Our Story.
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.
Course
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52km. 2000m ascent. 2000m descent.
Starting at Bertram Creek Park, we will have a controlled start for the first 2.5km, on a rolling road that parallels Okanagan Lake & provides stunning views all the way to the start of Boulder trail, in OK MTN Park. Boulder Trail is filled with technical, steep terrain and incredible single track that sweeps racers around the mountain with the most spectacular views! Boulder Trail will lead runners to Wild Horse Canyon trail, where they will start their journey through the stunning canyon before taking a sharp left at the famous "Commando Tree" where they will proceed to the first aid station. The descent to aid #1 leads racers down approx. 200m over 1km to Lake Okanagan, where supplies and crew have been boated in due to the remoteness of this area. This aid station is 21.5km into the race, meaning runners will need to be comfortable being self supported to this point. After climbing back up from the aid station (it is an out and back) runners will turn right and continue their traverse through the heart of the park filled with heaps of climbing. This section of the course is really challenging due to the rugged terrain. It's tough! Runners will reach the south end of the park and aid #2 at 35.5km. in this section of trail, there are running streams where, if runners are comfortable, they can filter or treat water if they bring tablets along with them. From aid #2, runners will descend on a FSR (chute lake road) for a few kilometers before reaching the turn off where chute lake meets up with historic KVR before hitting aid #3 at 46.5km. From here runner will descend past vineyards, through the village and into the finish line at the most remarkable stunning lakefront property. |
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Schedule
4:15am: 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 & gear check. Racers must have ID with them for bib pick up.
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 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 & gear check. Racers must have ID with them for bib pick up.
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 tastings, craft beer & coffee.
1:00pm to 3:00pm: live music!
5:00pm: finish line closes. 10hr cut off time
Details
START
Upon exiting the shuttle bus in Kelowna, runners proceed gear check, check-in & bib pick up. In an effort to make this transition as smooth as possible, please read through the following details.
Please note: you cannot leave a vehicle in Bertram Creek parking overnight or it will be towed. The park closes at 8pm.
STARTING AREA WASHROOMS
As you exit the buses or upper parking lot, there will be some portable toilets in the parking lot, as well as public washroom facilities down at the waterfront.
CHECK IN
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:
Upon exiting the shuttle bus in Kelowna, runners proceed gear check, check-in & bib pick up. In an effort to make this transition as smooth as possible, please read through the following details.
Please note: you cannot leave a vehicle in Bertram Creek parking overnight or it will be towed. The park closes at 8pm.
STARTING AREA WASHROOMS
As you exit the buses or upper parking lot, there will be some portable toilets in the parking lot, as well as public washroom facilities down at the waterfront.
CHECK IN
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 have proof of I.D. with you and have it ready to go by the time you move up the line to get your bib please. (you can put it in your drop bag or running pack afterwards)
- You’ll then clear gear check and pick up your course map, if you don't have it downloaded on your watch. You may want to bring a ziploc bag to keep your map dry.
- 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.
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 at all times:
- Lightweight jacket for variable weather and cold temperatures.
- Course map. Either on your watch or race organizers will provide a copy in your package pick up.
- Emergency Blanket
Runners must *start* the race with the following fuel & hydration requirements:
- Hydration pack or 2 large handheld water bottles equalling a minimum of 1.5 litres.
- Minimum 400 calories.
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.
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.
Runners must carry the following gear with them at all times:
- Lightweight jacket for variable weather and cold temperatures.
- Course map. Either on your watch or race organizers will provide a copy in your package pick up.
- Emergency Blanket
Runners must *start* the race with the following fuel & hydration requirements:
- Hydration pack or 2 large handheld water bottles equalling a minimum of 1.5 litres.
- Minimum 400 calories.
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.
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.
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.
- We will mail out a racer list with bib numbers before the race so you can mark your bags accordingly.
- 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. 2pm.
Please note - we are not responsible for wet or lost items. 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.
- We will mail out a racer list with bib numbers before the race so you can mark your bags accordingly.
- 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. 2pm.
Please note - we are not responsible for wet or lost items. Thank you for your cooperation.
Shuttles
Wild Horse Traverse is a challenging, wild & remote point to point trail running race that requires racers to either shuttle to the start or arrange their own drop off. We have created shuttle options for $5.00 per person and this service can be added to your race entry at the checkout.
Please note:
- our shuttle service is from Naramata to Kelowna ONLY. 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.
- Shuttles will depart on 1st street between the Naramata Centre Building and the Lake.
If your name isn’t on the list and you need the shuttle, 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.
Please note:
- our shuttle service is from Naramata to Kelowna ONLY. 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.
- Shuttles will depart on 1st street between the Naramata Centre Building and the Lake.
If your name isn’t on the list and you need the shuttle, 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.
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 if you are comfortable doing so, 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. LOCATIONS AID #1 - 21.5km *requires boat access and will be limited AID #2 - 35.5km *this is also a drop bag area* AID #3 - 46.5km WHAT THEY WILL CARRY - water - Hammer Nutrition HEED - Coke (cupless - please bring a flask or other portable cup with you) - fruit - fruit gummies - potato chips - pickles - gels - Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes |
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Start
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. Please note: you can't leave your vehicle in the parking lot over night. Thank you for your cooperation.
Finish
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!
Let's Celebrate!
Oven roasted pizza, curry, fresh greens, wine, beer and roasted coffee. All local. All delicious. More information coming soon!
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.
Registration
We love the PACE family and appreciate your loyalty and support. We want to do our best to offer a policy that offers better future credits for our racers, so we have updated our policies and ask that you please take a moment to read through it before signing up. Click HERE for our race rules and HERE for our Covid special operating plan. Racers have 24hrs to request a full refund after completing registration if they don't agree with our policies. After that time, our policy goes into effect and no refunds will be issued. Thank you for your cooperation.
The 2022 Wildhorse Traverse SOLD OUT in just over 2hrs on November 2nd. We are so thrilled to announce that we were able to add an additional 50 spots on December 11th. We extended the price increase until January 1st, to accommodate this. Grab your spot before it's gone! Thank you.
DISTANCE |
NOV 2, 2021 |
TIME |
JAN 1, 2022 |
50KM |
$185 |
7:00pm PST |
$195 |
2020 DEFERRALS
WHT is a challenging point to point destination trail running race that traverses through Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, rocky canyons, along the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) and past vineyards.
Due to the remote and rugged terrain in OK Mountain Provincial Park, regular trail maintenance is mandatory in order to keep our racers safe and received our annual permits. With the Provincial Park closures around COVID-19 and high fire risks in the park in 2020, trail maintenance was not approved and this has resulted in the trail becoming increasingly overgrown, which limits our access and poses a safety risk for runners.
1. An email was sent out to all 2020 registered Wild Horse Traverse racers on January 22, 2021 with the most recent updates. Please email renepacetrailruns@gmail.com if you didn't receive this.
2. Official priority registration for the June 4, 2022 event will take place November 2, 2021 via an email from Ultra Sign-up with the choice to defer 60% of your race entry fees into one of the following years: 2022 or 2023.
3. Priority / early registration applies for 2022 ONLY. Reason being; UltraSignup does not have the ability to track rollover years, just credits on accounts.
6. Once you receive your priority registration link, you will have until October 28, 2021 to complete your priority registration. After October 28, 2021, your priority invitation will expire and you will need to register with the general public.
7. Based on the number of runners rolling deferrals over to 2022, will determine how many (if any) spots we will have open for the public in 2022.
8. If there are spots available, registration will open to the public on November 2nd.
WHT is a challenging point to point destination trail running race that traverses through Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, rocky canyons, along the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) and past vineyards.
Due to the remote and rugged terrain in OK Mountain Provincial Park, regular trail maintenance is mandatory in order to keep our racers safe and received our annual permits. With the Provincial Park closures around COVID-19 and high fire risks in the park in 2020, trail maintenance was not approved and this has resulted in the trail becoming increasingly overgrown, which limits our access and poses a safety risk for runners.
1. An email was sent out to all 2020 registered Wild Horse Traverse racers on January 22, 2021 with the most recent updates. Please email renepacetrailruns@gmail.com if you didn't receive this.
2. Official priority registration for the June 4, 2022 event will take place November 2, 2021 via an email from Ultra Sign-up with the choice to defer 60% of your race entry fees into one of the following years: 2022 or 2023.
3. Priority / early registration applies for 2022 ONLY. Reason being; UltraSignup does not have the ability to track rollover years, just credits on accounts.
6. Once you receive your priority registration link, you will have until October 28, 2021 to complete your priority registration. After October 28, 2021, your priority invitation will expire and you will need to register with the general public.
7. Based on the number of runners rolling deferrals over to 2022, will determine how many (if any) spots we will have open for the public in 2022.
8. If there are spots available, registration will open to the public on November 2nd.
