Hundreds of kids from across B.C. returned to Penticton on July 13, to take part in the always-popular "Piccolofondo" race.

An official kick-off to the long-running Okanagan Granfondo, the event welcomed 300 kids and hundreds of additional spectators to Lakeshore Drive early on Saturday morning.

"It's the most fun event of the weekend," said Jodi Cross, founder of the Okanagan Granfondo. "We've been doing this every year since 2011 and it's just wonderful."

Kids aged two to 10 years old, from as far as Langley to as close as Kelowna, geared up to participate in the event just before 9 a.m.

The young cyclists were accompanied by friends and family, who were huddled along the sidewalks of Lakeshore Drive to cheer on the kids.

"It's great to see the kids and all the smiling faces here," Cross added. "They get the feeling of doing a big race."

Courses for the 2024 Kids' Piccolofondo ranged in distance from 400 metres to five kilometres.

Longtime race announcer Steve King could be heard on the downtown speakers calling all the action.

The kids' race serves as an opener for the Okanagan Granfondo, which will take cyclists on a 153-kilometre course from Summerland to Oliver on Sunday, July 14.

Thousands of athletes, with some seen roaming Penticton's roads this week in preperation, will start the race at 6:30 a.m.

The high-profile event will come with significant road closures across the city, including on Main Street and Skaha Lake Road. Disruptions are expected to take place from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Drivers are recommended to use Channel Parkway or Government Street wherever possible," the city said in a press release. "Avoid crossing Main Street if possible and be aware that some streets, including Lee Avenue, will be closed for overnight parking starting Saturday at midnight."