Still time to register for Okanagan Marathon

Enjoy a Family Fitness and Lifestyle Festival this Thanksgiving at the BMO Okanagan Marathon.

Close to 3,000 participants will take part in the 2017 event, all staged from Kelowna’s City Park with 300- plus volunteers making the event possible.

Walk-up registrations are open at the Sports Expo on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration for the five-kilometre timed event closes Saturday at 9:30 a.m., while you can sign up for the BMO ABC Kids Event until 11:30 a.m.

Participants enjoy fast times on this Boston Marathon qualifying scenic course that takes runners along the shores of Lake Okanagan. This is one of Canada’s flatter and faster courses, as well as Kelowna’s premier road race.

The 5K event is timed this year, and a beverage garden has been added for adults to experience some of the flavours of the Okanagan. Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, Tree Brewing and Scenic Road Cidery Co. are providing tastings ($2 each, three for $5) in the designated area.

The BMO Okanagan Marathon has an event for everyone — from the recreational, advanced and competitive runner to children and adults.

Things kick off Saturday with the 5K run, followed by the ABC Kids Activities. The marathon, half marathon and 10K events are set for Sunday.

The ideal place to capture a perfect photo finish is at the finish line at City Park, where thousands of spectators cheer on the runners.

Watch for Team Special Addition running the half marathon in support of double lung transplant recipient Andrew Brownell to raise funds for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Also look for Olympic race walker Mat Bilodeau, who represented Canada in the Rio Games and will be participating in the half marathon race walk via an honorary category.

And root for last year’s winner, Ryan Prachnau, who hopes to defend his title and win his third BMO Okanagan Marathon.

The Kids Zone — featuring inflatables, a soccer zone and face painting — is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids can even run in their own event at noon Saturday, the BMO ABC Kids Fun 1km Run.

Runners looking for extra motivation or running tips can come out Saturday at 9 a.m. and join Running Room founder John Stanton at the Running Room Free Friendship Run. The 3K run offers an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.

The BMO Okanagan Marathon is proud to support the work of The Sunshine Foundation of Canada, the event’s official charity.

For road closure and traffic information, visit www.okanaganmarathon.ca.