You probably know about the Running of the Bulls, but have you ever heard of a Running of the Goats? Well, if you’re in the South this fall, I suggest you get your running shoes on and your cuteness capacity prepared for overload, because Belle Chèvre Creamery has made Running with the Goats a real thing, and the only issue I can foresee is it might be difficult to run from the goats rather than toward them.
This October will mark the second annual Running with the Goats. The run—as you may have guessed—is loosely based on the Running of the Bulls, except instead of worrying about getting trampled, you worry about whether your heart can handle the cuteness of a heard of goats galloping alongside you. You can register for a 10K, 5K, or 1-Mile Fun Run, so you don’t need to be a hardcore runner to enjoy some quality time with some of the most adorable (and best cheese-producing) animals out there.
Photo Credit: Running with the Goats
Belle Chèvre Creamery, located in Elkmont, Ala., has been making goat cheese for 26 years and has won over 100 national awards. They also clearly know how to throw a party. In 2013, they created Southern ReInvention in celebration of their new creamery, which they transformed from an old cotton warehouse. The Southern ReInvention festival brings together artists, artisans, and craftspeople for a day of eating and honoring the creativity of the South. The following year, Running with the Goats was introduced as part of the creamery’s 25th year anniversary celebrations, because every proper anniversary should consist of goats. And now, Belle Chèvre is combining these two events, creating a pairing that will give even the best wine and cheese combo a run for it’s money.
Last year’s Southern ReInvention
Photo Credit: Belle Chèvre via Facebook
Belle’s Big Day is happening on October 10th and is open to the public. The Southern ReInvention will take place in the creamery—where they also offer classes and tours—and the run will take place on a nearby trail. Last year’s Running with the Goats brought in 936 runners, which is nine times the average participants a first annual race usually draws. Tickets for Southern ReInvention are $5, and registration for the run is $10-25.
If you’re able to make it to the Big Day, give Midnight the goat a hug for me and have a cheesetastic time!
Midnight the Goat
Photo Credit: Belle Chèvre
Feature Photo Credit: Running with the Goats
Sarah Cummings
Sarah Cummings is a native New Yorker braving the Boston winters to study Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. In her spare time, she can often be found rock climbing, cuddling the neighborhood cats, or integrating goat cheese into her every meal.
