You’ll see some very creative costumes during the Half-Corked Marathon in Oliver. Photo by Keith Lacey
Many people dream about winning a multi-million dollar lottery, but in Oliver there’s one lottery that wine lovers never stop talking about.
The race is on for tickets to Half-Corked Marathon 2016, so grab your running shoes and wine glasses and cross your fingers.
The lottery for the sixth annual event will open at 9 a.m. on November 17, with a closing date of November 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Tickets for the marathon cost $165 each (plus tax). They are in such hot demand that a lottery system is required to distribute them.
Each lucky person randomly chosen from the database will have the chance to purchase two tickets for the event.
It’s like winning the jackpot, according to Tony Munday, executive director of the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association.
“People are really into this event,” he said, noting that you don’t get to run through beautiful vineyards with a glass of wine every day.
The 18-kilometre race through wineries and vineyards of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country is a key event in the South Okanagan, which rivals the May long weekend for being busy, Munday said.
He pointed out that more than 4,000 people enter the lottery for 1000 spots, which is all organizers can handle.
Munday said they initially sold tickets online on a first come, first serve basis. But they sold out in five minutes to those with quick Internet speeds. To make it more fair, organizers switched to the lottery system.
When asked if the event will get any bigger, Munday said they have reached their capacity of 1000 participants.
This year they are changing the marathon route, but more details are forthcoming, Munday said.
In the Half-Corked Marathon, runners are not awarded for race times but for creative costumes. Some of the costumes are fantastic.
Refreshments along the way include some of Canada’s best wines.
Inspired by the legendary Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, the Half-Corked Marathon pays homage to one of Canada’s most decorated wine regions.
Participants are encouraged to sample the wines paired with celebrated regional cuisine from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners, as they run or jog the 18-km route.
“Half-Corked Marathon gives visitors a true taste of our region,” said Jennifer Busmann from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. “Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and get a flavour of the wide range of wineries with a burst of springtime sunshine.”
Spectators can join in the fun and enjoy wine tasting, music and local food trucks at the finish line.
Local hotels, resorts, B&Bs and RV parks will offer special rates and packages for the weekend.
Celebrations start on Friday, May 27, 2016, with the spring-themed primavera dinner – an al fresco gourmet pasta party set amongst the vineyards, which is a chance to make new friends and load up on carbs before race day.
On Saturday, May 28, runners will set off in waves to run or jog the route.
For more information visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website:
www.oliverosoyoos.com/halfcorked.
By Lyonel Doherty
