Cheers! A word that so often punctuates the end of a toast. To family, to friends, to the happy couple, to the accomplished graduate, to the retiring colleague, wishing them many good things in  one little word.

This year, we’re using “cheers” to salute the fifth anniversary of our not-so-serious running (and drinking) series, The Thirsty 3. That’s five years of clinking pints, wine glasses and mason jars to congratulate participants on a lot of running/walking and a lot of fun! Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson will again host the wine leg of the tour, this time on August 18, 2018.

With race day approaching quickly, we wanted to share some additional details about the 5K, 5 Mile and Half Marathon races and other events surrounding race day!

Running Between the Vines sounds fun… but do I have to run?

No way! Walkers are welcome to join us. We ask that anyone planning to walk line up in the back of the starting area.

What are the courses like?

The 5K follows paved, tree-lined neighborhood roads. The 5 Mile includes paved and dirt roads. The Half Marathon winds along quiet dirt roads through Waterloo Recreation Area. All courses include some hills, but none that a little Sandhill wine can’t help at the finish party!

Finish party?!

Yes! Finishers of all distances receive a wine glass they can put to use right away! Sandhill staff pour red, white and rosé tastings (included with each race entry or added onto a registration) in the grassy area behind the winery. Pair those tastings with live music, cheese, chocolate and other snacks from local vendors, plus wine available for purchase by the glass or bottle to toast a successful race morning.

What’s the Cellar Slam?

Runners planning to complete the 5K in 40 minutes or less can add mileage and swag with the Cellar Slam! Slam participants complete the 5K, then the 5 Mile, to earn a finisher medal and custom 8.5 oz. decanter.

Does the winery host any other events?

On Friday night before the race, the Sandhill Winemaker’s Dinner redefines “pre-race meal” by pairing delicious courses with wines carefully selected by their winemaker. Last year’s courses included an heirloom tomato and chorizo salad, squash ravioli, locally-baked bread and blackberry cobbler. The evening concluded with a cellar tour led by the winemaker herself! Find more details and registration at runvines.com. Visit sandhillcranevineyards.com to plan your visit to the winery on other weekends!

Written by Lizzy Bayoff

Lizzy Bayoff is a runner and member of the RF Events staff, who organize Running Between the Vines at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson. She can't wait to celebrate the Thirsty 3 with a glass of Sassy Rosé in August… or sooner, if she’s lucky!