This spring and summer it’s GAME ON in the Highlands. While the mountain views and pristine rivers and lakes offer a sense of serenity, don’t let them fool you. The folks in the scenic Alleghany highlands of Virginia have a strong competitive spirit and they invite you to their upcoming events, four of which rated “most action-packed events in the mid-Atlantic”. They include a triathlon, bass fishing tournament, a half marathon, a gran fondo, and a 1-mile open water swim.

Push your limits on Saturday, May 21st for the Alleghany Highlands Triathlon. Participants will do a fun 5k run, 5-mile paddle, and 10-mile bike ride. The race begins at the Sharon Community Center in Clifton Forge, VA. You can register now at runsignup.com/Race/VA/CliftonForge/TheAlleghanyHighlandsTriathlon or register on Friday, May 20th at Jack Mason’s Tavern from 5:30-7pm. Registration is also held on the day of the event at the Sharon Community Center starting at 7:30am. This event is sponsored by Omni Homestead Resort.

If you are an avid sportsman or woman and love to fish, check out the Alleghany Big Bass Fishing Tournament at Lake Moomaw on Saturday, June 11th. You canwin cash prizes and Registration is now open! (See ad to the right) Visit the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce to register or print the registration form at facebook.com/alleghanybigbass/ and mail it to 110 Mall Road, Covington VA 24426. If you would like the registration form emailed to you contact Sandra at sdenius@ahchamber.com.

Coinciding with the Annual Covington Cork and Pork Festival, the Jackson River Scenic Trail Half Marathon is held Saturday, June 25th and this event has something for everyone! The certified course will begin and end at The Intervale Trail Head of The Jackson River Scenic Trail in Covington, Virginia. The trail follows an old railroad bed of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The course has a smooth crushed gravel surface and is mostly flat with some light hills. The trail follows its namesake river, winding its way through small communities, cultivated fields, and small patches of woodland. It isn’t uncommon to see wildlife along the way. Unique Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers and top three finishers in each age group will receive an award. Age groups are determined by participation. To register now, visit runsignup.com/Race/VA/Covington/JRSTHalf

The Alleghany Gran Fondo is held on Saturday, July 9th. This cycling challenge starts in downtown Covington and finishes in Clifton Forge, Virginia. The Gran Fondo will take the climb to Lake Moomaw and across the Gathright Dam before heading up Pitzer’s Ridge. The total distance for the Gran Fondo is 107 miles and 10,000 ft of climbing. There will also be a Medio, which is 72 miles, and a Piccolo, totaling 29 miles. There will be refreshments and entertainment at the event’s finish line. For more information and to register, visit AlleghanyGranFondo.com. Registration fees apply.

The Lake Moomaw One Mile Open Water Swim takes place on Saturday, August 6th. Participants will swim amid the beautiful mountain landscape and breathtaking scenery of the Alleghany Highlands. Starting at 9am, the swim starts and finishes at Cole’s Point. This area is clearly visible to spectators and race personnel. The course runs along the shore to the south, approximately 50 yards out and continues east and north around buoys that will be clearly visible. The swimmers will reach the turn-around point inside the “no wake zone” in the inlet and turn counter- clockwise around a buoy and swim back to the beach via the same route. Register now at clubassistant.com/club/meet_information.cfm?c=1212&smid=7470

Whether you run, fish, bike, swim, all of the above, or simply enjoy solid competition, don’t miss out on all the fun in the scenic highlands. It’s uniquely Alleghany. If you need help planning (lodging, dining, shopping, and other information) visit alleghanyhighlands.com or call 888-430-5786 for a free Visitor Guide.

– Hashtag Lewisburg #77, May 2016.