Pelee Island Winery Half Marathon 2024

Back by popular demand in our 10th running is our legendary Recovery Hoodie with thumb holes. This lightweight, perfect-for-after-run wear, long-sleeve hoodie is unsex sizing only.

Race Kit Pick Up is inside the Pelee Island Winery. Make your way over to the Winery to pick up your bib and sample some great wines! RKPU is Friday from 11:00 am till the last boat at 8:00 pm. On Race Day morning we open at 7:00 am and get there early before the same day boat rush that lands at 8:20 am.

The Greatest Race After Party in Running

TICKETS MUST HAVE BEEN PURCHASED AHEAD OF TIME TO ATTEND THE LUNCHEON. EACH RUNNER HAS A TICKET TO THIS LUNCHEON INCLUDED IN THEIR REGISTRATION. THERE ARE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS TO THE LUNCHEON AVAILABLE.

Starting shortly after 12:30 pm just outside of the Finish Line in the Pelee Island Winery Pavillion

Proposed 2024 Finish line Luncheon Menu- Catered by Vernon’s Tap and Grill from Kingsville

Station #1 Assorted Wraps, Assorted Meat Tray, Assorted Fruit Tray, Assorted Veggie Trays

Station #2 BBQ Ribs, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Stuffed Chicken, Assorted Pita Chips and Dips

Station #3 Garden Salad, Potato Salad, Quinoa Salad, Pasta Salad, Assorted Bean Salad

Station #4 Assorted Kabobs – Pork-Chicken-Vegetarian- Grilled Asparagus –Corn on the Cob

This event would never happen without the support and committment to excellence from our naming sponsor the Pelee Island Winery.

History is predominant when one speaks of Pelee Island Winery and the vineyards on the island. The tradition of winning awards for its wines, on both a national and international level, continues since receiving a medal in 1878 in Paris. The first estate winery in Canada, Vin Villa was founded in the 1860’s and can still be seen on the island today. Vineyards on Pelee Island enjoy more heat units than Bordeaux, France due to the tempering effect of the lake that surrounds it. The extended growing season of Canada’s most southern inhabited island allows our grapes to reach their full potential and maturity. All these factors of sun, soil, climate and southern latitude sum up to help create an internationally recognized viticultural region.

Since 1982, the production facilities have been located on the mainland in Kingsville. Visitors are invited to visit our extensive retail store and take a comprehensive tour of the winemaking establishment. On the island we offer an equally exciting experience, where one can also take a tour, taste our wines in the vineyard and enjoy a barbecued lunch in the wine garden at our wine pavilion overlooking Lake Erie.

For more information: www.peleeisland.com

This is a very unique race, after all it is Canada's Most Southern Half Marathon and it takes place on an island in the middle of Lake Erie bordering the United States. Epic water battles from the War of 1812 took place just off the west side of the island. This half marathon goes 7/8ths around the island and ends in a huge party inside the Pelee Island Winery!

The Course is a mixture of road top conditions. In the new course detailed below, the first 5K is paved (Tar & Chip), the next 8K is gravel on the east side of the island. The last 8K is also back to paved roads and into the winery for an epic finish.

The Start is near the winery and travels counterclockwise around the Island, ending inside the Winery. The change allows you to run the last 6Km on the west side of the island with a beautiful view of the water and a cooling predominantly westerly wind.

There are Aid Stations approximately every 2K with a Port-A-John (with hand sanitizer), RunningFlat Fuel (Gruppo formerly Infinit) and Water. Also, at each Aid Station is a runner's aid kit with Vaseline and bandaids. Water Station at Mile Marker 10K, midway, has GU for you.

Welcome to Pelee Island, Canada's most southern inhabited Community. Here is a quick overview to get you familiarized with Pelee Island.

In 2019 we fielded a record 430 runners which translated into over 1,000 visitors to the island for the race, that includes the Runners, Families, Friends, and our RunningFlat Crew!

I always say, "Pelee Island is no Vegas!" Pelee has all the basic necessities... if you're looking for extravagant things, this is not the place!

The island is 34 km around the perimeter. Over half of the Island is farmed, while 20% of the Island has been set aside for conservation. There are lots of beaches and forests, and waterfront cottages. The population fluctuates seasonally. The community has a Co-Op (519)724-2910 which serves as Post Office, Grocery Store, Gas Station (regular gas only) & Hardware Store, and is open most days 9 am-2 pm. Closed Sundays

There is NO Bank on the island. U.S. Visitors should exchange money prior to visiting, however, most businesses accept USD.

There is one ATM Machine on the island at the Stonehouse. Most establishments accept major credit cards or debit, and the LCBO offers cashback with purchase.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) enforce the law on our Island. The office is located at 1045 West Shore Rd. and an officer can be reached by calling 519-724-2181 or 911 if it's an emergency

Medical Clinic staff and Ambulance Service are on duty on the island

The roads on Pelee are narrow, and some are gravel. Please allow enough room for bicycles and vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

Camping is allowed ONLY IN DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS such as the East Park Campgrounds and The Main Station RV Park, Guesthouse + Campground.

Post-Covid, the Island has changed dramatically. In 2022 we found fewer Cottages to rent and very few BnBs due to ownership changes and their willingness to rent out properties around the island. That is why we now have a day of race ferry leaving Leamington at 7 am for the first time in 2023. We still want to sell out all the accommodations on the island and support the local tourism economy. Pelee has a variety of Bed and Breakfasts around the island, ranging from quaint and homey to higher end Bed & Breakfasts.

For a list of other accommodations visit the web at www.pelee.org click “enter” then, “accommodations”.

A great site to find out what is available from various people on the island is the Facebook Page Pelee Island Where To Stay

Traveling to Pelee Island you'll have to take the ferry from the Leamington Terminal. Each sailing is 1.5 hours and passengers with vehicles are required to be at ferry terminal at least 1 hour prior to sailing.

Ferry Departures (each sailing is 1.5 hours): Times may change

Leamington to Pelee Sailings (subject to change)

Pelee Island to Leamington Sailings

Cost for Ferry: (cost subject to change)

$7.50/adult walk-on passenger one-direction

$16.50/regular vehicle one-direction

All travel requires a reservation; even walk-ons. You must call 1-800-661-2220 in advance to make a reservation well in advance. You can also book online at www.ontarioferries.com

Sandusky to Pelee Sailings (subject to change)

Friday only, 4:30 pm arrive 6pm

Pelee Island to Sandusky Sailings

Sunday only, 2pm, arrive 3:30pm

Cost for Ferry:

$13.75/adult walk-on passenger one-direction

Taxi Services:

After the pandemic, there is currently no Taxi Service on the Island.

Comfortech Bicycle Shop by West Dock. Bike Rental Costs $30/day/bike or $65/ day for a pedal-assist e-bike. For other bike rental inquiries please contact 519-724-2828.

Pelee Island Heritage Centre- a local museum + tourist information centre with human and natural history on the island. Costs $5/person for entrance fees.

Pelee Island Winery- offers wine tours and wine tastings. 519-724-2469 for tour times, as they may vary depending on the boat schedule.

Pelee Island Bird Observatory- offers guided bird walks during birding season at Fish Point Nature Reserve. As well as, environmental field trips and cottage rental. 519-724-2829.

Pelee Island Art Works- Pelee has one of kind hand made works from local artisans as well as souvenirs.

The Pelee Shop Custom design Pelee Island wearables and collectibles. Located behind the Westview Tavern on West Shore Road.

Pelee Island Adventures 519-724-4742 Vin Villa Tours, Golf Car, and E-bike Rentals

Most of all this is an exotic Race on an Island in the middle of Lake Erie! So have Fun!