Media Release: New Zealand’s original vineyard running event, the Saint Clair Vineyard Half, will expand in 2020, with the creation of a new race course and category, The Appleby Farms V12.

The annual May event will now include a new 12 kilometre race. The course will begin at The Vines Village in Rapaura and traverse some of the country’s most picturesque vineyards, finishing at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen.

The Marlborough event is owned by the Polson and Shaw family who have spent the last seven years refining the race experience.

“We’ve been working on growing and improving our event since we purchased it in 2011. We wanted to create a new goldilocks distance that features some of the best parts of the Vineyard Half, without the last killer kilometres. The aim is to make the race more accessible to all levels of fitness,” says Vineyard Half co-owner Chris Shaw.

The V12 is sponsored by Nelson ice cream makers Appleby Farms, who join the family of Vineyard Half sponsors, including founding and naming rights sponsors Saint Clair Family Estate.

“We’re thrilled to be part of a new feature to the Vineyard Half weekend,” says Mike Brown, CEO of Appleby Farms. “Supporting local is part of our ethos. We had a great time last year with providing a Sauvignon sorbet on the course and we look forward to bringing more fun to the V12 in Marlborough next year.”

The Appleby Farms V12 course is designed to be a challenge for entrants, but require less training than the full half marathon distance. The course will feature live entertainment, a huge array of on-course surprises, foodie treats, plus a bottle of Saint Clair wine for everyone who crosses the finish line.

“The Saint Clair Vineyard Half is more than a running event. All our course categories include live bands, food stops, on-course treats, and our unique vineyard locations that entrants get to run or walk through. Ultimately, it’s about having a great time with your mates and an unforgettable weekend of challenge and reward,” says co-owner Anna Polson.

The 2020 Vineyard Half will also include a new prize category for the best on-course costumes. Best Dressed with Thomas’s is sponsored by Marlborough retailer Thomas’s and will offer $2000 of prizes for the best dressed entrants.

Entries for the 2020 Saint Clair Vineyard Half open on Tuesday September 24. The 2020 Saint Clair Vineyard Half will be held on May 9.