Edhat Staff
Source: Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation
On an ideal overcast Saturday morning for running, Ricky Ho of Santa Barbara and Mary Jones of Ventura won the third Vintners 5 Miler presented by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation. Over this unique trail course with mixed terrain and incredible views overlooking the Sanford Winery and Vineyards on Santa Rosa Road, Ho, the inaugural 2015 race champion, age 41, clocked 30 minutes, 50 seconds for the victory, while Jones, 47, was the top woman in 34:24, also finishing 5th overall.
“What an outstanding day for a run or walk and post-race festival in this special setting! We thank our sponsors, pouring wineries, local restaurants, staff, volunteers and the runners & walkers who all made our third annual event such a success,” said Sanford Winery GM, Winemaker & event founder Steve Fennell. “This community event and its silent auction raised funds for the Los Alamos Youth After School Program, one of the Vintners Foundation’s supported community organizations.”
Overall, there were more than 330 entrants in the 5 Mile run and the 1 Mile Wine Walk. Every finisher received an event t-shirt and wine glass-shaped medal, while adults also took home a commemorative wine glasses. The 5 Miler was also a Santa Barbara Athletic Association (SBAA) Grand Prix scoring event.
The team competition with 14 scoring teams (top five runners) was won by the Jay Kays led by Craig Prater who finished in 32:22, placing 4th overall. The team averaged 38:21 per runner (Prater, Elizabeth Smith, 37:18; Lisa Dosch, 40:12; Stuart Sato, 40:46 and Erica Bjorndahl, 41:05).
In addition to the run / walk, post-race, there was a world class, family-friendly Finish Line Festivalthat included complimentary wine tasting, live music by Joey Sykes & Honey River, a kids fun zone and outstanding local food served by the Four Seasons Resort: The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Hitching Post II and Industrial Eats.
Participating wineries at the event were: Beckmen Wines, Casa Dumetz Wines, Foxen Vineyard & Winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, Martian Ranch & Vineyard, Rideau Vineyard and event host Sanford Winery.
Community event sponsors included: Union Bank, Visit Santa Ynez Valley, Sideways Inn, Santa Ynez Elite Party Rentals, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Easy Lift Transportation, Renaud’s Patisserie, PhysioPhyx, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Isla Vista Screen Printing.
New in 2017, the event also had a silent auction, and Santa Barbara Vintners Association members donated wine and local businesses provided lifestyle & athletic themed items to support the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation community programs.
The proceeds from the 2017 Vintners 5 Miler will benefit the Los Alamos Youth After School Program that helps support “at risk” youth to achieve school and life success by providing a safe, structured and nurturing environment.
The Vintners 5 Miler was produced by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, EventPRO, a Santa Barbara-based media & marketing company, and Riviera Multisport.
For complete results, photos and more, go to: sbvintersrun.com
About the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation
The Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation is the charitable umbrella under which Santa Barbara Vintners conducts its philanthropic work. Through the Foundation, Santa Barbara Vintners contributes to the community through local charitable and scholarship organizations with proceeds from its various events. Visit www.sbcountywines.com for more information.
