Email Newsletter - May 1/08
Welcome runners!
Here is some important information as you prepare for the upcoming Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon.
Traveling to the event
Please travel safe and smart on your way to the event. We encourage our race participants to stay and enjoy the area and the many wine-themed activities scheduled around the Wine Country Half Marathon. See the event schedule listed on the website and in the link below for a full list of activities. Most hotel properties in the valley may already be full on race weekend but some in Goleta and Santa Barbara still have availability. Another option is to stay in Lompoc or Santa Maria. Check our travel page for availabilty and special rates.
If driving from the LA area please make sure to allow time should you encounter traffic on Hwy 101. If want to avoid driving and paying those high gas prices or are just looking for a quick flight into Santa Barbara try Express Jet 888-958-XJET (9538). Another safe and easy travel option to consider is to Rail 'N Run with Amtrak. Take the train and arrive relaxed, rested and ready to run! For schedules, fares and reservations visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245).
Tansportation, parking and viewing maps are available on our website. You may park in either Solvang or Santa Ynez and take transportation to the start. Buses leave from Solvang Park in Solvang and from the main high school parking lot in Santa Ynez. There is also a drop area in Santa Ynez one block off Sagunto St. Parking is very limited in downtown Santa Ynez and only buses are allowed near the start area at Maverick Saloon. Do not park in residential areas please! After the race buses will shuttle runners back to the parking areas. Public transportation is also available from Solvang Park to Los Olivos, Buelton and Santa Ynez. You may view their routes and schedule at the City of Solvang website.
Don't miss the race dinner. Always one of the highlights of the weekend, the dinner is held in a beautiful outdoor setting at Zaca Mesa Winery in Foxen Canyon. Start your evening in the tasting room sampling Zaca Mesa's award-winning Syrahs and other variatels such as Viognier, Rousanne and Chardonnay. Then enjoy a gourmet pasta dinner prepared by Los Olivos Grocery with meat and vegetarian options. The wife/husband team of authors Jenny Hadfield and John "The Penguin" Bingham will be speaking during dessert. Together they have written five books on running and have a monthly column in Health Magazine and Runners World, respectively. The race director and staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. The cost is only $50 and includes wine tasting, appetizers, salads, pastas, dessert and more. Tickets are now available online but seats are limited. Sign up online
Buy your wine glass now for friends or family...limited supply!
If you have friends or family who are not running but would like to join you and wine taste at the post-race Wine & Music Festival you will need to purchase them a wine glass in advance. The glass is good for wine and beer tasting in the festival tent and at participating tasting rooms in Solvang and Los Olivos. These 10oz. glasses with the event logo are available for purchase online for $20 and are yours to keep. Purchase here
Volunteers Needed
We can always use a good pair of hands and an enthusiastic personality. If your friends or family are not in the race but would still like to be part of the action, we have a spot for them! Please email Jennifer at Jrasmussen@SYVUHSD.ORG to inquire about volunteer opportunities on race day.
What to bring, what is provided?
Predicting race time temps in this area in May is a dicey proposition but we can tell you that if the fog is in, you can expect cool temps in the 50's at race time, as was the case last year. But warm, sunny weather is also a possibility so check the forecast and be prepared for either. We have a bag check station at the start area so leave your warmups with us, mark your bag and it will be delivered to your final destination for pickup.
There are six official water stations on course (plus the start and finish). Stations 2, 3, 4 and 6 will also have Gatorade. If you are a water junkie, or require your own special drink we recommend you bring extra or hydrate at the start. We do not provide gel on course for environmental reasons. When you get to the finish line there will be plenty of water, food and our unique CHILL ZONE, sponsored by POM WONDERFUL, makers of fabuous pomegranate juices and teas.
Each runner will get a technical MIZUNO running shirt sponsored by SANTA BARBARA RUNNING CO. and PLATINUM PERFORMANCE. We have some exciting new apparel and more vendors this year so be sure to bring your wallet if you want to shop for the coolest running apparel around at our expo and post-race festival.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Destination Races
Quick Links...
Destination Races
Santa Barbara website
Santa Barbara registration
