Event Description
Join us for the first annual Race Through Vienna 5k! This is going to be a fun and relaxed 3.1 miles throughout the beautiful historic water town of Vienna, MD. Situated directly on the Nanticoke River, Vienna is located half way between Salisbury and Cambridge, Maryland, right off of Route 50. Many years ago travelers and tourists going to and from Ocean City had to go through Vienna to get to their destination because Old Ocean Gateway (the road Mandala Pies is on) used to be the connection between the big cities and the east coast. After Route 50 was diverted around Vienna and the drawbridge was taken out, Vienna has become less and less visited. The history in the area is tremendous. Vienna's "port" is where the famous Captain John Smith sailed in during his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s. The Native American tribe Nause-Waiwash (nah-soo-WAY-wash) is from Vienna and still today the proud descendants host an annual Native American Festival near the Vienna water tower (this year it's 9/18 and 9/19). Two miles away is Handsell Historic Site, a place full of Native history and African American history specific to our local area and local people. Vienna is eighteen miles from beautiful Elliott Island, once home to a mother of pearl button making factory. Vienna is home to the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Nanticoke River, Millie's Restaurant, a local favorite and the oldest and only bar restaurant in town, and for over a year now, Mandala Pies, a small artisan pie bakery. This race is meant to serve as a way to attract locals and travelers to town for a day of community. We expect to have town officials, local news, and many participants!
Race details:
Runner and walkers welcomed! Must finish the 3.1 miles within two hours. The course is leashed-dog friendly, wheelchair and stroller accessible. Start at Mandala Pies bakery with parking on site or close by. Emergency services on site and volunteers will offer water throughout the course and snacks after completion. This day is all about building community by getting your body moving in the fresh air. All participants get a race day t-shirt, slice of pie and water after completion of the race. Plan to stay after for more fun - including vendor booths of businesses and nonprofits, music, lunch options, and more.
If you want to participate but the fee of $30 is not possible right now for you, please email Caitlin at mandalapies@gmail.com .
If you are a local business or entity interested in helping make our annual race a success, please email Caitlin at mandalapies@gmail.com for a race day sponsorship packet. If you are interested in setting up a booth to be a part of the after-race market, please email the same address. This is going to be so fun!
