Penticton’s race season springs into gear this weekend with two sporting events attracting hundreds of participants.
This includes the Duel in the Desert boat race from May 9-11 at Skaha Lake Park, hosted by the Penticton Paddle Sports Association. This event attracts roughly 150 participants, with the majority of the races taking place on Saturday.
On Sunday, May 11, runners from around the region will complete in the Blossom 8 Miler race, starting from Okanagan Lake Park at 8:30 a.m. Participants run up Vancouver Avenue, Lower Bench Road and along Naramata Road, before returning on the KVR Trail.
While there will not be any road closures, drivers are reminded to slow down and watch for runners and volunteers on the shoulder of the road. All routes are expected to be cleared by 11 a.m.
For more upcoming event information, visit penticton.ca/events.
More upcoming race and fun run events
Okanagan Super Sprints (June 6-7): Fun, fast sprints on Skaha Lake, with teams arriving from all over to compete. pentictonpaddlesports.com
Penticton Beer Run (June 7): Featuring over 11 breweries and at least four local eateries, this 7 km walk/run is a fun event with lots of costumes. pentictonbeerrun.ca
Wildstone’s Colour 4 Kids Run (June 8): This family-friendly event starts with a blast of colour, followed by a 2.5 km or 5 km run along the waterfront, with all proceeds going to OSNS Child Development Centre. wildstone.com/run/
Okanagan Trestles Tour (July 6): Ride the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail starting at the famous Myra Canyon in Kelowna to Penticton. okanagantrestlestour.com
Okanagan Granfondo (July 12-13): Thousands of riders will take part in this mass cycling event, which ranks among the best in North America. Kids also get their kicks in the Kids’ Piccolofondo. okanagangranfondo.com
Peach Classic Triathlon (July 20): Ranked among the oldest triathlons in Canada, this event attracts everyone from beginners to professional triathletes and Olympians. peachclassic.ca
Ultraman Canada (July 26-27): Split up over three days, this race totals 515 km. There are four Ultraman events contested around the world, with Ultraman Canada being held in Penticton since 1993. officialultramancanada.com
Across the Lake Swim (Aug. 10): An open-water swim across Skaha Lake, open to a limited number of participants, taking place during Peach Fest. peachfest.com
Length of the Lake (Aug. 31): This epic 100 km outrigger race starts in Vernon and ends at Okanagan Beach in Penticton. pentictonpaddlesports.com
Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 6-7): Cheer on the 80+ teams as boats take to the water off Skaha Lake Park. The festival will have a vendor’s market, food trucks and a beverage garden, attracting participants in the thousands. pentictonpaddlesports.com
For more upcoming events, view Penticton's events calendar.