Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > 5K and a Stack of Pancakes at Belle Isle State Park on September 26

5K and a Stack of Pancakes at Belle Isle State Park on September 26

By Katherine ShepardPosted September 06, 2015

Written with guest blogger Joe Hecht, Friends of Belle Isle State Park member.

Tie up your laces, stretch out those hamstrings, and mark your race calendars for the 4^th annual Friends of Belle Isle State Park 5K Run/Walk and Pancake Breakfast on September 26, 2015.

2014 Participant Ann Gardner-Jackson celebrates at the finish line

This unique event will take you across fields, along a waterfront boardwalk, and down a gentle packed gravel trail through woods and wetlands.

The scenery of this race is what makes it really special

Along the way, you are sure to see bald eagles, great blue herons, and osprey, and if you are at the front of the pack, you’re likely to startle deer and other wildlife as you pass by.

New this year, the race is a USA Track & Field Certified Course. This means that the distance of the 5K has been certified for accuracy and you can compare your performance to times on other certified courses.

After a beautiful morning run or walk, join your fellow racers for a delicious pancake breakfast prepared by park staff and volunteers. In addition to a breakfast of pancakes and fruit, each participant will receive an event t-shirt.

Friends of Belle Isle Member Joe Hecht (right) looks on as the racers line up

With nine age categories, all ages are welcome for this event. Jogger’s baby strollers are also allowed, however because of the trail nature of the course, no small wheel strollers are permitted.

The race is limited to 125 runners to preserve the peaceful nature of the run. Pre-registration prices are available, but won’t last long, so be sure to register before September 19. To register online, visit the Friends of Belle Isle State Park website. Paper registrations can be requested by calling the park office at (804) 462-5030.

This event also falls on National Public Lands Day, a day in celebration and support of our public lands. If you would like to volunteer to help with the event, please check out this posting on the Virginia State Park events page for more information.

You will love this trail run in beautiful Belle Isle State Park. Proceeds from the event support activities of the Friends of Belle Isle State Park, such as the free Music by the River summer concert series and the annual Easter Egg hunt.

Would you like to make a full weekend of it? Belle Isle State Park also offers overnight accommodations in the Bel Air area and has camping available with electric and water hookup. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

PARKS

Belle Isle State Park