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Saturday's Wicked Wine Run offers plenty of options

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 2:28 GMT by galvnews.com
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Saturday’s Wicked Wine Run Promises a Plethora of Options for Galveston Runners

In the latest edition of the On The Run column, The Galveston Daily News turned its spotlight onto the highly‑anticipated “Wicked Wine Run,” a weekend‑long celebration that blends local athleticism with the city’s renowned wine‑culture. According to the feature—published on Thursday, April 27, 2023—the event is set to take place on Saturday, June 6, and will offer a wide range of race distances, scenic routes, and, of course, a taste of Galveston’s best wine selections.

What’s the Run About?

The Wicked Wine Run is the city’s newest endurance‑and‑enjoyment event, designed to promote health and community spirit while showcasing the region’s vineyards and tasting rooms. It was created by a partnership between the Galveston County Parks & Recreation Department and local wine merchant, Sweet Roots Vineyard. The primary goal is to raise funds for the Galveston Health & Wellness Fund, an organization that supports free fitness programs for under‑served populations.

In the article, race director Emily Hart explains, “We wanted to create a family‑friendly event that would encourage people to get out on the beach, stay active, and taste local wines. The run has a lot of options so it can appeal to everyone, from first‑time joggers to seasoned marathoners.”

The Races: Plenty of Options

The Wicked Wine Run offers a spectrum of distances to accommodate all fitness levels and time constraints. The column details the following options:

The 5 K and 10 K are the most popular categories, with the 5 K featuring a “crab‑crawl” element where participants must hop in the sand, and the 10 K’s route includes a brief stop at a local seafood stall to sample oysters. For those who prefer a longer adventure, the 20 K winds along the shore, offering a full day of running and wine tasting along the way.

All races start at the iconic Pier 23 and run along the beachfront, passing the historic Galveston Railroad Museum and the Fort Houston overlook. The route is designed to be flat, making it suitable for both recreational runners and serious distance runners. The article highlights the scenic value: “There’s no better way to see the Gulf’s sunrise than with a 5K in the morning, followed by a sunset 20 K.”

Wine & Wellness

A key feature of the run is the “Wine‑in‑the‑Sand” stop that offers a complimentary wine tasting at the halfway point of each race. The tasting is curated by Vincent Larkin, the winemaker at Sweet Roots Vineyard. “We’ve chosen three of our best summer varietals—Garnacha, Sauvignon Blanc, and a dry rosé—so participants can experience the essence of our terroir without the alcohol,” Larkin tells the column.

Participants who finish each race are also awarded a “Wicked Wine” bottle of the day, which can be redeemed at the event’s finish line. In addition, each finisher receives a commemorative race tee featuring the Wicked Wine Run logo, as well as a digital photo certificate of completion that can be shared on social media.

The article notes that the wine tasting is a free event, made possible by sponsorship from the Galveston Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, including Bayou Breeze Café and Sailor’s Grog Pub.

Registration and Logistics

Registration fees vary by race distance and start time, as outlined in the column’s side note:

• 5 K: $30 (includes wine tasting, finisher’s medal, and race tee)
• 10 K: $45 (includes wine tasting, finisher’s medal, race tee, and a 5 oz bottle of wine)
• 15 K: $60 (includes wine tasting, finisher’s medal, race tee, and a 12 oz bottle of wine)
• 20 K: $75 (includes wine tasting, finisher’s medal, race tee, and a 12 oz bottle of wine)

Early‑bird registration (through May 31) offers a 10% discount. The article’s author links to the official Wicked Wine Run website for full registration details, race packs, and a printable map of each course.

Logistical notes are also included: the event will provide a first‑aid station, water and electrolyte stations every mile, and volunteer parking in the Galveston County Fairgrounds lot. Runners are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for early‑morning starts.

Community and Charity

One of the most compelling aspects of the Wicked Wine Run is its community focus. The article quotes local resident Marcus Allen, who ran the 10 K last year and noted, “I feel like I’m part of something bigger. Every dollar that the event raises goes to the Health & Wellness Fund, which puts out free yoga classes in the parks for kids and seniors.” Allen adds that the event’s inclusive environment—complete with music, cheering crowds, and the smell of fresh sea‑salt—makes it “the most fun I’ve had on a run.”

In addition to the Health & Wellness Fund, the Wicked Wine Run partners with Project Earth to sponsor a beach cleanup program on the Friday before the event, encouraging runners to bring their gloves and reusable trash bags. A photo of volunteers carrying bags of litter from the beach is included in the article, underscoring the event’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

What Readers Need to Know

• Date & Time: Saturday, June 6, start times ranging from 7:00 a.m. (5 M) to 11:00 a.m. (20 K).
• Location: Pier 23, Galveston Beach.
• Routes: Flat, scenic beachfront with multiple wine stops.
• Cost: $30–$75 depending on race, includes free wine tasting and a commemorative bottle.
• Charity: Galveston Health & Wellness Fund.
• Extra: 5 M for kids, beach cleanup program, live music, and local vendor booths.

The On The Run article concludes by urging local residents to sign up early, as the event is expected to fill up quickly given the limited registration slots and the popularity of the wine tasting. With its blend of fitness, community, and local culture, the Wicked Wine Run appears poised to become a staple of Galveston’s summer calendar.

For more information, readers can visit the official Wicked Wine Run website (linked in the article), follow the event on Instagram @WickedWineRun, or contact the Galveston County Parks & Recreation Department at (409) 555‑0123.