Temecula Half Marathon & 5K

October 20, 2013 · Temecula, CA

Distance: 13.1 miles, 5K

Sandy Feet Events is thrilled to announce we are partnering with Wilson Creek Winery for the 3rd Annual Temecula Half Marathon & 5K!Race up and down dirt country roads in vineyard territory, then raise your glass at a finish line wine or beer tasting with live music – all in support of local school gardens!!! Presented by Sandy Feet Events, the 3rd Annual Temecula Half Marathon & 5K at Wilson Creek Winery has limited space!

Make a day of it in Temecula! After the race, show your bib number at neighboring wineries for a discount off wine tastings and bottle purchases. Runners can add beer or wine tasting to race registration for $10 which includes a signature glass. Proceeds from wine tasting will be donated toTemecula Valley Slow Food.The Temecula 5K course travels through scenic back country roads, while the Half Marathon out-and-back takes runners past vineyards and farmland. Both hilly, the 5K is an easier course, while the Half Marathon offers a hard (hilly and hot) challenge. Remember, dirt roads are better on your knees. Temperatures are expected to be chilly at the start for this fall race, heating up to the 90s by midday. Bring cash if you want to drink a little extra. Proceeds from wine tasting goes to the Temecula Valley Slow Food’s School Garden Project.

Click here for registration information

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Review

Pre Race a little disorganized… But managed to start on time… Super dusty from vehicle traffic on dirt roads… but other than that a gorgeous morning.

Course was great, an out and back route of small country roads mostly dirt some pavement.. The heat was kicking in and the water stations were well placed.

Post race was a little chaotic and some of the winerys ran out of alcohol, but otherwise it was a great time and a fun environment.

Review

This was a VERY hilly, but beautiful course. The vineyards and the hot air balloons were a very nice site. Packet pick up was pretty easy and the parking was great – no need to shuttle to the start race or walk 10 minutes to the start. I could have used more water stations. But, got lucky that one of the residents left out a case of water in their front yard for runners and I was able to grab a water. I was disappointed with the post race. They ran out of water and we didn’t get any water. I paid $10 for the post race wine/beer tasting and after standing in one of the lines for wine, they ran out. I then stood in another line for beer and by the time I got to the front, they had run out! Other than this, it was a great hard run.

Review

If you are looking for an easy half marathon, this is NOT it. If you are looking for breathtaking views and a gorgeous scenery run this IS it! WOW

PreRace: Bib pickup was easy and quick the morning of the race. I got there one hour before the race started and parked about 200 yards away from the start line. I made my way through the 2 person check in line. The only downfall was the portopotty line was out of control they only had about 8 and needed at least triple the amount. I know quite a few missed the start because of this.

Course: HILLS like crazy. If you are not going up you are going down. It was a very challenging run but left me on a complete high. Water and ultima were at each water station spaced about 2.5 miles apart.
Usually I shy away from courses like this because of the hills. Its nice to not always go for a PR and try new and challenging things. Yes, It was hard, but the views through the vineyards were absolutely breathtaking! (Think ripe vineyards and hot air balloons rising over the crests!) Running through the hills of temecula is hands down way better than any street/city views in my opinion. Im so happy I got the chance to try this race out.

After: Plenty of water and snacks, beautiful recycled finishers medal and for an additional $10 you got a logo wine glass with wine samples. WIN. Wine and running??? sign me up!! I will be back next year to tackle the hills again. PERFECT amount of runners! I think I am falling in love with these smaller type runs. They really cater to us and who wouldn’t love that! Try out the temecula half marathon next year you will be glad you gave yourself the challenge!