‘Euphoria’ was a brand, it would undoubtedly be named “Destination Races Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon.” This is a run that dreams are made of and attracts those with a passion for not only lacing-up but for exploring beautiful wine-country places at a good pace and where the finish line is graced with an abundance of fine wine.
In September 2013, with the support of Tourism Kelowna, Kelowna became the first Canadian city to host the renowned Destination Races Wine Country Half Marathon Series. The events sell out regularly in their U.S. based wine-country settings of Napa-Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Northern Virginia, Oregon (Willamette Valley), Healdsburg, CA and Temecula Valley, CA.
The hugely successful inaugural Kelowna race included a beautiful and moderately challenging route which started at The Vibrant Vine in East Kelowna, meandered past breathtaking vineyards, orchards and expansive vistas of Okanagan Lake and culminated at Waterfront Park with a wine and music festival, where runners and their guests mingled to share stories of the race, whilst sipping wines from Kelowna’s finest wineries.
Kelowna lawyer Christy Lovig was one of those passionate runners and is excited to run again in the 2014 race. “The events put on by Destination Races are truly class acts, and it’s an honour to be part of the family with the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon.” Christy helped train a group of runners through Fresh Air Experience in Kelowna and proved her skills on the local roads, finishing in 3rd place and taking home prize money and wine. “It’s fantastic to combine such a beautiful course on our home turf with the excitement and energy of the Wine & Music Festival – it’s more than a race, it’s an experience! And what better way to tour our wine country than by running through it! We live in paradise, and I’m thrilled that the Destination Races organizers agree,” comments Christy.
Runners and wineries are now gearing up for the 2014 Kelowna Wine Country Marathon slated for September 6. The event weekend, which spans from Sept 4-6, provides ample opportunity for participants to fully explore and experience all that wine-country has to offer. There’s a pre-race reception at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery and a pre-race dinner slated for the new Kelowna Yacht Club. After the race each participant receives a functional finishers medal and Riedel wine glass good for tasting at the Wine & Music Festival presented by Food & Wine Trails Magazine (at Waterfront Park) followed by a post-race party at Manteo Resort. With the race fast approaching its time to start training for the fine art of sweating, swirling and sipping!
For more information or to register please visit:
http://destinationraces.com/runbc/
~ Angela McManus