By Times Chronicle Staff
A chance to purchase tickets for the much anticipated 2024 Half Corked Marathon will be on offer next week with the opening of the ticket lottery.
Because of the popularity of the event a lottery system is used to ensure everyone wanting to participate in the unique 20-24 km run, gets a chance to purchase tickets at $275 plus tax.
The lottery opens on Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. and lucky winners will be contacted by Nov. 21 with the opportunity to purchase tickets to the spring event.
This unique event sees participants running through the vineyards and valleys of the region’s iconic wine-growing areas, the Black Sage Road and Golden Mile, along with sections along the Okanagan River.
Winery stations dot the route and participants have the opportunity to engage with the region’s colourful characters as they pour samples for runners to enjoy.
More wineries pour for guests at the Party at the Finish Line in the Oliver Community Park, part of an afternoon of fun, live music and festivities open to all. Creative costumes are encouraged and prizes are awarded for the best individual costume, best team and best skit.
Half Corked Marathon weekend events also include the Primavera Party, a casual, family-style feast with live music on Friday, May 24, and an intimate, elegant multi-course dinner at a winery location the evening after the run. Both events include transportation from Oliver and Osoyoos, dinner, wine and entertainment.
Endorsed by BC Athletics, participants should be able to run 5 km with some levels of incline over rugged terrain, in order to comfortably complete the 20 km route in the time allocated.
The “Sag Wagon” will be ready to assist guests who don’t reach the mid-way point before the cut-off time, and transport them to the Party at the Finish Line.
The organizer of the event, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country (OOWC), is urging participants to book accommodation early to take advantage of special event rates at the Coast Oliver Hotel, a short walk from the Finish Line. Use booking code EVENT to access a 20 per cent discount on rooms.
For more information on the Half Corked Marathon and to sign up for the ticket lottery, visit the OOWC website.
