Anonymous
Stephen Lewis Photography
Source: Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation
On an overcast, cool Saturday morning for running, Ramiro Guillen of Santa Barbara and Madelyn Vorgitch of Moorpark won the 4th Vintners 5 Miler presented by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation. Over a mixed terrain course with incredible views overlooking the Sanford Winery and Vineyards, Guillen, the 2016 race champion, 36, crossed the line in 26 minutes, 50 seconds to break his event record of 27:07, while Vorgitch, 22, was the top woman – also 5th overall – in 31:44 to also set an event record (old mark, 31:48, Dani Moreno, 2015).
“With ideal weather and an event attendee record, our fourth event edition was something special to celebrate in the Sta. Rita Hills,” said President of the Vintners Foundation, Elaina Kroll. “We thank our participants, sponsors, volunteers, silent auction donors and host Sanford Winery for creating such a wonderful community event. Together, we raised funds for the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation, one of the Vintners Foundation’s supported community organizations.”
Overall, there was a record of more than 360 entrants in the 5 Mile run and the 1 Mile Wine Walk. Every finisher received an event t-shirt, and the adults – 21 & older – also took home commemorative wine glasses. The 5 Miler was also a Santa Barbara Athletic Association (SBAA) Grand Prix scoring event.
The team competition with 8 scoring teams (top five runners) was captured by Inside Track Running Club (ITRC) led by William Stepler who recorded a 35:11 to place 7th overall. The team averaged 37:34 per runner (Stepler, Karla Jones, 35:35; Cecil Baumgartner, 38:42; Adrian Rosales, 38:58 and Genevieve Bromley, 39:22). ITRC and Grassini Family Vineyards had the largest teams, 26 members each.
In addition to the run / walk, the Event offered post-race a world class, family-friendly Finish Line Festival that included complimentary wine tasting, live music by local musician David Vignoe, a kid’s fun zone and outstanding local food served by the Four Seasons Resort: The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Cecco Ristorante and Valley Craft Gelato.
At the 4th edition, 11 wineries poured: Au Bon Climat, Brave & Maiden Estate, Cambria, Foxen Vineyard & Winery, Grace + Vine, Grassini Family Vineyards, Martian Ranch & Vineyard, Nielsen, Pence, Sweetzer Cellars and event host Sanford Winery.
Community event sponsors included: Visit Santa Ynez Valley, Four Seasons Resort: The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Santa Ynez Elite Party Rentals, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, PhysioPhyx 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, many fine wine lots and private stays in Santa Barbara County. The proceeds from this year’s event will support the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation. The local Foundation’s mission is to provide a thriving aquatics complex to serve the entire community, with a focus on creating programming that closes the gap for underserved residents.
The Vintners 5 Miler was again produced by the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation and EventPRO, a Santa Barbara-based media & marketing company.
Race results at: www.sbvintnersrun.com
