It害羞草研究所檚 time to hit the ground running and Okanagan runners can get a head start on the race害羞草研究所攅arly-bird registration for the 2016 Okanagan College Half Marathon, 10 K and Relay Race is now open.

This is the 14th year for the race, which will be held on Sunday, April 3 in Kelowna. The not-for-profit event raises scholarship funds that support Okanagan College students who are involved in recreation and athletics.

Last year, Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Christy Lovig joined more than 400 running enthusiasts on the course that boasts unparalleled lake views to take the women害羞草研究所檚 10 K title with a time of 36:48.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檝e run the college害羞草研究所檚 half marathon and 10 K numerous times, and I always look forward to the fast course throughout our beautiful city,害羞草研究所� said Lovig. 害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 a pleasure to run in a well-organized event that is backed by such enthusiastic organizers, volunteers, supporters and participants.害羞草研究所�

With start and finish lines at the Okanagan College Kelowna campus, the 21.1 km half marathon course runs along the scenic City Park and up to Knox Mountain before looping back towards Gyro Beach. The relay race allows up to five runners to share the same distance in 4 km segments, while the 10 K has runners turn around in City Park.

害羞草研究所淲e are doing a few things differently this year and I think our runners are going to be really happy with the improvements,害羞草研究所� said Christine Ulmer, race director.

害羞草研究所淭he course will remain the same but we害羞草研究所檙e enhancing some of our services for runners, most notably the food. We hear every year that we have the best post-race snacks and we害羞草研究所檙e going to provide an even better selection of food this year.害羞草研究所�

The race will offer cash prizes to the winners of the half marathon event. Prizes for the top relay and 10 km finishers will also be handed out.

Each year, more than 60 volunteers from the community make the event possible and a great success. Non-runners who wish to be involved in the race can contribute their time as race volunteers or course marshals. No experience is necessary.

害羞草研究所淲e have volunteers of all ages who join us on race day,害羞草研究所� said Ulmer. 害羞草研究所淔rom young families, local sports team members, and retired runners, everyone always has a great time at cheering our participants on along the course.害羞草研究所�

To register, for more details about the course, and entry fee deadlines, visit .

Those interested in volunteering can contact Michelle Lowry at 250-762-5445 ext. 4649 or at mlowry@okanagan.bc.ca.

Race quick facts:

害羞草研究所�    Start time: 8 a.m. (10 K) and 8:15 a.m. (half marathon and relay)

害羞草研究所�    Early Bird fees, until Feb. 14: $35 (10 K) and $50 (half marathon)

害羞草研究所�    Relay team fees: $125 (until March 30)

害羞草研究所�    Follow the Facebook page for updates, training tips and photos