Temecula Half Marathon and 5K Races Into Wine Country
Have you ever driven through the Temecula vineyards, looked up at the beautiful rolling hills and thought, “I would love to run up there.” Well, now is your chance!
On Sunday, October 26th, the Temecula Half Marathon and 5K races are returning to wine country for the fourth year in a row and, for those who have participated in the half marathon over the past three years, the unique, country course is just as difficult as ever.
“The Temecula Half Marathon & 5K is a very hilly, challenging course winding through beautiful autumn vineyards,” Maura O’Neill, Event Coordinator for Sandy Feet Events said. “But the 5K portion is not as hilly as the half marathon course and is held mostly on dirt roads, so it’s better on the knees.”
The half marathon kicks off at 7:30 am with the 5K portion starting soon thereafter, at 8:00 am. Courses for both races take runners past vineyards and farmlands and both are expected to start off with a chilly fall breeze, but get very hot very fast, with temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees by the half marathon final.
Both races begin at Wilson Creek Winery; however, parking for the race will not be available at the location itself. All participants must park at Lake Skinner and be shuttled to the starting line. The only exception is those who have reservations for Wilson Creek’s Sunday brunch and the winery will be checking the list of reservation names before you can enter the parking lot.
Following the race, runners will be treated to a finisher’s village, complete with food, a beer and wine garden for the 21 and over crowd, as well as fitness demos, interactive booths and post-race goodies for the runners.
For those who want to participate but haven’t had a chance to train for this year, volunteers are needed to help keep the race safe and running smoothly.
“We would love for folks to come out and volunteer with us if they don’t want to run. The more the merrier,” O’Neill said. “We also encourage people to cheer on the runners and enjoy the wine and beer tasting available after the race.”
A portion of the proceeds for the Temecula Half Marathon and 5K benefit the Rose Again Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster and orphaned children in our community.
“We chose Rose Again Foundation because we were looking for a local charity to support that was aligned with our values and we love what they do for the community,” O’Neill said.
Registration is still available for both races, but spots are limited. Race day sign-ups will only be accepted if the race has not sold out so it’s best to sign up now while you still can.
Though completing the Temecula Half Marathon and 5K may be a bit more difficult than one of their flatter race cousins, the accomplishment of finishing either of these races will prove to be that much more rewarding.
“Do something healthy this weekend on your home turf,” O’Neill said. “Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Temecula wine country while challenging yourself in your own backyard.”
For more information or to register for the race, visit http://sandyfeetevents.com/temecula-half-marathon-5k/.
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