It含羞草研究社檚 time to hit the ground running and Okanagan runners can get a head start on the race含羞草研究社攅arly-bird registration for the 2016 Okanagan College Half Marathon, 10 K and Relay Race is now open.

This is the 14th year for the race, which will be held on Sunday, April 3 in Kelowna. The not-for-profit event raises scholarship funds that support Okanagan College students who are involved in recreation and athletics.

Last year, Kelowna含羞草研究社檚 Christy Lovig joined more than 400 running enthusiasts on the course that boasts unparalleled lake views to take the women含羞草研究社檚 10 K title with a time of 36:48.

含羞草研究社淚含羞草研究社檝e run the college含羞草研究社檚 half marathon and 10 K numerous times, and I always look forward to the fast course throughout our beautiful city,含羞草研究社� said Lovig. 含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 a pleasure to run in a well-organized event that is backed by such enthusiastic organizers, volunteers, supporters and participants.含羞草研究社�

With start and finish lines at the Okanagan College Kelowna campus, the 21.1 km half marathon course runs along the scenic City Park and up to Knox Mountain before looping back towards Gyro Beach. The relay race allows up to five runners to share the same distance in 4 km segments, while the 10 K has runners turn around in City Park.

含羞草研究社淲e are doing a few things differently this year and I think our runners are going to be really happy with the improvements,含羞草研究社� said Christine Ulmer, race director.

含羞草研究社淭he course will remain the same but we含羞草研究社檙e enhancing some of our services for runners, most notably the food. We hear every year that we have the best post-race snacks and we含羞草研究社檙e going to provide an even better selection of food this year.含羞草研究社�

The race will offer cash prizes to the winners of the half marathon event. Prizes for the top relay and 10 km finishers will also be handed out.

Each year, more than 60 volunteers from the community make the event possible and a great success. Non-runners who wish to be involved in the race can contribute their time as race volunteers or course marshals. No experience is necessary.

含羞草研究社淲e have volunteers of all ages who join us on race day,含羞草研究社� said Ulmer. 含羞草研究社淔rom young families, local sports team members, and retired runners, everyone always has a great time at cheering our participants on along the course.含羞草研究社�

To register, for more details about the course, and entry fee deadlines, visit .

Those interested in volunteering can contact Michelle Lowry at 250-762-5445 ext. 4649 or at mlowry@okanagan.bc.ca.

Race quick facts:

含羞草研究社�    Start time: 8 a.m. (10 K) and 8:15 a.m. (half marathon and relay)

含羞草研究社�    Early Bird fees, until Feb. 14: $35 (10 K) and $50 (half marathon)

含羞草研究社�    Relay team fees: $125 (until March 30)

含羞草研究社�    Follow the Facebook page for updates, training tips and photos