Welcome to the Midsummer 8K 2026 — where championship racing meets summer celebration in the heart of the Okanagan.
Set against the sparkling shoreline of Lake Okanagan, this flat and fast course showcases the very best of Kelowna, BC. Whether you are chasing a personal best, competing for provincial honours, or soaking up the electric race-day atmosphere, the Midsummer 8K delivers an experience worthy of the world stage — with the warmth of a true community event.
HISTORY
For over 30 years, the Midsummer 8K has been a cornerstone of the Kelowna running scene and the Interior Running Association Road Race Series. In 2025, the event proudly served as the BC Athletics Road Running Championship 8K and a World Athletics ranking event, attracting top competitors while remaining welcoming and inclusive for runners of all abilities. This year is shaping up to be our most ambitious yet with a fast, flat certified course designed for personal bests, cash and age-group prizes, and more vendors and sponsors involved at our start/finish area. With expanded community elements like a kids’ race and continued support for local athletics programs, the 2026 Midsummer 8K promises championship racing and summer fun for runners of all levels.
SOME FEATURES TO NOTE:
- Run in beautiful Kelowna, BC!
- Chip timing for fast and accurate results
- Cash prizes for top three male and female finishers.
- Awards for the top 3 male and female runners in each age group.
- Registration is open until July 11th 2026
- Water and Electrolyte station at 2.5k and 5.5k
- Post race refreshments
- A fully certified course so you are guaranteed an accurate distance.
- Medals for all finishers
- Tons of door prizes to be won!
- The penultimate race of the 2026 IRA Road Race Series.
- Kids race after the main race (organized by UBCO Heat)
- Early bird discount available until April 12th
- Entry into the prize draw for a pair of New Balance shoes, 3 x $50 gift cards to Play Kelowna, and a free entry to Fast Days of Summer 5000. (Must be present to win. Draw to take place at the conclusion of the awards presentation.)
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: Race Start at 8:00am
Location: Boyce-Gyro Park, 3400 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna
KID’S FUN RUN
A free Kids’ Race, organized by UBCO Cross Country volunteers, will follow the 8K. Sign up at their tent on race morning and bring the whole family into the celebration. Two distances will be available, with a short loop of about 200m for the little ones and a longer loop of 700m for those that want to stretch their legs a bit!
WHERE TO STAY
The Interior Running Association has once again partnered with Sandman Hotels to offer special rates for Midsummer 8K race participants! Click the link below and use the discount code IRA1983
