The Vernon Winter Carnival One Miler 2026 takes place on February 7, 2026 in Vernon, British Columbia and is presented by the Vernon Winter Carnival Society. The one-mile race was first introduced in 2024 and has quickly become a parade-day staple, drawing local competitors and visiting sprinters to kick off the carnival festivities.

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This is an in-person, timed 1-mile road race held on the Vernon Winter Carnival Parade Route. On-site registration opens at 11:00 a.m. at the Watkin Motors registration tent and the race starts at 12:00 p.m. The event offers a competitive category—chip-timed—and a Family Race option, with racing bibs supplied to participants and prizes awarded to race winners and competitive age groups.

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What sets this one-miler apart is its new, straight net-downhill layout that lends itself to fast times and personal best attempts. The race also doubles as the parade starter for the Vernon Winter Carnival, so runners launch the day’s community celebrations. Local sponsors include Kal Tire, The Starting Block and Bush Babes Trail Running, which keeps the event firmly rooted in the North Okanagan running scene.

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Registration details are available through the official event site; the listed entry fee on the event page is $20 per person and on-site registration is available at the Watkin Motors tent on race day. For questions about the race contact the Vernon Winter Carnival Society by phone or email as listed on the event materials.

• Start/finish located along the Vernon Winter Carnival Parade Route with the registration tent at Watkin Motors
• Single straight 1‑mile course on paved city streets used for the carnival parade
• Net downhill elevation profile designed for fast times
• Race start time 12:00 p.m.; on‑site registration opens at 11:00 a.m. at the Watkin Motors tent
• Competitive category is chip‑timed; racing bibs are provided to participants

• Fast, net downhill course: a new straight 1‑mile layout billed as a quick, PB‑friendly route
• Parade starter event: the one‑miler officially kicks off the Vernon Winter Carnival parade festivities
• Timed competitive option: competitive category is chip‑timed with prizes for age‑group winners
• Family-friendly entry: a separate Family Race lets mixed groups and casual participants run together
• Low entry fee: official event listing shows a $20 per person entry and on‑site registration at Watkin Motors