The Summerland Rodeo Grounds and the Kettle Valley Steam Railway station are hosting the Summerland Sweets and TriPower Cross-Country Running Races on Oct. 4.
There will be a 7.4 kilometre race and a 3.2-km distance youth race beginning at 10 a.m. The 7.4-km race will be the second of five cross-country races put on by the Interior Running Association and sponsored by the Vernon running and outdoor store, The Starting Block.
The 7.4-km route will have runners make their way along the relatively flat Trans-Canada Trail towards Summerland, and then at the 3.5-km mark they will head back towards the rodeo grounds along a higher trail. It also includes a few hills before a generally flat and downhill 1.5 km to the finish. The adults’ race is suitable for both casual joggers as well as more competitive runners.
The TriPower 3.2-km Kids’ race begins at the same time and follows the Trans-Canada Trail towards Summerland and then loop back to the start via a 350-metre hill. If there are adults who are not up to running 7.4 km, or would like to accompany a son or daughter they are welcome to run the shorter distance. For more information on the youth race, contact Melissa Berrisford at bmelissa@telus.net.
This year sees the addition of a team category. When participants register, they should note if they belong to a team, such as TriPower Triathlon Club, Summerland Secondary Cross-Country Team or Penticton Pounders. The more runners from a team, the greater chance they have of winning the category. Team members also qualify for individual prizes.
The races will have washroom facilities at the start, spotters along the route and draw prizes. There will also be prizes for the first three finishers in each of the five-year age categories for the 7.4-km race, including a bottle of Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery wine for adult age group winners.
There will also be prizes for the top three in the under-12 as well as the 13 to 15 categories. To register for either race go to www.zone4.ca.
The entry fee for the 7.4K race is $12 and for the 3.2K race it is $8.
For more information on the 7.4K race, or if you would like to volunteer, please email Mike Braid at jamibraid@shaw.ca.