About Wildhorse Traverse
Wildhorse Traverse is a challenging point to point destination trail running race that starts on the shores of Okanagan Lake, in Kelowna, BC and finishes on the shores of Okanagan Lake, in Naramata, BC. It traverses through Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, rocky canyons, along the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) and past vineyards.
Growing up in Kelowna, I am extremely proud to showcase so many of the things I love about this region... rugged landscapes, grasslands, spruce-fir forests, lake views and vineyards. This park has become a very special area throughout the years and holds a lot of really treasured memories. Before it became a race in our series, it was an "epic run" that friends and I would run every year.
Since 2013, we have been hosting charity runs along the Wildhorse trail, to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Mental Health Association. The feedback from these runs was so positive, that it was only natural for us to consider adding it to our series, so we could share the raw beauty with more people across the land. In 2017, The Wildhorse Traverse was born.
Growing up in Kelowna, I am extremely proud to showcase so many of the things I love about this region... rugged landscapes, grasslands, spruce-fir forests, lake views and vineyards. This park has become a very special area throughout the years and holds a lot of really treasured memories. Before it became a race in our series, it was an "epic run" that friends and I would run every year.
Since 2013, we have been hosting charity runs along the Wildhorse trail, to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Mental Health Association. The feedback from these runs was so positive, that it was only natural for us to consider adding it to our series, so we could share the raw beauty with more people across the land. In 2017, The Wildhorse Traverse was born.
Environment
Our team has a deep love for Mother Earth and we are committed to the following sustainable practices. Thanks for helping us make a positive impact on the environment.
- Our races are cup-less. Athletes need to bring a reusable cup, or hydration pack for replenishing at aid stations and at the finish line.
- Our races provide reusable bags at package pick-up.
- We have the option to opt out of a t-shirt when registering.
- We offer consumables, such as coffee as race swag which also has compostable packaging.
- Our race bibs are recyclable. Athletes can hand their bibs in to be recycled at the finish area.
- We course mark with reusable flagging and signs.
- Our waviers are all digital and online.
- We offer recycling & composting at all of our aid stations.
- We offer recycling & composting at our start/finish line.
Parking
KELOWNA / BERTRAM CREEK PARK
Just 10min from downtown Kelowna, Bertram Creek Park is a located along Lakeshore Road. There are lower & upper parking lots and we are asking our runners to use the upper parking lot as it is much larger and closer to the start area. The shuttle will drop off any runners who are coming from Naramata Saturday morning. If you get dropped off at the start, you can't leave your vehicle in Bertram Park parking lot over night or it will be towed. The park closes at 8pm.
Just 10min from downtown Kelowna, Bertram Creek Park is a located along Lakeshore Road. There are lower & upper parking lots and we are asking our runners to use the upper parking lot as it is much larger and closer to the start area. The shuttle will drop off any runners who are coming from Naramata Saturday morning. If you get dropped off at the start, you can't leave your vehicle in Bertram Park parking lot over night or it will be towed. The park closes at 8pm.
NARAMATA / COLUMBIA HALL 455 ELLIS AVENUE
There is parking near the finish line in Naramata on the residential streets. Everything is close by and a short walk to the finish on 455 Ellis at Columbia Hall. Please car pool where possible and be mindful of the residents.
There is parking near the finish line in Naramata on the residential streets. Everything is close by and a short walk to the finish on 455 Ellis at Columbia Hall. Please car pool where possible and be mindful of the residents.
Schedule
4:30am: start loading the shuttle buses and depart The Centre in Naramata for the start line in Kelowna.
5:45am: shuttle buses arrive at Bertram Park in Kelowna.
5:45am to 6:45am: racer check-in, bib pick up & gear check.
6:45am: race Briefing at Bertram Park start area.
7:00am: OFFICIAL race start
11:20am: first runner expected to arrive into finish
11:30am: catered lunch, wine and/or cider tastings, craft beer & coffee.
1:00pm to 3:00pm: live music!
5:00pm: finish line closes. 10hr cut off time
5:45am: shuttle buses arrive at Bertram Park in Kelowna.
5:45am to 6:45am: racer check-in, bib pick up & gear check.
6:45am: race Briefing at Bertram Park start area.
7:00am: OFFICIAL race start
11:20am: first runner expected to arrive into finish
11:30am: catered lunch, wine and/or cider tastings, craft beer & coffee.
1:00pm to 3:00pm: live music!
5:00pm: finish line closes. 10hr cut off time
Cut-Off's
Wildhorse Traverse has a 10hr cut off time.
- The first cut off is at aid station #2 by 2:30pm. This gives participants 7.5hrs to complete approx. 35.5km of the full 52km course.
- The second cut-off is aid #3 by 4:00pm which allows runners 90 minutes to complete the next 11km (which is descending/flat) and 1hr to complete the final 5km descent to the finish.
- The third cut off is at the finish line at 5pm.
Shuttles
Shuttles will depart at 455 Ellis Street, in-front of Columbia Hall where the finish area will be located. Please DO NOT PARK on the right hand side in-front of The Columbia Hall, as we need this area clear for the shuttles and to start our finish area.
- Wild Horse Traverse requires racers to either shuttle to the start in Kelowna, or arrange their own drop off.
- We have created shuttle options for $5.00 per person and this service can be added at the checkout or after you register.
- Approx. transport time is 1hr 15min from Naramata to Bertram Creek Park.
- Everyone is required to wear a facemark on the shuttle bus. Thank you for your cooperation.
- 4:15am: start loading the shuttle buses and depart at 4:30am from 455 Ellis / Columbia Hall in Naramata for the start line in Kelowna.
- 5:45am: shuttle buses arrive at Bertram Park in Kelowna.
- There is no shuttle back to Kelowna after the race.
- You can't leave your vehicle in Bertram Park parking lot (in Kelowna) over night & the gates for the park close at 8pm.
If your name isn’t on the list follow the steps below to sign up before May 20th.
1. log into your ultra signup account.
2. choose Wildhorse Traverse.
3. click on "store".
4. add to cart & proceed to payment options.
Check-In / Bib Pick-Up
We will have 3 separate lines that will be in ALPHA ORDER BY RUNNERS LAST NAME, so you’ll need to line up accordingly. Please review the following so you can prepare ahead of time
Please note: Transfer of bib numbers is strictly prohibited and you will be permanently banned from all PACE Trail Series races should you race under a bib number that is not registered to you. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Please have proof of I.D. with you and have it ready to go by the time you move up the line. (you can put it in your drop bag or running pack afterwards)
- Please have your mandatory gear out and visible to help keep the line moving.
- Once you pass gear check, a volunteer will add a “GEAR CHECK” sticker to your bib. Runners without a gear check sticker are not permitted to start the race.
- All racers must be checked in by 6:45am. Thank you.
- STARTING AREA WASHROOMS: Therewill be portable toilets in the upper parking lot, as you exit the shuttle bus, as well as public washroom facilities down at the waterfront.
Please note: Transfer of bib numbers is strictly prohibited and you will be permanently banned from all PACE Trail Series races should you race under a bib number that is not registered to you. Thank you for your cooperation.
Mandatory Gear
Wildhorse Traverse is demanding and should only be undertaken by athletes in good physical condition. This is a remote point to point race racers need to be prepared for varying temperatures - think in terms of being stuck - if you are forced to spend extra time out in the weather, you will be much better off if you have carried extra clothing & fuel to help. A sprained ankle for instance could mean a long, slow painful limp into the nearest aid station, possibly in cold rain. Hypothermia can be very dangerous, especially on tired bodies with no reserves left for generating heat.
Runners must carry the following gear with them:
- Lightweight jacket for variable weather and cold temperatures.
- Emergency Blanket
Runners must *start* the race with the following fuel & hydration requirements. These are subject to change as we assess weather leading into the event. Please note this is due to the fact that we have limited capacity to to boat aid into aid station #1
- Hydration pack or 2 large handheld water bottles equalling a minimum of 1.5 litres.
- Minimum 400 calories.
Runners have the option to DROP GEAR at Aid Station #2, however your items must fit into your drop bag. You cannot just leave random gear with volunteers, on the tarp or around the aid station. Please be responsible and ensure any dropped gear is placed inside your drop bag. Thank you for your cooperation.
The following is "recommended" gear:
- Cap/toque (some areas are exposed to sun) and it will keep your head warm in cold temperatures.
- Extra warm layer in addition to a jacket, like a thin long sleeve base layer.
- Cell phone: portions of the course has cell coverage.
- Bear Spray.
- Gloves.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- High energy fuel and drink.
Please note: This is for your safety and race organizers reserve the right to adapt or change the mandatory list/rules last minute. Please ensure you attend the mandatory race briefing for any last minute changes. Thank you for your cooperation.
Runners must carry the following gear with them:
- Lightweight jacket for variable weather and cold temperatures.
- Emergency Blanket
Runners must *start* the race with the following fuel & hydration requirements. These are subject to change as we assess weather leading into the event. Please note this is due to the fact that we have limited capacity to to boat aid into aid station #1
- Hydration pack or 2 large handheld water bottles equalling a minimum of 1.5 litres.
- Minimum 400 calories.
Runners have the option to DROP GEAR at Aid Station #2, however your items must fit into your drop bag. You cannot just leave random gear with volunteers, on the tarp or around the aid station. Please be responsible and ensure any dropped gear is placed inside your drop bag. Thank you for your cooperation.
The following is "recommended" gear:
- Cap/toque (some areas are exposed to sun) and it will keep your head warm in cold temperatures.
- Extra warm layer in addition to a jacket, like a thin long sleeve base layer.
- Cell phone: portions of the course has cell coverage.
- Bear Spray.
- Gloves.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- High energy fuel and drink.
Please note: This is for your safety and race organizers reserve the right to adapt or change the mandatory list/rules last minute. Please ensure you attend the mandatory race briefing for any last minute changes. Thank you for your cooperation.
Drop Bags
- Runners will have access to their drop bags at the second aid station.
- Racers are responsible for providing their own drop bags and must not be larger than a shoe bag or it will not make the transport vehicle up to the aid station.
- Racers will need to bring their drop bags with them to package pick up, fully labeled with their name & bib number.
- Click the link below for a list of runners and bib numbers.
- Please ensure your drop bags are properly sealed and protected.
- Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line after the last runners passes through aid #2 at approx. 2:30pm. If you require your drop bag sooner, please make arrangements with your support crew.
Please note - we are not responsible for wet or lost items. If any items are left behind and you require they be mailed, you are responsible for the shipment fees. Thank you for your cooperation.
- Racers are responsible for providing their own drop bags and must not be larger than a shoe bag or it will not make the transport vehicle up to the aid station.
- Racers will need to bring their drop bags with them to package pick up, fully labeled with their name & bib number.
- Click the link below for a list of runners and bib numbers.
- Please ensure your drop bags are properly sealed and protected.
- Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line after the last runners passes through aid #2 at approx. 2:30pm. If you require your drop bag sooner, please make arrangements with your support crew.
Please note - we are not responsible for wet or lost items. If any items are left behind and you require they be mailed, you are responsible for the shipment fees. Thank you for your cooperation.
Aid Stations
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Part of what makes Wild Horse Traverse so "wild" is the remoteness and the fact that racers need to be comfortable and prepared to be self sufficient in-between widely spread apart aid stations. The first aid station is 21.5km into the race and although it's only 14km between aid #1 & aid #2 - this section this is the most challenging part of the whole course and shouldn't be under estimated.
Some years there are running streams on course which provide the opportunity to draw from creeks and filter or treat water however we DON'T recommend relying on this for your hydration source. Runners have the option to DROP GEAR at Aid Station #2, however your items must fit into your drop bag. You cannot just leave random gear with volunteers, on the tarp or around the aid station. Please be responsible and ensure any dropped gear is placed inside your drop bag. Thank you for your cooperation. Runner Assistance: Runners may not receive assistance outside of designated Aid Stations by anyone other than another registered active runner. This standard is enforced for fairness to all runners. You are, however, allowed to receive assistance from a crew within Aid Station boundaries so long as your crew does not impede other runners or race staff. AID #1 - 21.5km This aid station is remote and requires boat access for aid, volunteers and medic crew, therefore, supplies are limited and runners are encouraged to plan accordingly. (Please also see the mandatory gear list which requires every runner to start with 1.5 litres (minimum) and 400 calories. - Fig Bars - Fruit Gummies - Potato Chips - Pickles - Hammer Nutrition Gels - Coke (we are a cupless event. Please bring your own cup) - Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes - Hammer Nutrition HEED - Water AID #2 - 35.5km Access is via Naramata and off Chute Lake Road at the turn off to the south parking lot of OK Mountain Provincial Park. Spectators and support crews are welcome at this aid station, however vehicles must park along Chute Lake Road or away from the aid station area, as space is limited to aid station supplies and volunteers only. This is also a drop bag area. Please note that drop bags will be returned to the finish area, after the last runner is through and the aid station is packed up. If you require your drop bag sooner, please make arrangements with your support crew. - Fig Bars - Fruit Gummies - Potato Chips - Pickles - Watermelon, oranges and/or bananas - Hammer Nutrition Gels - Coke (we are a cupless event. Please bring your own cup) - Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes - Hammer Nutrition HEED - Water AID #3 - 46.5km Located at Smethurst Parking Lot along the KVR. Access is via Arawana Road in Naramata - Fruit Gummies - Potato Chips - Pickles - Watermelon, oranges and/or bananas - Hammer Nutrition Gels - Coke (we are a cupless event. Please bring your own cup) - Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes - Hammer Nutrition HEED - Water |
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Let's Celebrate!
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This year we are proud to partner with some local favroties to bring you a fun post run party you won't forget!
Each runner will receive a 750ml bottle of cider from Upside Cider and a beautiful lunch box created by Kelowna's artisan grazing company, Salt & Wedge. Runners will be given a wrist band once through gear-check in the morning that will service as your lunch voucher. An email will be sent out to runners asking for food preferences before race day. Regular, Vegan and Gluten Free options will be available. Our friends from Barn Owl will be there servicing nice cold brewski's for purchase and we will have some additional cider available for purchase, as well. What to bring: - cash for additional beer, cider or merchandise. - lawn chair to relax and soak up the picnic atmosphere. - change of clothes for all weather conditions & swimsuit if you want to jump into the lake. We are sorry but additional charcuterie boxes are not for purchase. Thank you for your understanding. |
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Accommodations
There are over 30 different lodgings ranging from lake front vacation rental cottages to bed and breakfasts located amidst orchards and vineyards to guest houses nestled on the hillside overlooking Lake Okanagan and to family resorts in the village proper.
The larger neighboring city, Penticton, is only a short 15min drive away and had boundless accommodation offerings as well.
More information coming soon! In the meantime, please visit Discover Naramata to learn more about this beautiful village.
To camp at the finish-line (and where the shuttle will take you to the start race morning) please contact The Centre for rates and reservations.
The larger neighboring city, Penticton, is only a short 15min drive away and had boundless accommodation offerings as well.
More information coming soon! In the meantime, please visit Discover Naramata to learn more about this beautiful village.
To camp at the finish-line (and where the shuttle will take you to the start race morning) please contact The Centre for rates and reservations.
The Centre sits along a beautiful sandy beach & shaded trees right near the water and has an expanse of green park adjacent. The facilities on site are open to runners making it convenient to get changed post run and washrooms are close by. Don't forget your swimsuit!
