Marathon Details - Okanagan Marathon

North America Marathons > Canada > BC > Kelowna > Okanagan Marathon

SunRype Okanagan Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Kelowna, BC Canada

~~October 18, 2020~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.tourismkelowna.com/events/annual-events-festivals/fall/okanagan-marathon

More Info:	News
Results:	2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 Top 3 Finishers by Year
Course Maps:	View Course Map/Elevation Chart

Contact

Name:	Tom Keogh
Address:	Kelowna Running Room Unit 124, 1876 Cooper Road, Orchard Plaza Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 9N6
Phone Number:	780-232-2433
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.1

Organization 3.3

Spectators 3.4

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Number of comments: 48 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

Matthias Neufeld-Nollmann from Münster, Germany (12/8/2014) "10 Stars and more for this Marathon" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We the 4 crazy Germans like to thank all the people that make this Marathon to a very special one!!! All the volunteers, RCMP Officers, Spectators made a great Job and even more&.these people motivates, helps and keep you going when you are struggle! Without all of you we never had make it to the Finish&&.. Compare to races in Germany you have to get 10 Stars and more& Thanks again the 4 Germans Christina, Stefanie, Andera and Matthias If someone got pictures from the Start number 3, 333, 275, 271 please contact me!
J. D. from Saskatoon Sakatchewan (10/27/2014) "Pretty Good race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I Ran this race in October 2014. The course is a double loop which is less than ideal. Much of the area is nice to run on. along the lake etc. Quite flat. No hills to speak of. Well organized, with lots of volunteers. John Stanton (founder of Running Room) did much of the announcing the runners finishing. He was excellent. Not a lot of spectators on the course. Pretty decent race expo. I enjoyed the race and I would probably run it again. I live about 800 Km away from Kelowna.
C. W. from Calgary (10/14/2014) "Barely OK" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race was flat in so many ways. Yes, no hills but also no spectators, music (even a radio would have been nice) entertainment.... A very boring double loop course which went around a belching saw mill twice. I overheard some volunteers asking slower marathoners if 'they were planning on finishing'. Why advertise a marathon walk and then try to close the course! Overall, the volunteers were great but comments like that would be very demoralizing. I won't do this race again nor recommend it to anyone. I expected more from a city that hosts a world class triathlon.
T. H. from Bc. (11/9/2010) "Had a fun first marathon" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First marathon for me. Managed to quailify for Boston. Good course; kind of interesting doing two loops running with the halfers and 10Kers at different points. Overall, it was great and I will do it again
M. L. from Calgary Alberta (10/15/2010) "OK Okanagan" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my fourth year at Okanagan, and though I did the half this year, I feel qualified to comment. The new course is fine and well marked, though there are lots and lots of turns. As others mentioned, be prepared to push into or go around groups of other walkers/runners doing other distances, especially across the narrow footbridge into city park finish area. Given how many years this race has been going on you'd think the organizers would be able to anticipate rain and put some money into a bigger warm up tent in future, and better post-race food; every year it's so insanely crowded, and dry cookies, bananas and bagels just don't do it for me. I'd also suggest posting results in an area away from the tent entrance to avoid the massive pileup of people as well. The only reason I kept coming back is because of the proximity to my hometown (and I PB'd here in 2007). However this is it for me and will be going elsewhere next year. For an area that hosts a spectacular ironman competition, this race really could be much higher caliber than it is. Overall, it's just as the name suggests: OK. Out-of-town travelers: do call the Kelowna shuttle to/from the airport - you'll pay $19 instead of $35 for a cab ride.
Powel Crosley from Edmonton, Alberta (10/13/2010) "Very nice, smaller-field race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran this for the first time and did a personal best, although I had already qualified for Boston! My general comments would be that the track through City Park has the potential for problems because you loop back through it against the flow of half-marathoners, 10Kers and walkers on a narrow path. Also, a 3:15 pace bunny would be nice. I can't stay with a 3:00 pace but would like some help to get to the 3:15 level. Or maybe I just didn't see them. But I enjoyed the run, and would do it again.
m. b. from Kelowna, BC (10/12/2010) "Not enough water stations." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I didn't mind the two-loop course and appreciate the flatness of the race but having to cross paths with the half-marathoners twice and going against the flow of the 10K runners on a narrow boardwalk wasn't ideal. My biggest complaint is that there were not enough water stations in the second half of the loop. Easily 4K between stations and the cups were so small that I needed at least 3 at each station.
w. l. from sherwood park alberta (10/10/2010) "Fantastic Thanksgiving marathon... will do it agai" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my first time running this marathon, and I thought it was very well organized. We knew where to go and the volunteers were amazing.
B. W. from Manitoba (10/16/2009) "Poor course marshaling for the last 4K" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 My wife and I finished in just under four hours, and that allowed my wife to get her BQ. However, the extra loop near the finish that was only supposed to be part of the half was very frustrating. We realized the mistake halfway to the turn around and started yelling to others around us that they should ignore it, but most apparently did not. There were no course marshals at all after 38K, and I speculate that they existed, but left after most of the half-marathoners had passed. A pretty good run with lots of support in most areas was definitely marred by this error. A pleasant surprise was the relative flatness of the course. The narrow finish chute is a challenge when you have groups of half-marathon walkers taking up most of the width. Widening it would be a big help. Some kilometer markers were missing or misplaced. All issues can be addressed and improved for next year.
J. K. from Alberta (10/16/2009) "Fast, Flat Course" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Okanagan Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This course has the potential of being a really great race. It is very flat and fast and the area is wonderful. The event organizers need to put the runners first to make it one of the best. They have stiff competition on this weekend and need to improve. As for the comments about the extra loop, learn from this and make sure you know your course. Don't just follow the person it front; they may, after all, be running a different race distance.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

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Matthias Neufeld-Nollmann from Münster, Germany (12/8/2014) "10 Stars and more for this Marathon" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We the 4 crazy Germans like to thank all the people that make this Marathon to a very special one!!! All the volunteers, RCMP Officers, Spectators made a great Job and even more&.these people motivates, helps and keep you going when you are struggle! Without all of you we never had make it to the Finish&&.. Compare to races in Germany you have to get 10 Stars and more& Thanks again the 4 Germans Christina, Stefanie, Andera and Matthias If someone got pictures from the Start number 3, 333, 275, 271 please contact me!
J. D. from Saskatoon Sakatchewan (10/27/2014) "Pretty Good race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I Ran this race in October 2014. The course is a double loop which is less than ideal. Much of the area is nice to run on. along the lake etc. Quite flat. No hills to speak of. Well organized, with lots of volunteers. John Stanton (founder of Running Room) did much of the announcing the runners finishing. He was excellent. Not a lot of spectators on the course. Pretty decent race expo. I enjoyed the race and I would probably run it again. I live about 800 Km away from Kelowna.
C. W. from Calgary (10/14/2014) "Barely OK" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race was flat in so many ways. Yes, no hills but also no spectators, music (even a radio would have been nice) entertainment.... A very boring double loop course which went around a belching saw mill twice. I overheard some volunteers asking slower marathoners if 'they were planning on finishing'. Why advertise a marathon walk and then try to close the course! Overall, the volunteers were great but comments like that would be very demoralizing. I won't do this race again nor recommend it to anyone. I expected more from a city that hosts a world class triathlon.
T. H. from Bc. (11/9/2010) "Had a fun first marathon" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 First marathon for me. Managed to quailify for Boston. Good course; kind of interesting doing two loops running with the halfers and 10Kers at different points. Overall, it was great and I will do it again
M. L. from Calgary Alberta (10/15/2010) "OK Okanagan" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my fourth year at Okanagan, and though I did the half this year, I feel qualified to comment. The new course is fine and well marked, though there are lots and lots of turns. As others mentioned, be prepared to push into or go around groups of other walkers/runners doing other distances, especially across the narrow footbridge into city park finish area. Given how many years this race has been going on you'd think the organizers would be able to anticipate rain and put some money into a bigger warm up tent in future, and better post-race food; every year it's so insanely crowded, and dry cookies, bananas and bagels just don't do it for me. I'd also suggest posting results in an area away from the tent entrance to avoid the massive pileup of people as well. The only reason I kept coming back is because of the proximity to my hometown (and I PB'd here in 2007). However this is it for me and will be going elsewhere next year. For an area that hosts a spectacular ironman competition, this race really could be much higher caliber than it is. Overall, it's just as the name suggests: OK. Out-of-town travelers: do call the Kelowna shuttle to/from the airport - you'll pay $19 instead of $35 for a cab ride.
Powel Crosley from Edmonton, Alberta (10/13/2010) "Very nice, smaller-field race" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran this for the first time and did a personal best, although I had already qualified for Boston! My general comments would be that the track through City Park has the potential for problems because you loop back through it against the flow of half-marathoners, 10Kers and walkers on a narrow path. Also, a 3:15 pace bunny would be nice. I can't stay with a 3:00 pace but would like some help to get to the 3:15 level. Or maybe I just didn't see them. But I enjoyed the run, and would do it again.
m. b. from Kelowna, BC (10/12/2010) "Not enough water stations." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I didn't mind the two-loop course and appreciate the flatness of the race but having to cross paths with the half-marathoners twice and going against the flow of the 10K runners on a narrow boardwalk wasn't ideal. My biggest complaint is that there were not enough water stations in the second half of the loop. Easily 4K between stations and the cups were so small that I needed at least 3 at each station.
w. l. from sherwood park alberta (10/10/2010) "Fantastic Thanksgiving marathon... will do it agai" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my first time running this marathon, and I thought it was very well organized. We knew where to go and the volunteers were amazing.
B. W. from Manitoba (10/16/2009) "Poor course marshaling for the last 4K" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Okanagan Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 My wife and I finished in just under four hours, and that allowed my wife to get her BQ. However, the extra loop near the finish that was only supposed to be part of the half was very frustrating. We realized the mistake halfway to the turn around and started yelling to others around us that they should ignore it, but most apparently did not. There were no course marshals at all after 38K, and I speculate that they existed, but left after most of the half-marathoners had passed. A pretty good run with lots of support in most areas was definitely marred by this error. A pleasant surprise was the relative flatness of the course. The narrow finish chute is a challenge when you have groups of half-marathon walkers taking up most of the width. Widening it would be a big help. Some kilometer markers were missing or misplaced. All issues can be addressed and improved for next year.
J. K. from Alberta (10/16/2009) "Fast, Flat Course" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Okanagan Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This course has the potential of being a really great race. It is very flat and fast and the area is wonderful. The event organizers need to put the runners first to make it one of the best. They have stiff competition on this weekend and need to improve. As for the comments about the extra loop, learn from this and make sure you know your course. Don't just follow the person it front; they may, after all, be running a different race distance.

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Marathon Details - Okanagan Marathon