Race Through Historic Vienna 5K

RACE DAY DETAILS: Check in is from 8:15 -9:15 AM. The goal is to have a relaxed morning - you are welcome to arrive earlier if you desire. Parking is available beside the Mandala Pies bakery (a volunteer will guide you). The race officially starts at 9:30. All finishers earn a finisher medal after crossing the finish line. Registration include a race day shirt, a bib number, grab bag and slice of pie after completion of the race (note that race day shirts are only included in price IF registered by specific advanced date listed). Timing for this race will be on one timer visible at the start and finish line. If you would like exact timing for you, feel free to use your own gps or phone timer. Water will be available on the course and there will be two bathroom locations. EMS will be on site as well. Last year donations went to 4STEPS Therapeutic Horseback Riding and it was so successful. This year the chosen nonprofit is Little Whisks Culinary School - an organization by our founder Caitlin LaComb dedicated to teaching individuals, including those with disabilities, culinary skills to promote social-emotional growth, empowerment, and confidence in and out of the kitchen. Please consider making an additional donation at checkout, every dollar makes a difference!

 Finally, this day would not be possible without the support of our sponsors! If you would like to become an official sponsor of the Race Through Historic Vienna 5k please email [email protected] to get more information.

Join us for the forth 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!

This year we are offering the option to add a few extra dollars at registration that will go towards LITTLE WHISKS CULINARY SCHOOL FOUNDATION - a nonprofit dedicated to teaching individuals, including those with disability, culinary skills to promote social-emotional growth, lifeskill training, empowerment, and confidence in and out of the kitchen. YOUR DONATION MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES. THANK YOU!!

Race details:

Runners 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 finisher's medal, race day t-shirt, slice of pie and water after completion of the race. Enjoy a free slice of pie for participating and plan to stop by the bakery for more pie to purchase to take home!

2021 + 2022 + 2023 race day photos: https://www.billcecilphoto.com/Vienna-5k-race/

If you want to participate but the fee is not possible right now for you, please email Caitlin at [email protected]

If you are a local business or entity interested in helping make our annual race a success, please email Caitlin at [email protected] 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. If you wish to volunteer on race day please email Caitlin as well. This is going to be so fun!

***CHILDREN 4 AND UNDER DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR REGISTRATION** please plan to inform the registration table on race day if your children 4 and under are going to participate in the day's events. Depending on paid registrants there may not be enough finisher medals for children not paid for. If you want a medal guaranteed for your child 4 and under please register!

2021/22 Sponsors: Photos by: BillCecil PhotoGrafix; Mandala Pies Bakery (Vienna bakery), Millie's Roadhouse (Vienna restaurant), Bunky's Service Center (Vienna vehicle services), K&T Utilities (Vienna utilities company), The Payne Team Real Estate (Eastern Shore real estate), Honey Water Candles (Berlin artisan candle company), Barefoot Willy's Tees (Parsonsburg printing company), Iron Skillet Coffee (Berlin local coffee roaster), The Iron Horse Coffee House and Eatery (Willards restaurant), Hebron Savings Bank (local bank), and the Dorchester County Economic Development Office. These businesses are awesome and care deeply about Community. Please consider choosing them for your needs in the future!

We need 2024 sponsors! Packages start at $350. Please email [email protected]