Run, Bike, Swim & Eat Your Pie Too

There’s no question that folks in Kelowna like to get out and enjoy the seasons while proving their athletic prowess. Not only do they love to run, but they’ll swim, bike or do all three to get to that finish line. If you’re looking for a reason to shake off the winter cobwebs and get competitive this season, we’ve got your top sporty events for 2012 – no matter what you pleasure.

Dirty, Dirty Runners

Having a dirty mind isn’t your thing – you’d rather have dirty feet. Head to the trails of Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park for the annual Dirty Feet Trail Run.  It doesn’t matter if you choose the 5km, 10km and 21km courses, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the lake and city. Be forewarned - that means those trails - and they’re taking you way up and then bringing you right back down...a few times. The race is early enough in the season that the sun won’t be to blame for all the mud, sweat and tears.  Sometimes you have to get a little dirty to have some good clean fun.

Where to register**? http://www.dirtyfeet.ca/trail-running-races/june-3rd-kelowna/

When to get dirty? June 3^rd, 2012.

What to sport? Nothing that doesn’t wash easily!

**get really dirty and sign up for the whole North Face Dirty Feet Series (includes mountain bike races!

Water Babies

You don’t need a reason to put on your swimmers and get wet. One look at the other side of the lake has you saying, ‘Pffft, it’s not that far.’ Time to put your money where your goggles are. The Across the Lake Swim has been a classic Kelowna event since 1949.  You can breast stroke, butterfly or do crawl, just as long as you make it the 2.1 km (if you swim straight) from the Old Ferry Docks in West Kelowna to City Park. 

Where to register? http://www.acrossthelakeswim.com/register-online

When to take the plunge? 8am Saturday July 14^th, 2012 (take the free shuttle ferry to the start).

What to sport? A wetsuit (unless you’re very hardy). Register early, you may win one from Aqua Sphere!

Spin City

You know the hunch. You’re laser focused on the asphalt ahead as you make those tiny circles with your feet. If cycling puts a smile on your face, then the GranFondo will have you showing a lot of teeth. Tackle the ‘big ride’ – a 122 km race that starts downtown and takes riders up and over 1200m of elevation. If that seems like it would turn your smile into a grimace go half way with the MedioFondo. It’s still a big challenge but starts out in Vernon, and follows the rolling hills for 60 km to Kelowna. A favourite with celebrity cyclists, you can rub shoulders with them at the finish line or at least pant loudly as they whizz by.

Where to register? http://granfondocanada.com/

When to Ride? July 14^th, 2012

What to sport? This is the one place where tight, shiny spandex is still accepted. Get geared up at Kelowna Cycles.

Try-Hards

You don't just try things, you do them. If you’ve ever wanted to try a Tri then Kelowna is the place to do it. Not only is Kelowna favoured summer training ground for the iron men and women, it’s also the home of one of top triathlon happenings in Western Canada. The Apple Triathlon (which is no longer an event – it’s a weeklong happening) runs for a full week. Kids get tri-ready at Tri camp and then show off their triple threat in the Kids of Steel race. First-timers can also try-a-tri on the Saturday. Sunday pulls in the big names (Olympians like Simon Whitfield and Paula Findlay love the course), relay teams and the age-grouper sprint and Olympic distance triathletes.

It all starts with swim-cap heads bobbing away from Tugboat Beach, then cycles are mounted for a ride through the hills followed by a scenic run – that is if you can see through the sweat in your eyes!  Got an aversion to wheels? Sign up for the Aquathon (run, swim, run) or the Fina Open Water Swim race.

Where to register? http://www.appletriathlon.com/events.php

When to Tri? August 14 -21^st, 2012

What to sport? Get kitted up at Fresh Air Experience (and check out their clinics too!)

Run for Your Pie

Marathoners know; you need something to keep your mind occupied for those 42.2 km. If a hot, steaming apple pie would do the trick then the Okanagan International Marathon is the run for you. There are apples in logo, along the route and at the end of the run. But the scenic course will leave you little need to be distracted – half the course is along the water! And the ice cream on top? It’s a super flat course and a qualifier for Boston (10% of last year’s runners qualified!) So lace up, take in the sights and grab a PB while you’re at it. At the OIM, you can have you pie and eat it too.  

Where to register? http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=6329 (do it early and get a personalized bib).

When to Run? October 9^th, 2012

What to sport? Trainers from the Running Room and a few layers (the day warms up quickly).