The Wine Country Half Marathon Series sponsored by Newton Running and produced by Destination Races is winding its way through the heart of the Willamette Valley in Oregon on 31 August 2014. Athletes can still sign up online for this popular race and related events in this famed Pinot Noir wine region, which encompasses four lush, idyllic viticulture areas — Dundee Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge.
The Half Marathon begins at the Stroller Family Estate and rolls by the vineyards to the finish line in Carlton, Oregon beginning at 07:00 local time on Sunday 31 August. All Half Marathon and relay finishers receive a finisher’s medal (recently noted by Runner’s World as one of the best race medals), technical shirt and exclusive Riedel wine glass to take to the popular Wine + Music Festival immediately following the finish line.
The Festival is held in downtown Carlton from 09:30-12:00 where participants can sample wines from two-dozen local wineries in the tasting area adjacent to the food and beer garden, live music by Lil’ Queenie band, exhibitors booths and the awards ceremony at 10:30.
“Running through wine country is an unforgettable experience that awakens the senses,” said Matt Dockstader, Founder and the Race Director of Destination Races. “The race starts with a spectacular sunrise over Mount Hood and the hillside vines of Stoller Family Estate, and the course is lined with orchards, farms, ranches and vineyards until descending upon the quaint town of Carlton and the finish line.”
Dockstader added, “Runners get to absorb the beauty of the wine country by foot and then sample fantastic wines from those vineyards in a fun, celebratory environment. The local community really embraces this event and offer unsurpassed hospitality and a memorable experience.”
A two-person relay option is also available in addition to the team and individual registration for the half marathon.
For those who want to experience a shorter distance race in the wine country, there is a Playworks Fun Run for kids and parents on Saturday 30 August at 11:00. ‘Registration for the Playworks Fun Run comes with a discount to Evergreen museum attractions and includes entrance into the Wings and Waves Waterpark.’
www.destinationraces.com/runoregon
