The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K
The Varmint Half Marathon offers a scenic run through Virginia's beautiful Burkes Garden, benefiting St. Jude.
Race Date
Jun 13, 2026
Location
Burkes Garden, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Location
- Burkes Garden, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 4,022
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Varmint Half Marathon winds through the picturesque countryside of Burkes Garden, Virginia, a valley renowned for its stunning natural beauty. First run in 1992, this race has become a beloved event, drawing participants from approximately 8 states and boasting a loyal following with about 31% repeat runners.
The course, described as having rolling hills, offers a scenic tour of the countryside, complete with the charming presence of local sheep. While the typical winning time hovers around 79 minutes, the event is more about the experience than elite speed, with a median field size of around 99 finishers.
This race is more than just a run; it's a community effort. All proceeds and donations benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, adding a layer of purpose to the already beautiful setting. The event typically sees temperatures between 58–74°F, making for a pleasant race day.
Race-provided description
8:00 am (7:15 am early start). Half marathon and 5K through and around beautiful Burkes Garden, VA continues to be one of the most elite races in Southwest Virginia. Beautiful countryside with rolling hills. Race Director Charity Hurst founded the race in 1992. The event brings runners from far away for the beautiful course, and of course, the sheep! All proceeds and donations benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
7322 Burkes Garden Rd., Burkes Garden, VA, 24608
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout6628 years running
~99 finishers a year
shrinking
31% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 8 states
winner 1:19:09
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
58°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,022 finishers actually crossed the line across 28 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
4,022
Median time
2:16:08
Latest turnout
99
States
30
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K?
The The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K is held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Burkes Garden, Virginia.
What distances does the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,022 runners who have completed the The 33rd Annual Varmint Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Burkes Garden? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races