for the series bundle!  If you register for the races individually, you will not be counted as a part of the series. 

You can register for the race series on any of the individual event websites.

Name: Brandi VanMatre

Age: 37

# of Years Running: I've been running for over 20 years, on and off since high school cross country.

Favorite Race Distance: Half Marathon

Current Shoes: Asics all the way. Tried to sway but I always come back.

Last race: Piedmont 8 Hour Trail Run

Training For: VHTRC Women's Trail Half Marathon

Trails, Roads, or Track: I've always gravitated toward the trails and most recently the ultra scene.

Group runs or solo: Usually a lone wolf when it comes to running and training, but after being on the trail with like-minded ladies at the race before last my perspective has changed ad it has inspired me to start a Trail Sisters chapter in the area.

Longest run: 26 miles, while training for the Honolulu Marathon.

Why I run: Every step, physical or mental, pounds away the stressors of the day and breathes new life. I also run for my community and family. We are naturally educating ourselves and are having fun doing it!

Favorite thing about running? Reaping health benefits and building relationships with myself and others.

Best race experience: Best experiences has been each race that the directors, volunteers, and spectators put so much passion into what they do best. We thank you. "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1

Worst race experience: When I wrecked my car and it caught on fire, en-route to a marathon, inhibiting my attempt to be at the start line. Thank you Lord for another day!

Advice for new runners: Drink water and find consistency in your workouts. When you have a good day...celebrate, when you have a hard day...celebrate, because every day running is a chance to change your life for the better.

"Don't take life so serious, you'll never get out alive." - Elbert Hubbard

Fun Fact: I met my husband of 15 years in high school cross country (10th grade). Go Parkersburg South Patriots!