Locals Take the Lead on Health, Wellness, & Fitness

Written by Kaitlin Hill 

Middleburg has many nicknames, like “The Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital” or “The Heart of Virginia’s Wine Country,” and is often associated with its many famous residents, from the Kennedys to Elizabeth Taylor. Even more, the town’s picturesque main and side streets lined with unique shops and restaurants, the whimsical wedding venues scattered around town, and the world-class accommodations make Middleburg an idyllic place to live or visit. 

However, local leadership is working to highlight yet another standout quality of the small town: the plethora of health, wellness, and fitness businesses and opportunities benefiting both residents and day-trippers. 

Spotlight on Local Businesses

“Massage, acupuncture, therapy, spiritual, physical,” lists Punkin Lee, president of the Middleburg Business and Professional Association and owner of Journeymen Saddlers, of the offerings in Middleburg. “It’s all here.” 

“Doctors, dentists, chiropractors, yoga, pilates, Zumba, personal trainers… You can even get a facial,” local Katy Carter adds. 

For the months of January, February, and March, the MBPA will work to highlight the many health and wellness businesses in Middleburg with special promotions. 

“We want people to know they don’t have to go far to get what they need,” Carter says. 

“We are calling it Winter Wellness,” shares Lee. And it all leads to the annual Middleburg Wellness Day in April. 

Middleburg Wellness Day

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the town will hold its annual Wellness Day, 5K, and one-mile Fun Run. The morning will kick off with the races, followed by the Wellness Day Fair at the Middleburg Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In describing the event, Middleburg Vice Mayor Chris Bernard says, “It is almost like what you would find if you go to a race expo. All the different businesses in town and some out of town will have booths, you can get a massage, and you can learn more about the spa at Salamander.” 

And Ali MacIntyre, the Town of Middleburg’s director of business development and community partnerships, shared via email, “We [will] have various presentations, demos, and amazing giveaways throughout the day that our vendors have put together to help you take the next step in your wellness journey!” 

For more information on Wellness Day, visit middleburgva.gov. 

A Community That Walks Together, Talks Together

The MBPA’s Winter Wellness highlights and Wellness Day make a great start for a new year, new you mentality, but as Middleburg Police Chief Shaun Jones knows, fitness is a year-round commitment. Last fall he started his “Walk with a Cop” program, where community members are invited to trek a mile loop with Jones. On one of the inaugural walks, Bernard’s son, Maverick, redubbed the event “Stroll with the Patrol.”

Whatever it’s called, Jones explains, “the whole idea is to bring the community together to engage in conversation and also get fit.” He adds, “What better way to get people together than walking, talking, getting healthy, and having a good time?”  

The two events held in 2025 were popular enough that Jones is planning on bringing them back for 2026. Jones says, “We are going to start it up again in the springtime … and I think we are going to do a lot more because the community loved it.” 

And Jones emphasizes that the walks are intended for every level of fitness. “It’s not a race, it’s not a timed thing, it is just walking at your own pace, having conversations, and meeting your neighbors.” 

Jones notes that the Walk with a Cop events are usually posted on social media at @visitmiddleburg. 

A Little More Speed

For locals looking to up the pace, there’s also the Middleburg Run Club, founded by local resident Adam Peterson. 

Peterson moved to Middleburg just over a year ago from Auburn, California, the “self-proclaimed endurance capital of the world,” Peterson says. There he had a weekly run club that “basically became my entire friend group,” he laughs. 

When he moved here, “the nearest run clubs were in Leesburg or Chantilly, so I was just running on my own for my first six months.” He continues, “Then, in June or July, I made my first Facebook post in 10 years.” His post on the Middleburg Uncensored Group inquired about local interest for a run club. The response was positive. 

Since the post, “every single week, save one or two, I’ve done the run club.” The group meets at the Red Horse Tavern at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays before setting out on a three- to four-mile loop, oftentimes on the trails behind Salamander, and returning for dinner. 

“It’s been great. I’ve never run alone,” Peterson shares. “And I tell everyone, it’s a community run, not a training run. It is meant to be a safe space for like-minded people to meet like-minded people and have a good time.” He finishes, “I am just trying to create a little community here… It’s truly for all levels.” 

Find out more about the Middleburg Run Club by visiting @middleburgrunners on Instagram. 

From the myriad of wellness purveyors in town and dedicated expos to ongoing walks and runs with friendly locals, there are endless opportunities to get fit and feel your best in 2026. ML

Featured photo by Miriam Dudley Photography.

Published in the January 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.