The race will be highlighted by an elite field including last year’s men’s 2nd and 3rd place finishers and a women’s field consisting of Canadian Kim Doerkson and former 4-time U.S. Masters Marathon Champion, Susan Loken.
Considered Southern California’s wine country, the region hosted last year’s inaugural event and again expects ideal running weather with start time temperatures near 50 degrees, warming to the high 70’s later in the day. Destination Races also offers an option to run the half as a 2-person relay. The first section of the course is 6.1 miles and second is 7.0 miles, with the relay transition at Leoness Winery.

To register for the half marathon or 2-Person Relay, visit the Registration page on the Temecula Wine Country Half Marathon website, or attend the Race Expo. Wilson Creek Winery also hosts the Race Expo on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The Expo offers race packet pickup, a chance to sample exhibitor products and services, shop for race apparel and gifts, attend a Race Orientation Seminar and enjoy wine tasting and dining.
A dozen local wineries will be pouring at the Wine and Music Festival along with Lagunitas Brewing Co. Featured wineries includes Cougar Vineyards & Winery, Danza Del Sol Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Frangipani Estate Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Keyways Cellars, Leoness Cellars, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Oak Mountain Winery and Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery. Returning from last year, Kanan Road Band will be entertaining the crowd from the band stage. Participants have the opportunity to interact with Destination Races’ series sponsors, including Newton Running, Alaska Airlines, Fitbit as the market leader in connected health and fitness, CamelBak hydration systems, GU Energy Labs athlete nutrition and SOLS’ custom 3D printed insoles. Each sponsor will offer an exclusive experience at the expo and festival.
To register for the race and sign-up for special events and activities, visit: https://destinationraces.com/runtemecula/registration/.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, November 20th:
Race Expo at Wilson Creek Winery, 10:00am-6:00pm
The Race Expo at Wilson Creek Winery will feature race packet pickup, a chance to meet exhibitors and race sponsors, shopping for race apparel and gifts, a Race Orientation Seminar and the opportunity to attend other inspiring seminars and discussions.
Pre-Race Dinner at Leoness Cellars, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join us at Leoness Cellars for a delicious meal of proteins, salads, gourmet pastas, dessert and signature varietals from the Temecula Valley. Dine and mingle with Destination Races’ Race Director and Announcer as well as Elite Runners, VIPs and fellow runners.
Saturday, November 21st:
Race Start at Ponte Winery, 7:00am
Wine + Music Festival at Wilson Creek Winery, 9:30am-12:00pm
Once you cross the finish line, the celebration gets underway at the Alaska Airlines Wine + Music Festival at Wilson Creek Winery. Over a dozen wineries will be pouring along with Lagunitas Brewing Co., with health and wellness exhibitors, brunch and live music as well. This event is open to guests and their friends and family.
Finisher’s Reception at Danza Del Sol Winery, 3:00pm-5:00pm
After the Post-Race Wine + Music Festival, join us for an afternoon of relaxation with friends a family and fellow runners at Danza Del Sol Winery. Celebrate with premier wine, food and music, with Winemaker Art Villarreal pouring samples right out of the barrel.
Local Charity Involvement
The Temecula Wine Country Half Marathon benefits local charities and organizations including Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County; and Hope, Sweat & Cures—City of Hope. Participants can visit the Charities & Fundraising page for more information about Destination Races charity partners. If you would like to support any of their local charities and organizations by volunteering on race weekend, please contact mindi@destinationraces.com.
About Destination Races: Destination Races, based in Sonoma, California, is the pioneer producer of the Wine Country Half Marathon Series. Founded in 2004, the Wine Country Half Marathon Series consists of eight races across prestigious wine regions in North America. Offering unforgettable experiences on and off the course, including the popular post-race wine and music festival, runners travel far and wide for these boutique destination races. The race series attracts elite runners as well as food and wine enthusiasts who share their common bond of running and celebration. The Wine Country Half Marathon Series has limited fields in each event to ensure the participants and their guests can enjoy all the race weekends have to offer, including exclusive winery tours, plus receptions and dinners featuring the local bounty at esteemed wineries and other unique venues.
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