The Fool’s Gold Adventure Run begins in the rolling meadows below the Montaluce Winery on the Piazza Fionitini. The course begins with a gradual climb up to the paved Strada Vigneti and turns to cross the ridge below the winery. You’ll pass by our registration and expo area as you turn west into the morning sun. You’ll be quickly be reminded you are in the Western Blue Ridge Mountains as the course makes it’s first descent to Via Senese, crosses a bridge over a babbling creek and up the other side before entering the woods. You’ll hear the song birds calling and hear the sound of leaves crushing under your feet as you descend toward the Etowah River.

Turning back to the east, you’ll climb under the shade of hardwoods through the center of the Montaluce Estates property. A quick turn to the right brings you into full view of the winery and just beyond, the vineyards. The course winds it’s way around the rows of grapes and again you presented a grand view of the winery & surrounding vineyards. You’ll have time to enjoy these views later, now it’s time pass the pond and wedding gazebo on your way to one of the steepest climbs on the property.

The course then takes you away from the winery and back into the trees as it follows a calming creek. You’ll have to cross this one without a bridge though, so step carefully. Once across, you’ll have soft grass under your feet as you pass by the Pomino Villas to your right and another sun bathed vineyard to your left. This leads you to the two way road section. You’ll find one of the fluid/aid stations along the way.

Exiting the pavement again, there is no where to go, but up and up you will go. You climb another steep grade along side vineyards, a.k.a. The Wall. You’ll turn left and have a amazing view of the property and bordering Blue Ridge Mountains. Be careful with your footing as you descend the steep slope alongside the vines back to the pavement. You’ll follow this to it’s end and then continue through the woods until you reach the garden where the vegetables for the Le Vigne Restaurant are grown.

Follow the creek down from the garden, across the bridge below and then back up the other side for a view of the cascading creek. Finally you’ll exit into a meadow and see the finish on the other side. The fun doesn’t stop here, though. You’ll want to check out vendors, take advantage of the five star French toast breakfast at the winery (tickets sold in advance) and attend the post race awards where everyone has a chance to win some great prizes.

Further details including course map and fluid/aid station locations will be updated ASAP.