Foxfield Races: Community, Conservation, and a Day at the Races

On Sunday, October 5, Foxfield Races will host the Fall Races in Charlottesville, Virginia. The event marks the 46th running at one of the premier steeplechase venues in the Commonwealth, and its impact reaches beyond the course through conservation and community giving.

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Foxfield’s commitment to philanthropy began with its founder, Mariann de Tejeda, who acquired the property in 1977 with a clear goal: host top-tier steeplechase events that give back locally. Camp Holiday Trails was the first charity Mrs de Tejeda partnered with and continues to be the Spring Races philanthropic partner. The organization provides a camp experience for children with medical needs, supported by on-site nurses and physicians. Since 2021, Foxfield has contributed nearly a quarter of a million dollars to sustain that mission.

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The Fall Races philanthropic partner, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, is currently undertaking a multi-phase transformation in Southwood. Foxfield Races Executive Director, Marian Fife, highlighted why the project resonates with Foxfield’s values. “They’ve been converting a very large tract of land from mostly mobile homes into a mixed-income neighborhood in probably eight or ten phases. It is a twenty-year project. Instead of displacing those folks who live in the mobile homes, they work with them to design neighborhoods that work well with these families. That ‘community-first’ mentality is something we too hold dear here at Foxfield.” Fife also added that the development mixes Habitat homes with fair-market units. The Southwood neighborhood has been a model for other Habitat for Humanity organizations across the United States. “We are in our fifth year of partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and, after this upcoming race, we will have contributed close to a quarter of a million dollars to this important organization.”

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What to Expect on Race Day

Attendance for the Fall Races attracts 4-5,000 attendees. “The Fall Races focus heavily on families and children,” Fife said. Foxfield features a large children’s tent with free face painting, stick-pony making, a junior reporter experience with CBS19 News, mini-horse wagon rides, Lego building, crafting along with a wide selection of retail and food vendors. It will be a great event for families and people of every age,” she said.

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Foxfield’s audience blends long-time tradition with new discovery. Many patrons first experienced the races as children or college students; and now, they return with their own families and friends. Foxfield Races draws visitors from across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, including Charlotte, North Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland. “These folks fill our local hotels with out-of-town guests and often plan an entire weekend in the Charlottesville area,” Fife noted, pointing to vineyard visits and UVA football as popular add-ons to a Foxfield weekend.

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Partnership Opportunities

Foxfield offers a range of sponsorship levels to fit corporate, small business, and individual objectives and budgets. Fife described options that include fully-catered corporate tents on the rail near the finish, smaller hospitality tents for client or employee engagement, and course branding such as jump or rail sponsorships. “We have a place for everyone and pride ourselves on customizing packages that fit the needs of sponsors,” she said. “We see our sponsorships more as partnerships. We strive to deliver the most for sponsors while benefiting Foxfield and ultimately the community.”

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A Personal Connection

Fife’s ties to Foxfield and Charlottesville run deep. “I was born and raised in Charlottesville, and I had my very first riding lessons at the age of six or seven on this property,” she said. After returning to Virginia in 2021, she sought ways to contribute locally. “Working at Foxfield has been a really great way for me to give back to my community and get more involved in a place that I know and love. Charlottesville has always been a part of me, so I’m really happy to be back and involved.”

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Plan Your Visit

Foxfield Fall Races on October 5, 2025 will deliver a full day of steeplechase action, family-friendly activities, and a direct connection to regional conservation and community impact. For details on ticketing, event schedules, and sponsorship information, visit foxfieldraces.org.