College half marathon set for April 6, registration now open

Okanagan College Media Release

Registration is now open for the 2014 Okanagan College Half Marathon, 10 K and Relay Race, with this year’s running events taking place on Sunday, April 6 in Kelowna.

The race has grown steadily over the past decade and has adapted to offer a variety of distances and fun events to encourage participation from every type of runner – from newbies to corporate challenge teams to competitive racers.

The event, which raises money to support College students involved in recreation and athletics, has a long and proud history in the Okanagan thanks to the great support it has received from local runners and volunteers.

“Every year the race gets better and better,” said race director Christine Ulmer. “We have made a lot of improvements over the past 12 years and many of our repeat runners tell us it’s their favourite event in the region. I think that’s because we focus on fun and participation. There are some very serious runners who take part and we encourage that; but overall, our runners are out to stretch their legs after a long winter, tick off a New Year’s resolution, or just participate in a great and supportive event.”

Each of the three races begins between 8 and 8:15 a.m. at the KLO Road campus of Okanagan College.

The half marathon course will cover 21.1 kms of Kelowna pavement, taking runners along the Abbott corridor into City Park and will turn around atop the first hill on Knox Mountain. Runners will make their way back along the waterfront to Gyro Beach, across Lakeshore and finish back at the KLO campus.

For new runners or those looking for a shorter distance, the relay race covers the same course as the half marathon and allows up to five runners to participate in segments of approximately 4 km each.

Back for a fifth year is the popular 10 km route, which will take runners along the same first and last portions of the half marathon course with a turnaround in City Park.

Prize money will be offered to the top three finishers in the male and female division of the half marathon. On each side, first place will receive $250, second place will take $150 and the third place finisher will receive $100. Prizes will also be offered to winners of the 10 km and relay portion of the race.

Any non-runners wishing to be involved with the race can lend their time as race volunteers or course marshals, explained Ulmer.

“There’s no experience necessary, just some common sense, enthusiasm and a desire to help out.”

To register, find out more about the course or to view entry fee deadlines, visit: www.okanagan.bc.ca/halfmarathon.

To volunteer, contact Michelle Lowry at 250-762-5445 ext. 4649 or at [email protected].