One of the most popular spring running events in the Okanagan Valley returns this weekend as the Peach City Half Marathon celebrates its 20th anniversary.
“Reaching 20 year is a special occasion for sure,” said event organizer Neil Macdonald, who is also the owner of Peach City Runners on Main Street in Penticton.
The event added a 10-kilometre event several years ago.
The 2018 Peach City Half Marathon and 10-kilometre event will take place Sunday morning, with the start-finish line set up at Skaha Lake Park near the volleyball courts, said Macdonald.
“The 10-kilometre race will kick off at 8 a.m. and the half marthon race will begin at 8:15,” he said. “We have 110 signed up so far for the half marathon and 75 in the 10-kilometre race.”
Anyone wanting to register can still do so online at www.peachcityrunners.com before Friday evening or at Macdonald’s store before close of business on Saturday.
The race “is a mixed bag” ranging from serious competitors getting ready for the 2018 race season to people who aren’t competitive, but enjoy the challenge of competing a distance race at their own pace, said Macdonald.
Mother Nature looks like she will co-operate with the daytime high on Sunday forecasted to be around 20 degrees, which is ideal for a long distance race, he said.
The start area will be approximately 200 metres further west of the finish line.
The 10-kilometre course will proceed onto Skaha Lake Road and proceed north for 2.5 kilometres. The course then turns right and proceeds onto South Main Street and heads south to the edge of town for another 2.5 kilometres. Racers will follow along Skaha Lake to the turnaround point, then return along Skaha Lake to the Skaha Beach promenade and the finish line.
There will be limited package pick-up on race day morning between 7 and 7:45 a.m at Skaha Lake park, but the race start is punctual and will not be held up for athletes not picking up their packages in the prescribed times, he said
The half marathon will follow the same route, however, racers will proceed past the 10-kilometre turnaround and follow Skaha Lake along East Side Road for approximately 8 kilometres to the turn around point (13 km from the start), then return along Skaha Lake to the Skaha Beach promenade and the finish line.
For insurance, liability and safety reasons, organizers have limited access to the course to registered runners only.
Bicycles, roller blades/skates, running with dogs and the use of headsets are strictly prohibited on the course.
The use of pacers is not allowed.
Failure to comply with these conditions will lead to disqualification.
Runners accompanied by a cyclist will be disqualified.
This course is not closed to traffic although efforts will be made to control volume where possible, said Macdonald.
Traffic can be heavy this time of year, given the event is on a long weekend, he said.
Major intersections will be marshalled, however, runners have to assume responsibility and be aware of traffic conditions at all times.
Baby joggers will be allowed, but under normal circumstances will start at the back of the main field. If you can demonstrate to organizers that you are capable of running at the front with the leaders, then special permission will be granted for a front row start.
Aid stations will be approximately every three kilometres on the course. Aid station support will remain on course for a maximum of three hours. Stations will shut down along the course as the final runner passes.
Bathroom facilities are available at the Start/Finish areas in the park. There will also be portable facilities available at the turn points of both events.
Each aid station will have cellphone contact with the finish line. In the case of a medical issue or drop out from the event, proceed to the nearest Aid Station and inform the aid station of your situation.
The finish line area will have qualified emergency personnel available.
Skaha Beach has free parking lots at either end of the beach. Please only park in a designated parking lot.
Residents in the area do not want their driveways blocked. The beach is patrolled and improperly parked vehicles will be ticketed, said Macdonald.
