Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon Draws Thousands in Mother’s Day Weekend Tradition

May 13, 2024

Orcutt's Jose Gertner, Sarah Czuprynski Sweep top spots at Scenic Wine Country Race

Solvang, California /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Under overcast skies ideal for distance running, more than 2,000 athletes gathered in downtown Solvang on Saturday for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon presented by Chumash Casino Resort. The 17th annual event, held traditionally each Mother’s Day weekend, is popular for its scenic route and spirited post-race wine festival.

Jose Gertner of Orcutt captured the men’s title with a time of 1:11:23, leading a trio of Central Coast runners. John McGrath of nearby Cayucos followed with a time of 1:14:36, and Chris Gregory of Carpinteria rounded out the top three crossing the finish line in 1:16:29.

The women’s race saw North Hollywood’s Sarah Czuprynski finish first in 1:24:26. Emily Vincient, a 40-year-old masters runner from La Crescenta, claimed second place in 1:28:58, with Venice’s Kolbe Keating close behind at 1:29:06.

“From the first mile to the last sip, today’s event was an amazing celebration of California’s endurance community,” said Phyllis Blanchard, vice president of partnerships. “Congratulations to all the runners who took part in this scenic remarkable journey through the heart of wine country for the event and a heartfelt thank you to our partners at Chumash Casino Resort, for their support and dedication in making this weekend so much more than a race.”

Set in the picturesque town of Solvang, the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon offers a scenic 13.1-mile journey past windmills, charming Danish bakeries, and lush vineyards. The challenging route includes rolling hills, vineyards and 12 wineries before finishing in the heart of historic Solvang on Copenhagen Drive.

Upon completing the race, participants and spectators enjoy live music and wine tastings from 14 local wineries at the post-race Wine Festival in Solvang Park. For complete race results, photos and more, visit www.RunSipSantaBarbara.com.

RESULTS

May 11, 2024 – 17th Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon

Place, Name, Age, Hometown, Time

Men

1.     Jose Gertner, 29, Orcutt, CA, 1:11:23

2.     John McGrath, 36, Cayucos, CA, 1:14:36

3.     Chris Gregory, 37, Carpinteria, CA, 1:16:29

Women

1.     Sarah Czuprynski, 31, North Hollywood, CA, 1:24:26

2.     Emily Vincient, 40, La Crescenta, CA 1:28:58

3.     Kolbe Keating, 24, Venice. CA. 1:29:06