CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Competitive runners and casual walkers seeking a vineyard course, small town hospitality, a breathtaking venue and a post-race celebration got what they wanted with the Vines to Wine run hosted by the Lake County Milers at Brassfield Estate Winery Sunday morning.
“Thank you for putting on the Brassfield Vines to Wine run today. I”ve raced all over the nation the past 25 years and this was the best event I”ve run. The Lake County Milers kept their intimate small town race approach while offering a world class race experience. The volunteers, venue, and competitors showcased the best of our hidden gem in Lake County. Runners looking for a wine country race that”s actually run through vineyards should put the Brassfield Vines to Wine at the top of their list,” Sky Pile, of Hidden Valley Lake, said.
Two young Lake County Miler members won overall first-place finishes in the 5K and 10-mile distances.
Andre Williams of Kelseyville, 13, surprised everyone by crossing the trail 5K finish line first in 19:18 minutes — 6:13 pace. Diego Munoz of Hidden Valley Lake, 16 and a member of the Middletown High School Cross Country Team, was the first person to finish the 10-mile trail run in 1:08:31 — 6:51 pace.
“I was thrilled to see these two strong young runners pull out all the stops and win this event yesterday. Kudos to both Andre and Diego for a great race,” stated Jeanine Burnett, Lake County Milers president and Vines to Wine race director.
A portion of the net proceeds will go to East Lake Elementary School, Clearlake Oaks and Upper Lake High School Cross Country program.
First-place female finisher in the 10-mile distance was Hidden Valley Lake resident and Lake County Miler member, Jennifer Perez, with a finishing time of 1:20:52 — 8:05 pace. Kelsey resident Shanna Wilbur captured the honors for the 5K distance, first female finisher in 23:07 — 7:27 pace.
For full results in both distances, visit www.norcaltiming.com/results/vines_to_wine_2014/results.html
To view the event photo album by the official event photographer Bob Rider, go to http://proofing.bobriderphotography.com/event/953844.
After the 5K and 10-mile course the Brassfield staff poured wine tastings to participants in keepsake logo stemless wineglasses, while Yuba College, Clear Lake Campus culinary instructor, Robert Cabreros, and his team of culinary students served a post-race Italian meal.
For information about the Lake County Milers running club and future events go to www.lakecountymilers.com and register to be on their email list. To visit Brassfield Estate Winery go to http://www.brassfieldestate.com/.
