Sports

Kelowna may have lost out on hosting the grand-daddy of all races, the Ironman - but that doesn't mean event planners are shying away from the city.

Photo: Contributed

Destination Races announced it is bringing its unique half marathon to Kelowna in September.

The inaugural 'Wine Country Half Marathon' will be held Saturday, September 7.

The race is part of a series of 'boutique' destination running races held in scenic wine regions, complemented by wine, food and entertainment activities.

The series began in Sonoma, CA in 2004 and includes events in wine regions of California, Oregon and West Virginia.

Kelowna is the first destination outside the United States and is expected to attract runners and wine enthusiasts.

The race will begin at the Vibrant Vine winery off KLO Road, winds its way past vineyards, farms, apple orchards and onto the Mission Greenway before continuing along Okanagan Lake and ending at Waterfront Park.

"Kelowna, in BC's Okanagan Valley, offers a spectacular setting with its hillside vineyards and orchards leading down to this magnificent lake," says Destination Races President, Matt Dockstader.

"Waterfront Park is the ideal venue for our finish line and trademark Wine and Music Festival."

Tourism Kelowna played a role in bringing the event to the city and will continue to plan and promote the event along with the city and other tourism partners.

"From the moment Tourism Kelowna began discussions with Destination Races, we knew we had a great match for this strong brand uniting wine lovers and recreational athletes," says CEO, Nancy Cameron.

The three day event will be hosted at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.

Registrations will begin January 18.

Event details are available at www.destinationraces.com/runbc.