The Starting Block Winter Carnival 10k and 3k run takes place on February 8, 2026 in the North Okanagan (Lavington Park / Coldstream, near Vernon). Presented by Endurance Health and Fitness with Mel Spooner as Race Director, the road race is staged as part of the Vernon Winter Carnival (this year marks the carnival's 66th edition) and appears on the Interior Running Association road-race calendar. Organizers note that the 10K course has been recently re-certified.

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The event is a single-day, in-person road race offering a certified 10-kilometre main event and a shorter 3-kilometre fun run. The 10K starts at 10:00 AM and the 3K follows shortly after; race-day packet pick-up opens at the tennis courts in Lavington Park on Sunday morning, and an earlier packet pick-up is offered the day before for eligible registrants at The Starting Block in Vernon. Post-race awards and refreshments are held outside at Lavington Park.

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What sets this race apart is its community-focused, grassroots feel tied to the Winter Carnival weekend. The 10K routes through flat-to-gently rolling rural-residential and agricultural countryside, while the 3K is an all-paved loop/out-and-back suited to families and recreational runners (note: there are no placings or awards for the 3K). Organizers plan hot beverages and soup after the finish and encourage participants to bring warm clothing, chairs, blankets and a mug — the event operates cup-free, so bring your own water cup.

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Registration is online only and typically closes the evening before the race; packet pick-up windows, volunteer opportunities and current entry status are posted by the organizer on the official event page. Runners should plan for winter conditions on course and review packet-pickup rules if they plan to collect bibs on Saturday.

• Start/finish at the tennis courts in Lavington Park (6408 Lavington Way, Coldstream/Vernon area).
• 10K is a certified course that runs through flat to gently rolling rural-residential and agricultural countryside with a mix of out-and-back and loop sections.
• 3K is an all-paved, flat loop with an out-and-back configuration.
• Expect winter conditions on the route—ice and snow are likely; plan footwear accordingly.
• Parking instructions: take Hwy 6 east from Vernon, turn right on School Road just past the Canco gas station and park on School Road — NO PARKING on Lavington Way.

• Certified 10K course: The 10K has been recently re-certified, giving competitive runners a measured course to chase fast times.
• Winter carnival atmosphere: Staged during the Vernon Winter Carnival (66th year), the race is part of a larger community celebration.
• Hot post-race refreshments: Organizers aim to have hot beverages and soup on-site — bring a mug and warm layers for the outdoor awards area.
• Snow-and-ice ready: Course notes warn runners to expect ice and snow on roads; shoes with traction are a smart choice.
• 3K fun-run option: A short, all-paved loop/out-and-back provides a low-pressure entry for recreational runners and families (no placings or awards).