Running in the vines

From a park run and charity 5k to a half marathon, if you enjoy running then what could be better than pounding through the vines – especially when there’s wine waiting at the end (and sometimes on route!)

Denbies Bacchus Wine Half Marathon and 10k has been called England’s equivalent of the famous Marathon du Medoc, with up to six opportunities to taste wine as you go around the course. It’s a celebration of award-winning English wine, fine food, fancy dress, music and of course, running (although don’t expect to get a PB!) The beautiful but challenging route weaves in and out of Denbies Vineyard and sections of Surrey’s North Downs. As if the wine isn’t enough incentive there’s a hog roast waiting at the end. Understandably demand for places is high. In 2025 it takes place on Sunday 7 September.

If you like the idea of wine tasting while you run, but are looking for a shorter distance then Hanwell Wine Estate in Nottinghamshire has an annual 5k charity wine trail run. They invite you to run, walk or crawl around their beautiful wine estate including wine samples on route – with more delicious locally grown wines available once you cross the finish line.  The event is taking place on 1st June 2025.

If you’re looking for something where the focus is more on getting out and exercising, then Squerryes Winery Park Run in Kent offers a weekly opportunity to take part in a free, fun and friendly 5k community event. You can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate every Saturday at 9am.  

The Pulborough Vineyards run takes place twice a year (May & Sept) giving stunning views across the West Sussex Countryside to the South Downs. Starting and finishing at Nutbourne Vineyards, you can choose your own distance from 5k up to a half marathon. It’s all off road, mostly on firm grass / mud / stony walking tracks. And you’ll get a glass of wine to celebrate when you finish. There’s only 85 places, so early registration for the event is recommended.       

Another Sussex vineyard offering a charity 10.7k and half marathon is Rathfinny Estate. The 2024 event took place in April, but look out for next years for another run through beautiful vines via hilly trails with views of the South Downs National Park. Check out their website for more information.

And if running is just that bit too energetic (even with the incentive of wine) then how about some seasonal Nordic walking at Furleigh Estate in Dorset? The events run in Winter/Spring and after some warm up exercises you get instructions on how to use the specialist walking poles. There’s tea, coffee or a glass of fizz available at the end of the session.  Check their website for booking information nearer the time.