The inaugural Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon, is set for Saturday, September 7. The event is the first in the Wine Country Half Marathon Series held outside of the United States.
The 21.1-kilometre course begins at Vibrant Vines Winery, offering spectacular views of Okanagan Lake, downtown Kelowna and the surrounding mountains. The course meanders past vineyards, farms, apple orchards, and onto the Mission Creek Greenway as it makes its way to the lakefront. The final four miles of the course take runners along Okanagan Lake, finishing at Waterfront Park for the post-race Wine & Music Festival.
The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort will host the Fresh Air Race Expo on Friday, September 6 from 10 am to 6pm. The event is free and open to the public. The expo features product sampling and demonstrations, an event merchandise store, and informational seminars.
Wine & Music Festival
September 7, 2013
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Waterfront Park, Kelowna
Open to spectators and guests, the post-race celebration gets underway with the Wine & Music Festival along the waterfront of Okanagan Lake. Many fabulous wineries and Tree Brewery Co (Voted Best Local Beer) will be pouring in the park, adjacent to the finish line and the beach area. The awards ceremony starts at 10:30am in the amphitheater and exhibitors will be selling and sampling merchandise, food and other items. The band starts at 9:30am.
The wine tasting fee is $25 and includes a signature glass.
Participating wineries are:
- Calona Vineyards
- House of Rose Winery
- Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery
- Quails Gate Winery
- St Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyards
- The Vibrant Vine
- The View Winery
YMCA of Okanagan will serve as the primary volunteer provider of the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon. This event will help support the YMCA Strong Kids annual fundraising campaign. This campaign is focused on raising much needed resources to support proven YMCA programs that give kids the opportunities they need to live healthier, happier lives now, and grow into productive adults.
The University of British Columbia Heat Cross Country Running team will serve as a partner volunteer provider. Heat varsity athletes compete in the highest level of Canadian amateur sport and additional funding to this program provides student-athletes with financial and travel cost assistance – necessary support to allow them to achieve their potential in the classroom and in competition. The skills that student-athletes gain through varsity athletics enables them to create change in the world and be valuable contributors to the community.
