Virginia State Park Adventure Series kicks off in March with chance for free park passes and money

Courtesy of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

If you’re interested in an opportunity to get an annual pass to Virginia state parks and some cash to spend while you visit, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has an opportunity for you.

For the fifth year, the department will run its Virginia State Park Adventure Series.

There will be 22 races, including bike races, adventure races, and runs from 5k’s to ½ marathons and triathlons. Those who participate not only get visit parks across the state, but they’ll also have the chance to win prizes, including state park gift certificates and annual passes.

Those who compete in six of the Adventure Series races will win a $100 Virginia State Park gift certificate and annual pass. Those who compete in four Adventure Series races win a Virginia State Parks annual pass and get entered into a drawing for a $150 Virginia State Parks gift certificate.

“These events provide an opportunity for you to show off your outdoor skills while competing for top prizes and bragging rights. We encourage you to check out the various trails, bike paths and scenic waterways to partake in your next outdoor adventure,” Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker said in a press release.

Races run from March through October and include:

• March 19-20 Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park
• March 26 Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
• April 3 Pocahontas Trail Running Fest at Pocahontas State Park
• April 9 Frozen Foot Challenge at Seven Bends State Park
• April 24 Marl's Revenge at York River State Park
• April 30 Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
• April 30 Spring Bloom Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park
• May 1 Middle Mountain Momma at Douthat State Park
• May 7 Shenanduro at Shenandoah River State Park
• May 7 High Bridge Trail Time Trial at High Bridge Trail State Park
• June 5 Taskinas Creek 1/2 Marathon at York River State Park
• June 18 Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
• June 25 Night Train 1/2 Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
• July 17 Summer Sizzle at York River State Park
• Aug. 7 Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park
• Aug. 21 John Blair Blur at York River State Park
• Sept. 17 Odyssey Trail Running Rampage at Douthat State Park
• Sept. 17 New River Trail Challenge at New River Trail State Park
• Sept. 24 Crazy 8 Miler at York River State Park
• Oct. 1 Howlin' Coyote 10k at Caledon State Park
• Oct. 1 James River Ultra Runs at James River State Park

Visit this Adventure Series page to get details and register.

DID YOU KNOW: Virginia is getting a new state park named Sweet Run?