New Hope’s ‘Run Now Wine Later’ 5K still tasteful — and tasty

It’s a time-honored tradition dating back to the first running boom in the mid-‘70s, or maybe a couple thousand years before that.

First, do a run or a race.

Then relax with a cold one.

Well, here in Bucks County, they’ve taken it one step above the old post-5K brewski.

It’s the “Run Now Wine Later’’ 3.1-miler, an increasingly popular race held in New Hope, this year on Sept. 9.

The folks at BOSS Events know how to throw a party, as a pre-registered entry list in the 1,400-range will attest.

Runners do the race, then get to sample some of the best wine in the area.

“We started this six years ago and it’s all about community and fitness,’’ explained race committee member Carly Bovell, who oversees the Eventage Brand nationwide. “We thought we would do it in New Hope because it’s such a great town.

“The borough and the town have been extremely supportive in our efforts there. The restaurants have been involved and the Delaware Towns Chamber of Commerce has been helpful in promoting the event.’’

Among the list of beneficiaries from this race are the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Caroline’s Hope. Teams are formed and a portion of their fees go back to those non-profit causes.

The race continues to grow, from a first-year field of 800 to approximately 1,500 this year.

“That’s where we feel comfortable,’’ Bovell said. “Everybody has a good feeling, people can still get a glass of wine, get a tasting of foods.

“So we have grown both in participation and the vendors we have, including Triumph Brewery and the Logan Inn, plus from Newtown we have the Green Parrot and the Newtown Pro Shop.’’

While the course is scenic, it has its challenging spots on the hills leading out from the Delaware River. All the better to build up a healthy thirst.

“At the end, there’s the reward of the wine tasting,’’ Bovell said. “And it’s a great finish next to the Bucks County Playhouse. Everybody comes out and just has a great time.’’

True, New Hope has already established a reputation with the wine-cheese-cracker set, so this only adds to the tradition.

“And we do get some elite runners,’’ Bovell said. “Something in the 15-minute range. So we have some who take the race seriously but it also caters to runners who do a slower time.

“It encompasses everybody. We have moms and dads who run with their kids.’’

To register or for more information, visit www.eventbrite.com

Online registration ends on Thursday, Sept. 6 at midnight.

All runners receive a wine stopper finisher medal.

Bucks County Duathlon approaching

For those who don’t beat the deadline for online registration for the ninth annual Bucks County Duathlon, not to worry.

You can still sign up at race headquarters which is located inside the Newtown Bike Shop, 30 North State St., Newtown, beginning Monday and going all the way through Saturday, Sept. 1.

Just be sure to bring proof of insurance by way of membership in the United States Triathlon Association. You can purchase a one-day membership online or when you register at the store.

If you have already registered for the race, you can pick up your race packet during the aforementioned hours.

Runners can also register for the new 8K (4.97-mile) Challenge at the store.

For more information, visit www.buckscountyduathlon.org.

Race calendar

Sunday, Sept. 2

Ninth annual Bucks County Duathlon and new 8K Challenge, 7 a.m., Washington Crossing Historic Park, Washington Crossing. Contact www.buckscountyduathlon.org

Sunday, Sept. 9

Sixth annual Run Now Wine Later 5K, 8:30 a.m., New Hope. Contact www.eventbrite.com