Water is the usual liquid of choice for thirsty race runners, but the Half Corked Marathon takes a different approach to refreshment: participants are encouraged to sample wines along the windy route, paired with celebrated regional cuisine from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners, as they run, jog or walk the 18 kilometre route.
On Monday, general ticket lottery registration opened for the fourth annual Half Corked, a fun race through the wineries and vineyards of Oliver-Osoyoos wine country. The lottery to be a part of the marathon, which takes place on May 24 this year, closes on Feb. 14 at midnight.
Tickets for the marathon cost $139 per person. The 650 tickets available to the general public are in such hot demand that organizers chose the lottery system to distribute them this year. After sign up, each lucky person randomly chosen from the database will have the chance to purchase two tickets for the event. Tickets for additional weekend events (pre-race Primavera dinner, Finish Line Lunch and event shuttle) will be announced shortly.
“The Half Corked Marathon is all about having fun in the springtime sun,” said Jennifer Busmann from the Oliver-Osoyoos Winery Association.
“It’s a unique chance for us to showcase the beauty of the region and of course give visitors a taste of our celebrated wineries and the world-class local produce that can be found in the Oliver and Osoyoos region.”
Inspired by the legendary Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, the Half Corked Marathon is an homage to one of Canada’s most decorated wine regions and is the celebration of two benches in particular – the Golden Mile and Black Sage Road.
Celebrations start on May 23 with the spring-themed Primavera dinner, an al fresco gourmet pasta party in the vineyard, and a chance to make new friends and load up on carbs before race day.
On May 24, groups of 250-300 runners will set off in four waves: running, jogging or walking the 18-km route.
The route can be run in 1.5 hours or walked in three hours with a wagon shuttle available to collect any participants who need some help getting to the Finish Line Lunch and wine tasting.
The race trail leads through the incredible surrounds of Oliver-Osoyoos Wine Country and brings together the region’s winemakers, chefs and producers, all of whom embrace the event with 10-12 refreshment and wine tasting stations along the route as well as hearty picnics post-run.
Award-winning wineries and restaurants taking part include Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Nk’Mip Cellars and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards.
Local hotels, resorts, B&Bs and RV parks will be offering special rates and packages for the weekend.
For more information please visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website: www.oliverosoyoos.com/halfcorked.