While mud runs can be decidedly lowbrow affairs that will have you drinking warm light beer from a Viking helmet, UltraCross events take a higher road and tend to be in the mountains with nearby vineyards and wineries. Events like Southern Cross in Georgia and Three Peaks USA here in North Carolina actually start and finish AT a winery and resort.
Three Peaks USA takes place at the Banner Elk Inn and Winery in Banner Elk. This is a stunning venue, where racers’ friends and families can relax over a bottle of Banner Elk’s award-winning wine and enjoy a picnic on the grassy knoll next to the pond and lower vineyard while their loved ones are suffering in the “puckerbrush.” The leaves will be turning, and participants will likely be spoiled with a mild and pleasant fall. After the race, the winery will be hosting a complimentary meal, and Blowing Rock Ale will tap a keg or two until everyone feels property hydrated.
North Carolina’s High Country offers arguably the best road and mountain bike riding on the East Coast, innumerable great places to run, and even Wildcat Lake, where you can do an open-water swim. There are tons of fabulous restaurants for every budget, loads of family activities, and you can get amazing deals on lodging at properties ranging from a romantic inn, a brand new hotel, a private log cabin, or a five-star resort such as the Banner Elk Winery and Villa.
For more information or to book a room for the Three Peaks USA race weekend on Sept. 23, please visit www.bannerelkwinery.com.
