CARLTON, OR (September 4, 2011) – On a brilliant sunny day in the Willamette Valley, Carre Heineck and Mario Mendoza shone brightest of all, finishing ahead of a strong field of runners in the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon. Heineck, the 2010 champion from Portland, defended her title by completing the course in 1:18:43, easily besting last years time of 1:22:17 and defeating second place finisher Natalie Bak of Bend (1:19:57). In the men’s field, Mario Mendoza, also of Bend, defeated Tahir Chakisso from Clackamas, Oregon, in a tight race. Mendoza broke loose from Chakisso after mile eleven, finishing in 1:09:43, only 13 second ahead.
Conditions were spectacular for the nearly 1,600 runners from 45 different states who traveled to the heart of Oregon’s Wine Country in Yamhill County in the Willamette Valley. Runners completed the 13.1 mile course from Stoller Vineyards in Dayton, to the town of Carlton, where they were treated to a post-race wine and music festival.
Early Packet Pickup4:00-8:00pmSports Authority Store, BeavertonMore Info
Welcome Reception5:00pm to 7:00pmSoléna and Grand Cru EstatesMore Info
Race EXPO10:00am to 6:00pmEvergreen Aviation MuseumMore Info
Race Dinner5:30pm to 7:30pmStoller Vineyards WineryMore Info
Transportation to Start5:15am to 6:30amMore Info
Half Marathon Start7:00amStoller VineyardsMore Info
Wine & Music Festival9:15am to NoonDowntown CarltonMore Info
Winery Tours2:00pm to 6:00pm3 wineriesMore Info