Battlefield walking events

[tonijustine]

I am trying to get back in shape. I have found that if I have a concrete goal to work toward, I am more successful. I think it would be great to participate in one or more battlefield walks/runs next year. I know that October has Freedom's Run (full and half marathon, 10 K from Harpers Ferry/Shepardstown through Antietam). I think Chickamauga has a full/half/10 K in November.

Does anyone know of any other runs/walks that encompass battlefields?

I will not be I'm shape to run anything, but I have previously walked 2 half marathons and survived (though it was in pretty flat central Indiana).

 

[Upstater83]

Not as an organized event, but many battlefields have enough land that you can make a nice walk out of it.

Manassas, Gettysburg being my two favorites.

When I lived in NoVa, I used to hike Manassas regularly, doing the entire park - both 1st and 2nd battles - covers a lot of land on nice terrain and really is a great workout, plus, you get a much better understanding of what it all was like from the average Joe footsoldier's perspective.


Here's a good link to some Civil War hikes: http://civilwarhikes.blogspot.com/

 

[tonijustine]

That is a great site that I will certainly use.

I've done lots of great hikes and will do plenty more. There is just something about having a concrete deadline and paying money to participate in an event that motivates me.

 

[ErnieMac]

The Perryville Battlefield in Kentucky has an extensive trails system. Rolling hill terrain. I don't know if they have organized events. http://www.friendsofperryville.org/html/hiking.html

 

[mt155]

Vicksburg and Chickamauga both host annual "Run Through History" 5K and 10K each year. Vicksburg also has a 70 mile "Bike to the Battlefield" event.

 

[tonijustine]

Thanks everyone! I have been looking for an excuse to get out to Vicksburg!

 

[tonijustine]

Not as an organized event, but many battlefields have enough land that you can make a nice walk out of it.

Manassas, Gettysburg being my two favorites.

When I lived in NoVa, I used to hike Manassas regularly, doing the entire park - both 1st and 2nd battles - covers a lot of land on nice terrain and really is a great workout, plus, you get a much better understanding of what it all was like from the average Joe footsoldier's perspective.


Here's a good link to some Civil War hikes: http://civilwarhikes.blogspot.com/

Hey Upstater,

Looks like I am heading to Manassas this spring. I have been looking at the first day hike. Any particular suggestions? I have seen both that it is about 5.7 miles long (from the NPS) and another hiking site aside it's a half day 7 mile hike. What is your experience?