Posted: June 18, 2006

Athletics: Wine Country Half Marathon to Offer Top-Shelf Schwag Freebies Include Wine Tasting, Wine Glass

NAPA, Calif. (June 18, 2006) – Here’s a toast to great race schwag.

Discriminating participants in the Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon will have plenty to toast after their 13.1-mile jaunt from Napa to Sonoma through the Carneros wine region. Post-race perks include a commemorative wine glass, wine tasting at the Wine and Music Festival, and a colorful one-of-a-kind finisher’s medal that features a colorful vineyard scene. The event is scheduled for July 16, 2006.

Participants will also receive a shirt designed by French artist Jean-Pierre Got, copied from the Art Deco style poster. “I’ve learned how important the freebies are to some of these runners,” said Matt Dockstader, president of Destination Races and race director of the Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon. “And these items can be an important marketing tool, given all of the race options runners have nowadays.” This year, one hundred posters have been signed and numbered by the artist and will be available for sale at the event.

The days when race entrants were satisfied when they received a cotton tee shirt and a stale bagel are over. “Our first year we gave them a scenic course, a wine festival with entertainment and a fun, new experience,” said Dockstader. “But we didn’t produce medals and I sure heard about it.”

The Carneros Wine Country Half now starts at Domaine Carneros winery in Napa and winds though vineyards, farms and the Napa/Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Preserve before finishing in historic Sonoma Plaza. “We take people on a memorable journey from one iconic wine town to another.” Dockstader added. “The medals, shirts and wine glasses have become cherished souvenirs for our participants.” Even the Travel Channel has taken note of the event and has become a sponsor of the event in 2006. Travel Channel will be taping all weekend at the various event activities to find out what makes Napa and Sonoma Valleys so special.

The half marathon’s top finishers will be able to savor their victories in style. The prize purse includes: $2,000 in cash and $7,000 in wine and other prizes, including double magnums of Acacia wine and a Ball watch ($2,500 value).

It also helps to have a wine alliance as a presenting sponsor. The Carneros Wine Alliance, a consortium of growers and vintners in the Carneros wine region of Northern California, signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the event. Overlapping the southern reaches of both the renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the Carneros region is a “cool climate” appellation known for its quality Chardonnay, elegant Pinot Noir and other flourishing varietals such as Syrah and Merlot.

Spectators will be able to view the race start from the terrace of Domaine Carneros while enjoying champagne with a wine country breakfast. Wineries from the Carneros Wine Alliance will pour at the popular post-race Wine & Music Festival at the Sonoma Plaza.

Managed by Destination Races of Sonoma, Calif., the Carneros Wine Country Half Marathon weekend also includes a 10K race. For more information visit, www.runcarneros.com or call (707) 933-1769.

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