The 6th annual Half-Corked Marathon takes place in Oliver on May 23, when 1000 runners will hit the road in search of fun, adventure and wine.
Photo contributed
Hey, don’t go off “half-corked” in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.
But that’s the whole idea on May 22-24, silly.
Welcome to the 6th annual Half-Corked Marathon, where fun and silliness are mandatory.
This year 1000 runners (200 more than last year) will take part in the event – the #1 wine running event in the country, according to enRoute magazine.
“Why is it so popular? It’s just so much fun,” said organizer Tony Munday, who’s got 80 volunteers at his disposal to make sure the marathon runs without a hitch.
There was so much demand for participation this year that a lottery was necessary – more than 4000 people wanted to take part, Munday said.
The 19-kilometre event on May 23 sees runners (in four waves) start at Hester Creek winery at 8:30 am. They follow the Golden Mile route, stopping at several wineries along the way and tasting various vintages. The finish line is in Oliver Community Park, where members of the public are invited to cheer the runners on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is free.
Entertainment will be provided by cowboy rock band “Wined it Up,” and people can purchase a glass in order to taste some fantastic wine.
Munday said the Oliver Sagebrushers will be there with an “anonymous” art wall where people can purchase artwork.
The marathon is attracting people from all over Canada and the United States. In fact, there is one person coming from every province, Munday said.
Any celebrities coming?
Munday said he is working on a few, but wouldn’t divulge their identities. Some Olympians may drop by, he teased.
Munday noted the event is so enticing because it’s different. People get to dress up, drink wine, run with nature and get a medal at the end.
“They just have a blast,” Munday said.
There will be prizes for the best individual costume and best team costume. There is even a prize for best creative finish.
Munday said some of the best team costumes last year included martians, the “Walking Red” wine zombies, and the entire crew from the comedy “Anchorman.”
One team dressed up as eight monkeys and a banana.
“The monkeys were chasing the banana the whole way,” Munday laughed.
The organizer said the weekend event will practically fill up both communities with at least 3000 people.
“You can’t book a room for that weekend,” he noted.
A registration party will be held at the Oliver Visitor Centre on Friday, May 22 from 1-7 p.m.
The public is invited to attend this event.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
