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The Wildhorse Traverse is a demanding point to point destination trail running race that starts and finishes on the shores of Okanagan Lake, from Kelowna, BC, to Naramata, BC. This race should only be undertaken by athletes in good physical condition.
This race is like no other! The park is filled with history and rugged beauty. Runners will journey through stunning canyons, steep technical singletrack, along the famous Kettle Valley Railway and finish winding through vineyards and past waterfalls. Runners also need to be comfortable being self supported for long durations. Due to the remoteness of the terrain, we have to boat in aid supplies, volunteers and search & rescue teams. |
Course
Our team would like to acknowledge that Wildhorse Traverse takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx people and we celebrate and honour all the history that exists within this amazing park.
Maps coming soon!
Schedule & Details
Date: |
May 3, 2025 |
Distances: |
50km |
Start Times: |
50km - 7:00am |
Pre-Race Briefing: |
Mandatory 15min before race start. |
Early Package Pick-Up: |
Friday May 2, 2025 5:00pm to 7:00pm FRESH AIR EXPERIENCE MAP 1656 Dilworth Drive Kelowna
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Race Day Bib Pick-Up / Gear Check: 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. |
RACE-DAY GEAR CHECK Saturday May 3, 2025 50km: 6:00am to 6:45am Bertram Creek Regional Park - Upper Car Park MAP
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Bertram Creek Park Parking Start: |
KELOWNA BERTRAM CREEK PARK MAP Please use the upper parking lot and note: you can't leave your vehicle in Bertram Park parking lot over night or it will be towed. The park closes at 8pm. |
Naramata Parking Finish: |
NARAMATA / COLUMBIA HALL MAP 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. |
Shuttles: |
4:45am: Start loading the shuttle buses from 455 Ellis / Columbia Hall in Naramata for the start line in Kelowna. MAP 4:50am: Depart Columbia Hall. 6:00am: Shuttles arrive at Bertram Park in Kelowna. Click HERE for the shuttle list. |
Award Ceremony: |
Prizing will be handed out to the top 3 male and female in each distance as they finish. There is no official award ceremony. |
Communications: |
TBA |
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Race GuideWe have created a race guide to make your experience more enjoyable. This guide will answer all your race questions and more!
WashroomsSTARTING AREA WASHROOMS: There will be portable toilets in Naramata before you get onto the shuttle and in the upper parking lot at Bertram Creek Park, as you exit the shuttle bus. There are also public washroom facilities down at the waterfront at Bertram Creek Park.
Shuttles
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Aid Stations
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AID #1
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 2 litres (minimum) and 400 calories.
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Aid #2
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.
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AID #3
Located at Smethurst Parking Lot along the KVR. Access is via Arawana Road in Naramata
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- The distance between aid #1 and #2 is only 14km, however 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.
- Please bring a foldable bowl to receive food at the aid stations and a race mug if you want coke or other fluids (no bowls, plates or cups will be at food stations).
- Aid Stations also act as check points, therefore it’s mandatory that you check in at both aid stations. Please have your race bibs on the front of your body and visible.
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.
DISTANCE |
50KM |
DROP BAGS |
CREW ACCESS |
20.5km |
Aid 1 |
N/A |
N/A |
35km |
Aid 2 |
Yes |
Limited. |
46.5km |
Aid 3 |
N/A |
Yes. |
Drop Bags
- Runners are allowed one drop bag at aid station #2.
- Drop bags are to be dropped off by you, on race morning at Bertram Park in Kelowna and placed in the back of the U-Haul on the tarp.
- Drop bags must not be larger than a shoe bag.
- Please label clearly with your name, and bib #.
- Runners are responsible for picking up their drop bags after the race. Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line at approx. 3pm. If any belongings are left behind, it is your responsibility to pick up or pay any shipping fees to have it delivered.
- Do to leave any valuables in your bag as we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Mandatory Gear
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 also due to the fact that we have limited capacity to boat supplies into aid station #1
- Hydration pack and/or bottles/flasks 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.
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 also due to the fact that we have limited capacity to boat supplies into aid station #1
- Hydration pack and/or bottles/flasks 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.
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.
Cut-Offs
Wildhorse Traverse has 4 cut-off times and allows a total of 10hrs to complete the full 50km course.
- The first cut off is at aid station #1 by 10:30am. This gives participants 3.5hrs to complete approx. 21km of the full 50km course.
- The second cut off is at aid station #2 by 2:30pm. This gives participants 7.5hrs to complete approx. 35.5km of the full 50km course.
- The third cut-off is aid #3 by 4:15pm which allows runners 90 minutes to complete the next 11km (which is descending/flat) and 45min to complete the final 3.5km descent to the finish.
- The fourth cut off is at the finish line at 5pm.
Celebration
This year we will be partnering once again with some local favourites to bring you a fun post run party you won't forget! Stay tuned for more details :)
What to bring:
- Cash for additional beer 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.
What to bring:
- Cash for additional beer 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.
Accommodations
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CAMPING & LODGES AT NARAMATA CENTRE
To camp at the finish-line (and where the shuttle will take you to the start race morning) please click here to make a reservation. HOTEL, B&B AND COTTAGES
There are over 30 different lodgings, ranging from lake front vacation rental cottages to bed and breakfasts located amidst orchards and vineyards. From 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 has boundless accommodation offerings as well. More information coming soon! In the meantime, please visit Discover Naramata to learn more about this beautiful village. |
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 aid stations use compostable & recyclable containers.
- Our races provide reusable bags at package pick-up.
- We have the option to opt out of a t-shirt when registering. We work with 100% sweatshop free & eco-aware companies who are socially and environmentally responsible.
- We offer consumables, such as coffee as race swag which have 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 waivers are all digital and online.
- We offer recycling & composting at all of our aid stations.
- We offer recycling & composting at our start/finish line.
Registration
Thank you for considering the PACE Trail Race Series! PACE is a small, family owned series with a simple goal: To offer runners a professional, memorable, scenic and challenging race series that feels inclusive, welcoming and rewarding. We've tried to make our policies as fair as possible, to balance the health of our operation with flexibility for our participants.
You accepted these policies during the registration process, but if for any reason you no longer agree, you have 24 hours following registration to request a cancellation of your race entry and payment.
** Deferrals are only applicable for one calendar year from the race you transfer out of (meaning the race entry can be deferred to any OTHER race, but not the same race one year later). Entries can only be deferred a single time, to a single event.
Thank you for your understanding and adherence to our race policies. We look forward to seeing you on race day!
You accepted these policies during the registration process, but if for any reason you no longer agree, you have 24 hours following registration to request a cancellation of your race entry and payment.
- Once a race distance is sold out, that's it - there will be no new spots, no waitlist, and no transfers.
- Bibs are not transferrable to another runner under any circumstances.
- Up to April 3, 2025 we offer a 100% deferral of fees, towards another NOT YET SOLD OUT, PACE TRAIL RUNS event.
- Between April 4 and April 15, 2025, we can arrange a 50% deferral of race fees, towards another NOT YET SOLD OUT, PACE TRAIL RUNS event.
- Within 2 weeks of race day - No refunds. No deferral. No exceptions.
- Full refunds can ONLY be processed for anyone who selects the optional refund insurance during registration.
- At any time, you can request to drop down in distance within the same event. There is no cost or refund for dropping down. We do not allow runners to move up in distance.
- In the event of cancellation of the event for reasons including, but not limited to, weather, forest fires, acts of nature, war, strikes or other circumstances, PACE Trail Runs will provide the following limited refund and discount towards the same event in the following year:
- early access to registration for the same event for the following year only;
- a 25% discount on registration for any distance in the same event for the following year only;
- a partial refund of your entry fee, calculated by PACE Trail Runs, accounting for factors such as incurred event expenses;
- the option for a full refund on any event merchandise that has been purchased
** Deferrals are only applicable for one calendar year from the race you transfer out of (meaning the race entry can be deferred to any OTHER race, but not the same race one year later). Entries can only be deferred a single time, to a single event.
Thank you for your understanding and adherence to our race policies. We look forward to seeing you on race day!
DISTANCE |
DEC. 1 |
DEC. 15 |
RACE CAP |
52km |
$195 |
$205 |
400 |
What's Included
- Custom soft-style cotton t-shirt custom design (option to opt out at registration if preferred).
- Custom PACE Trail Series shoe bag.
- Lunch (pizza and curry) and post race snacks.
- Rifugio Coffee.
- Professional chip timing
- Donation towards F.O.S.S. & COSAR groups.
- Custom hand-made ceramic finishers medals.
- Beautiful hand crafted awards for top 3 male & 3 female in each distance.
- Special awards for anyone participating in their 5th WildHorse Traverse.
- Custom soft-style cotton t-shirt custom design (option to opt out at registration if preferred).
- Custom PACE Trail Series shoe bag.
- Lunch (pizza and curry) and post race snacks.
- Rifugio Coffee.
- Professional chip timing
- Donation towards F.O.S.S. & COSAR groups.
- Custom hand-made ceramic finishers medals.
- Beautiful hand crafted awards for top 3 male & 3 female in each distance.
- Special awards for anyone participating in their 5th WildHorse Traverse.
Thank you for considering the P.A.C.E Trail Race Series where we host a variety of events in beautiful British Columbia. We are a small, family owned series who's goal is simple. To offer runners a professional, memorable, scenic and challenging race series that feels inclusive, welcoming and rewarding.
We work hard to keep our events on the 'grass roots' side of things. We are all about those special handmade, home grown touches; apple pies, jams, handmade ceramic finishers medals, handmade stained glass, coffee (roasted by the race director and her husband) and ensuring runners have an experience that feels more like coming home or a family reunion.
We have strong environmental & community values, such as composting, recycling and we support local charities and donate a portion of our race fees back to the trail groups that build, maintain and advocate for the trails we are so privileged to enjoy.
In terms of our courses - our series is very diverse. We have 3 totally different races that we host in the Okanagan and 1 race we host in the high alpine mountains in the Kootenays. The terrain and landscapes are all unique and not one race course will leave you feeling like the other. They do have a few things in common, however. They're all really challenging and scenic, combine all the best trail networks each area has to offer.
We want to thank you for taking time to visit the P.A.C.E. Trail Runs website and we hope to welcome you into the #pacefamily in 2024.
We work hard to keep our events on the 'grass roots' side of things. We are all about those special handmade, home grown touches; apple pies, jams, handmade ceramic finishers medals, handmade stained glass, coffee (roasted by the race director and her husband) and ensuring runners have an experience that feels more like coming home or a family reunion.
We have strong environmental & community values, such as composting, recycling and we support local charities and donate a portion of our race fees back to the trail groups that build, maintain and advocate for the trails we are so privileged to enjoy.
In terms of our courses - our series is very diverse. We have 3 totally different races that we host in the Okanagan and 1 race we host in the high alpine mountains in the Kootenays. The terrain and landscapes are all unique and not one race course will leave you feeling like the other. They do have a few things in common, however. They're all really challenging and scenic, combine all the best trail networks each area has to offer.
We want to thank you for taking time to visit the P.A.C.E. Trail Runs website and we hope to welcome you into the #pacefamily in 2024.