TEMECULA – The Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club has announced its 34th annual Run through the Vineyard Saturday, April 30, at the Maurice Car’rie Vineyard and Winery, which has hosted the run for many years. The first vineyard run ever in Southern California beginning in 1987, this challenging 2K/5K/10K is run through the rows of the winery’s beautiful vineyards 6 miles east of Temecula, at 34225 Rancho California Road.
The event draws hundreds of runners for all classes from all over southern California, from San Diego to
Los Angeles and beyond. Because of the way the course is set up, it has gained a “must” reputation among many of the runners who love the wine country layout.
“This is Temecula Valley’s premier running event,” event coordinators said. “Come run or walk this challenging course through Maurice Car’rie Vineyard and enjoy Temecula’s scenic wine country. It is a destination race you will never forget!”
Registration is limited to the first 800 entrants and will take place rain or shine. Race times are: 10K at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 7:45 a.m. and 2K at 8 a.m. Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each age group for 5K and 10K only, and presentations will begin after the completion of the 5K race. Beautiful finisher medals will be given to all walk/run participants, as well as a quality Gildan T-shirt. Adults will receive a coupon for a 2-for-1 wine tasting, to be used on race day from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
This is a nonprofit fundraiser and has two major sponsors, Pechanga and Maurice Car’rie Winery, plus many more supporters whose names will be on the T-shirt. Proceeds from the race are used by the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club to benefit its many community service projects, vocational and academic scholarships, third-grade literacy program at Vail and Temecula elementary schools, youth leadership camps, Chaparral High School Interact Service Club and many other youth and community programs. The club also provides Safety Town for children ages 5 to 8, to be held in June in Temecula.
“To date, more than $300,000 has been contributed back into our community from the proceeds of this event,” Temecula Sunrise Rotary president Jon Grimm said.
Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club holds a breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. each Tuesday at Journey’s End at Pechanga, the golf course restaurant. The club welcomes prospective members to attend the meetings, which always feature interesting programs. Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International, which is the oldest service organization in the world, having been formed in Chicago in 1905. Rotarians serve their communities and the world.
To sign up for the race, go online to https://raceroster.com/49931 or log on to www.temeculasunriserotary.com and click on the link Run Through the Vineyard. Team discounts are available; form a team of five or more and everybody gets a $5 discount. Online registration closes Wednesday, April 27 at 11:59 p.m. or whenever the race is sold out, whichever comes first. Race Day registration is from 6 to 7 a.m. April 30. You may also go to pick up bibs and/or do pre-race day registration a day ahead at The Running Center in Temecula from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 29.
For information about Rotary or the race, contact Race Chair Frank Appice at 949-632-5667 or frankappice@earthlink.net or Co-Chair Myra Allen at 949-433-8612 or myallen5330@gmail.com.
Submitted by Temecula Sunrise Rotary.
