The Devil's Den 10 Miler is one of the best 10-mile races in Virginia! The DD10 is set in beautiful Culpeper, centrally located between Washington, DC, and Charlottesville nestled in the Piedmont River Valley. It is a Coldwell Banker Elite Grand Prix Series race. Starting and finishing in front of the Culpeper Sports Complex, the course is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The USATF certified course is a loop with scenic views of the beautiful Culpeper countryside. There is plenty of close parking, restrooms, and cold watermelon and snacks at the finish.

Why run a 10 miler, you ask? Here are just a few reasons why YOU should run:

1. According to Runner's World magazine, "It fine tunes your form: Running a 10-miler takes more than an hour to complete, putting you into fatigue when flaws in running form become obvious. You must try to correct those flaws (like slouching) and hold form to the end... a 10-miler makes you a more efficient runner-by getting all your body parts, while fatigued, to agree on the direction you need to go: forward. You smooth away rough edges like a stream smoothes out a rough stone caught on its bottom.

2. It’s not a half marathon or a marathon: Running 10 miles is something you can prepare for in a much shorter time. If you are looking to take up a good challenge within the next few months, it’s something that can be comfortably prepped for in a short amount of time.

3. It’s the right step up from a 10k distance: If you’re pretty new to running, taking the leap from a 10k to a half marathon is a BIG step. So having the opportunity to race at a distance in between is a great way of building up your race abilities prior to taking on a half marathon.

4. It will help take your body into a much healthier state: Ten-milers will not only do wonders for your leg muscle strength, but for your heart. Increasing your endurance and challenging yourself to a distance your body isn’t used to will keep your body adapting and make your body stronger and healthier.

5. It makes you an aerobic tourist: Your 10-miler can take you far, and if you haven’t been to Culpeper before, it has beautiful views of the Shenandoah Mountains. Every runner knows the importance of variety in keeping a training program fresh. Challenging yourself can keep you motivated. Switch up locations and take on new challenges and keep running fun!

Note: Register before July 24th to be guaranteed a race shirt!

Whether you are competing for the prize money or striving for a new PR or looking for a fun race to run with friends, the Devil’s Den 10 Miler is the race for you!