Bad to the Bone Sports Launches Second Monte Vino Races in the Series at Heards Mountain, a Limited-Entry Race Series, in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

September 4, 2020

Charlottesville, VA –September 3, 2020 – The Monte Vino Races, presented by Bad to the Bone Sports, are intimate events with limited entries. In this new environment, the Monte Vino Races strive to bring together the running community in a safer, small crowd setting.  With the Monte Vino Races, Bad to the Bone Sports’ mission is to provide its runners with a safer outlet to practice the sport they love and support its staff and volunteers with a safer work environment.

The Monte Vino Races at Heards Mountain Road will take place on some of the most beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains landscapes in the area. The second event in the series is scheduled for November 7 on Heards Mountain Road and will include a Half Marathon, Marathon and 50K, all limited to 100 entrants in all three events.

“The Monte Vino Race series gives us an opportunity to bring back our events while keeping everyone safe,” says James Russell Gill III, Bad to the Bone Sports owner and CEO.  “All our large events have been cancelled and are still dependent on state and local reopening regulations for the spring.  By limiting the field of the Monte Vino Races, we are in accordance with state regulations, have a safe outlet to bring our runners together and, at the same time, support our staff and volunteers.”

On September 5, when registration opens, runners will be able to “reserve” their spot on a first-come first-serve basis: registration will only be open to 100 runners plus 25 alternates in all three events. Credit cards will not be charged until approximately October 26th or when the race organizers have absolute confirmation that the event will happen, depending on state and local government regulations and COVID-19 restrictions.

Heards Mountain Road is one of the most scenic and stunning roads in Albemarle County. It starts in Covesville and heads toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, it passes century-old farms, orchards and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge. A must-see course of unparalleled beauty.

Because of the very limited size, Monte Vino Races have small budgets and cannot provide all the amenities of larger events. In addition, there will be a strict safety protocol to keep runners and staff safe from any contact. Changes will include: masks required in the pre-race area, no expo and socially distanced bib and shirt handouts with assigned time slots, pre-race briefing via social media and virtual award ceremony on Facebook Live, medals will be customized virtual medals emailed to finishers, limited and pre-packaged nutrition on course and at the finish, no crews or spectators on the course and runners will be required to carry a handheld bottle as there will be no cups at the water stops.

The Monte Vino Races are produced by Bad to the Bone Sports. Registration for the Heards Mountain Road events will open on September 5. More information can be found at www.badtothebone.biz.  For more information or press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or francesca@badtothebone.biz. On social media, the Monte Vino Races can be found on Facebook and Instagram.  #montevinoraces

About Bad to the Bone Sports^™

By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports^™ strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 18 years, Bad to the Bone Sports^™ events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. #badtothebonesports www.badtothebone.biz