A Little Zip, a Little Sip
Sunday’s Inaugural Wine Country Run combines two Canadian passions

Is it a fast-paced wine-tasting tour or is it a leisurely run through Niagara’s vineyards? That question will be answered Sunday, June 14th in the west end of Niagara’s wine region as the inaugural Twenty Valley Niagara Wine Country Run meanders across the famous Niagara Escarpment and ends with a finish line celebration in charming Jordan Village.

What makes the Twenty Valley Niagara Wine Country Run unique is the opportunity for competitors to combine their devotion to running with their appreciation for great wine. Close to 1,500 competitors will experience the natural splendour of Twenty Valley as the course journeys through some of Niagara’s prime vineyards, providing vistas of Lake Ontario -making this event noticeably different from your traditional urban-based road race.

The Wine Country Run hosts four events – a half marathon; a half marathon team relay; a 10K run; and a 4K stroll/walk – providing an opportunity for runners of all abilities to experience this unique event. For the more competitive participants, the half marathon course will offer the challenge of three climbs of the Bench section of the Niagara Escarpment. For the more recreational visitor, the 4K walk/stroll is a pleasant downhill course. Along all race routes, participants will be welcome to sample vintages from any of the eleven participating wineries… certainly a unique and compelling way to introduce the various wines the area has to offer.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the Twenty Valley to a new group of visitors. The chance to run along our scenic wine route is very appealing and unique to the Niagara Region” says AJ McLaughlin, President of the Twenty Valley Tourism Association.

Landmark Sport Group, which is coordinating The Niagara Wine Country Run, has previous race organizing experience with The Mississauga Marathon and the Labour Day Oakville Half Marathon and saw an opportunity to add a unique event to their portfolio. “This event will not only treat runners to some of the most scenic routes in the country, but also to some of the regions, and Canada’s best wines. Landmark Sport Group is proud to introduce the first ever wine country run in Canada” says Elliott Kerr, President of Landmark Sport Group Inc.

Landmark loosely modelled the Twenty Valley Niagara Wine Country Run on the famous Marathon du Medoc held annually in Medoc France. That race – started in 1984 – in more a spectacle than a sporting
event. Participants are encouraged to be boisterous in both their apparel and their attitude, creating a sort of carnival atmosphere throughout the route. That atmosphere is something the Niagara organizers want to mirror here in Ontario with this event by adding prizes for best costumes.

Of course for some, the competitive side of the race is a major draw and organizers are accommodating these runners by providing a complimentary bus tour of the wineries along the race route on Saturday along with the Meridian Rockin’ BBQ. At the end of the race route, the Finish Line Street Party in Jordan Village will feature local wine, food and entertainment until 6:00pm to end the weekend with an appropriate festive flair.

Registrations for the inaugural event will be accepted until Friday, June 12th. For more information or to register for the Twenty Valley Niagara Wine Country Run visit www.winecountryrun.com or call 905-949-1910 x: 301

Tags: Angels Gate, East Dell, Featherstone, Niagara, Vineland, Wine