The out-and-back race, which starts and finishes at the Burkes Garden Community Center on Burkes Garden Road, got its name from a story that's been passed down for generations in this small community that sits about 3,000 feet above sea level, the highest valley in Virginia. Decades ago, a coyote had run loose in the town, killing local villagers' sheep and causing thousands of dollars in damage to gardens and property.
Reportedly, big-game hunters were called in from out of town to assist in the hunt for the "varmint," as the creature came to be known, and they finally succeeded in hunting down and killing what turned out to be a large coyote. The "varmint" (the name stuck) was later stuffed and put on display in a local museum, and the awards for the half-marathon -- as well as the male and female overall winners of the 5K race -- bear the likeness of the sheep it hunted today.
Runners who feel up to the challenge of this race need to be ready for both a high-elevation run and plenty of sun -- sunscreen, sunglasses and a good protective hat are all must-haves -- as past years have seen plenty of sunny, warm weather throughout the event.
