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Vintners runners in Sanford vineyard (Photo: Stephen Lewis Photography)
Source: Santa Barbara Vintners Association
On a cool, overcast Saturday morning in the Sta. Rita Hills, Kris Brown of Santa Barbara and Madelyn Vorgitch of Moorpark won the 5th Vintners 5 Miler presented by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation. Over a mixed terrain course with scenic views overlooking the Sanford Winery and Vineyards, Brown, 30, finished first in 28 minutes, 34 seconds, while Vorgitch, 23, not only defended her title in 31:20, but she also smashed her 2018 course record of 31:44 and placed third overall.
“With ideal weather for the runners, walkers and post-event Finish Line Festival plus an event attendee record, our 5th anniversary edition was a huge success,” said Jessica Gasca, President of the Vintners Foundation. “We cannot thank enough all of our participants, sponsors, volunteers, silent auction donors and host Sanford Winery for presenting such an outstanding, fun community event. Together, we raised funds for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, one of the Vintners Foundation’s supported community organizations.”
For the fourth straight year, the event attracted a record number of entrants: 5 Mile (394) and the 1 Mile Wine Walk (70), with 464 overall. Every finisher received a 5th anniversary t-shirt & medal, and the adults – 21 & older – commemorative wine glasses. The 5 Miler was also a Santa Barbara Athletic Association (SBAA) Grand Prix scoring event.
The team competition had a record 15 scoring teams (5 runners or more) with 241 team members overall. The team title – top 5 runners scored – was won by Power of Your Om Yoga Studio led by men’s champion Brown (28:34). The team set an event record with a 34:25 average (Brown, Jason Smith, 30:51; Dan Rudd 36:34; Adrienne Smith, 37:58 and Jim Sloan, 38:07); previous team record was 34:29 by The Screwcaps in 2016. Inside Track Running Club (ITRC) and Grassini Family Vineyards again had the largest teams, 52 and 34 members, respectively.
After the run / walk, the Vintners event offered a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly Finish Line Festival that included complimentary wine tasting, live music by local musician Catalina Esteves, yard games and delicious local food served by the Four Seasons Resort: The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Willows Restaurant + Bar, Cecco Ristorante and The Doggy Door.
At the 5th edition, 13 wineries also poured their latest-and-greatest: Bolt To, Brave & Maiden Estate, Cambria Wines, Dragonette, Foxen Vineyard & Winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, Martian Ranch & Vineyard, Nielsen Wines, Pence Vineyards, Riverbench Winery, Story of Soil, Sweetzer Cellars and event host Sanford Winery.
Community event sponsors included: Visit Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez Elite Party Rentals, Wineshipping and Isla Vista Screen Printing.
The event also held a silent auction, and Santa Barbara Vintners Association members donated an array of items including vineyards tours, tasting experiences and many fine wine lots. The proceeds from this year’s event will support the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. The Foodbank’s mission is to end hunger and transform the health of Santa Barbara County through good nutrition.
The Vintners 5 Miler was produced by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation and EventPRO, a Santa Barbara-based media & marketing company.
For complete results and more, go to: sbvintersrun.com
ABOUT 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.sbvf.org for more information.
