34th annual Chili on the Comstock in Virginia City to offer 5K run, saloon crawl

Taste chili samples from more than 30 professional and amateur chili cooks from across the west at the 34th annual Chili on the Comstock, heating up at 10 a.m. May 20 and 21 in historic Virginia City.

Returning to the event is the Fireball Saloon Crawl — a way tasters can soothe their gullets after spicy chili — along with the Fun With the Runs 5K.

Cups for the Fireball Saloon Crawl, sponsored by Cemetery Gin, are available online in advance for $15 or $25 at the event.

Taking place May 20, the crawl offers samples of specialty beverages from Virginia City’s famed saloons, restaurants and merchants.

Groups of four can purchase a Hot Chili & Chilled Brew for $85, which includes four crawl cups and 10 tasting tokens per person. Purchase in advance online.

May 21 will bring the 3rd annual Fun with the Runs 5K, starting at 10 a.m. on C Street. Runners will make their way through the hilly Virginia City terrain back to the cook-off venue.

Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Awards given to the first place winner men’s, women’s and children’s (12 and under) categories. Race participants receive a knapsack, T-shirt and tasting tokens. Registration is available online for $30 for adults or $15 for children 12 and under.

Tasting kits are available online for discounted prices at VisitVirginiaCityNV.com:

$5 “Cautious Tester” includes four tastings; $8 at event

$10 “Daring Tester” includes 10 tastings; $15 at event

$85 “Hot Chili and Chilled Brew-Party for four package includes 40 tasting tickets and four saloon crawl cups; $95 at event

Chili on the Comstock is sponsored by Dolan Auto Group, Cemetery Gin, Virginia City’s Mustang Ranch Steakhouse, Bucket of Blood Saloon, Coors Light and Camelot Party Rentals.

For information about the event and Virginia City, go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com, or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.