The Harvest Moon Run is an annual event returning after taking a break in 2023 on September 13. The event is put on by Miles in Martinsville, who puts on several local races a year. The event gives runners the choice between a 5K and 8K, with a music and beer festival to mark the end of the night.
The event started in 2014 and is The Martinsville Miles’s only race that can go into the dark. “Somebody came up with the idea of celebrating around the Harvest Moon and making it an evening race,” said promoter Joe Philpott.
Philpott said the race originally had the title “Dancing on Depo Street,” attached to it to help reflect the festive atmosphere.
Then, organizers “encouraged people to come out and dance, and the kids had light rings around their necks. The race starts when the actual Harvest Moon occurs astrologically,” Philpott said. “The race happens on Friday and will proceed on that date.”
The race date varies, sometimes occurring as late as October. “We try to set the starting time around 7 p.m., unless it’s in October, then we have to set it earlier, or you’re running totally in the dark.”
Philpott said that runners who plan to spend more than an hour on the course should bring a source of light for safety. “It’s kind of fun in that regard. Most people, when they finish, it’s still twilight, but by the time we get around to the awards ceremony, it’s dark.”
Philpott said that it’s “kind of a party atmosphere” and that there will be music acts, food by Hugo’s, and beer from Renewal Brewing. Youngsters are welcome and expected, and the Arts and Culture Committee will collaborate with the event to bring crafts to the event, along with offering volunteers.
The race itself has the most entrants in the 5K segment and has both downhill and uphill stints. “Typically, for the 5-k, you are going to see people running between 17 to 20 minutes to win,” Philpott said, expecting many to be in the 30-minute range, especially since the race welcomes joggers and walkers.
The 8K segment has fewer runners, and he expects those runners to finish within 30 to 35 minutes. Previously, the 8K was a 10K, but after part of the trail collapsed, the race was amended to accommodate the repairs.
“Typically, we would see 75 to 150 people in the two races. It varies from year to year.” Philpott expects to see around 120 people, with “around 70 in the 5K and the rest in the 8K.”
Philpott recommends that runners always train before races, especially due to the hills on the race. “If all you’re doing is running a flat two miles around your neighborhood daily, it’s not going to get you ready for that course. If you’re going to race hills, you need to train on hills.”
Philpott says that for many races, the focus is on participation more than competing. “You get lots of people that do it for the exercise and the fun of it.”
The race will begin at 7 p.m. on September 13, with music by Jake Earls featuring Erin Givens, beer, and food available after the completion. Participants can register up to September 10, and those who don’t register are free to come and celebrate with the runners.
