Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon Returns in May

April 21, 2023

Chumash Casino Resort returns as Presenting Sponsor for nearly 2,000 runners to experience beautiful Santa Ynez Valley during annual Mother’s Day Weekend Running Tradition

Solvang, California – April 21, 2023  /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon presented by Chumash Casino Resort is set to return on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The Spring running Tradition, annually held the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend, will bring an unforgettable experience for both runners and wine lovers alike.

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon is a unique, 13.1-mile event that takes place in one of the most picturesque locations in California. The boutique road race features a scenic route that starts and finishes near Solvang Park. The course winds through rolling hills and vineyards, with views of the Santa Ynez Mountains before finishing on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of historic Solvang.

Chumash Casino Resort, located in Santa Ynez Valley, is a premier gaming and entertainment destination. As the presenting sponsor of the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon, Chumash Casino Resort will be providing race participants and attendees with an incredible experience.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Chumash Casino Resort once again for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon,” said Race Director Natalia Mendez. “Their commitment to the runner experience and their dedication to our local community is the perfect win-win for this event.”

In 2023, race weekend will again feature a two-day expo and post-race festival in downtown Solvang, where participants and their guests can sample wines from some of the best local wineries in the area. Wine festival tickets are sold-out, but will also include booths, interactive displays, live music and other activities for race spectators to enjoy.

“We are excited to be part of such an amazing, world-class event right here in our community that brings visitors and showcases the best of what our region has to offer,” said John Elliott, CEO for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “The race is a great way to support local businesses and promote healthy living.”

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon is a USATF-certified course and is known for being a professionally organized event with aid stations, port-o-johns and medical support along the route. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, finisher medal, and access to the post-race festival. The race is open to runners and walkers of all abilities, who can also choose the two-person half-marathon relay option for a shorter run with all the wine tasting fun.

After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to join family and friends to sip and savor wines from over a dozen wineries at the post-race Wine & Music Festival in Solvang Park. Tasting options range from reds, whites and rosé, in addition to beer and mead.

“We are excited to bring back the Santa Barbara Wine Half Marathon and to have Chumash Casino Resort as our presenting sponsor,” said Phyllis Blanchard, director of partnerships for the event. “This year’s race promises to be a memorable experience for everyone involved, from the runners to our winery partners and the local community.”

For more information about the event or to register for the event, visit runsipsantabarbara.com. Further information about the Chumash Casino Resort can be found online at chumashcasino.com.

About Chumash Casino Resort

Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, California, the Chumash Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.  The casino’s gaming floor is open 24/7 and features 2,500 slot machines, dozens of table games, bingo, poker and daily cash and prize giveaways. In addition to owning and operating the Chumash Casino Resort on the tribe’s reservation, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians also owns Corque Hotel and The Hadsten in Solvang, and one gas station in Santa Ynez.  As the largest employer in the Santa Ynez Valley, the tribe employs nearly 1,800 residents of Santa Barbara County. For more information, visit https://chumashcasino.com.

About the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon 

The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon features a scenic course that starts and finishes in downtown Solvang. Runners will begin the 13.1-mile journey amid the windmills and Danish bakeries along the streets of Solvang, then run along the hills, vineyards and pass 12 wineries before finishing on Copenhagen Drive adjacent to Solvang Park. After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to join family and friends to relax and sip wines from 20 wineries at the post-race Wine & Music Festival. Runners can also choose the two-person half-marathon relay option for a shorter run that includes the wine tasting. Race weekend kicks off Friday, May 12, with a free fitness expo, 1-7 p.m. in downtown Solvang. The expo is open to the public as a variety of exhibitors will showcase wellness products for sample and sale. All race participants pick up their race number and t-shirt at the expo. For more information or to register for the half-marathon or two-person relay, visit runsipsantabarbara.com.

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