Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races is an amazing running event in wine country with the stunning vineyard views. It's located in Cloverdale and this year it was their 14th annual event. You can run a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. I ran a 5k and the race has incredible vineyard views that are truly breathtaking! It's such a scenic run through the vineyards and especially in the fall the views were just spectacular!
I was thinking that there might not be that many people since Cloverdale is a smaller town in Sonoma County, although this race had an excellent turnout with people coming from all over to run through the vineyards and I can't blame them. Also, its for such a great cause! Cloverdale is located less then 90 minutes north of San Francisco and just 15 minutes north of Healdsburg so it seemed like many spent the weekend in wine country and attended this event.
All proceeds support the charitable programs of the Kiwanis Club of Cloverdale Foundation, including fully funding the Cloverdale Chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, bringing the gift of reading to the children of Cloverdale.
I felt that the race was well organized with several port a potties for people to use and lots of tables to sit at for brunch afterwards. The race is supported by volunteers so hats off to all of them who put together such an incredible day for such a great cause. It was very clear with signs the route and loved that there were aid stations along the way.
As part of the welcome packet, you also get a shirt that was either short or long sleeved. I liked the design and felt it was a quality made shirt, which I appreciated.
Here is a little history about the race to warm your heart. In 2009, Greg Carter attended the Kiwanis International Convention in Nashville. There, he learned about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, started by the beloved Country Music icon in 1995. She had been deeply affected growing up by her father's struggles with illiteracy. The Imagination Library, which every month from birth to age 5 puts a new book in the hands of a child was her answer to preventing future illiteracy and the pain that it causes. Full of enthusiasm, Greg came home determined to bring the Imagination Library to Cloverdale. Greg was an ultra-marathon runner and Julie had experience in race organizing, so there was the answer and the club agreed. Specifically, it was decided that the Harvest Runs would offer full and half marathons and a 5K. This small start did provide the money to get the program going. The race itself grew and evolved into the Cloverdale Kiwanis Vineyard Races. While Greg has since past away, this race lives on in his memory and his imact continues to help children of Cloverdale today.
An amazing race, stunning vineyard views, and an incredible cause! Highly recommend this race to everyone who is looking to run a 5k, 10k, or...
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