In 12 short days runners from across BC will gather in Kelowna’s City Park to run in the 16th BMO Okanagan Marathon. Weekend events includes 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km & 42.2 km races, a fitness expo and a Kids Zone. The Okanagan Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course. All the courses are considered to be flat and fast!
The fall event gets great turn-out too. In 2009 there were approximately 700 marathon and over 800 half-marathon participants. All participants receive a race t-shirt, and runners who complete the full and half marathon will receive a souvenir finisher’s medal. This will be my first time participating in the BMO Okanagan half marathon.
What I like about this event is that it is supported by the same team that puts on the BMO Vancouver Marathon; which means it will be very well organized and a lot of fun.
There will be race-bunnies for both the full and half marathon events:
- Half Marathon: 1:45, 2:00 (2), 2:15 (2), 2:30
- Marathon: 3:30, 4:15, 4:30
Check out the route map and photos the 21.1k half marathon course.
At each aid station there will be GU Brew in Blueberry Pomegranate and Raspberry,and all 8 flavours of GU Gel.
If you register by September 30, marathon entry is $85, and $90 until cut-off. Half marathon entry is $75, and $85 until cut-off. Registration is available at the Kelowna Running Room or online.
The race expo will also be open for three days:
- Friday, October 8, 4 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, October 9, 9 am – 6 pm
- Sunday, October 10, 8 am – 2 pm
The Kelowna Ramada is the official hotel partner. Rooms are still available. Rates start from $105; quote promo code: BMO Marathon. For reservations call 1-800-665-2518.
Ramada Hotel
2170 Harvey Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G8
Volunteers are still needed, most importantly, course marshals.
For more information, visit the BMO Okanagan Marathon website.
