The majority of participants in the Half Corked Marathon, which returns this weekend, get dressed up in costumes as part of the fun event that mixes running, walking and enjoying fine wine and food. More than 800 people are registered for the fourth annual event, which will see participants visit wineries between Oliver and Osoyoos this coming Saturday. (Keith Lacey file photo)
Wine drinking and marathon running might not seem like an obvious combination, but the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association (OOWA) has managed to successfully marry the two.
In a mere four years, OOWA president Tim Martiniuk says the Half Corked Marathon has become one of the toughest tickets to get in the province.
“In the first year we had modest expectations and I think we had about 220 runners, and now we’re over 800,” said Martiniuk.
“We’re overwhelmed by the success the marathon has seen. We have to be careful it doesn’t get too big too fast!”
Inspired by the famous Marathon du Médoc, which is held in the Bordeaux region of France, the Half Corked was created by OOWA member Jack Wessel and the association, as a fun run/jog/walk on the dirt roads and trails that connect Oliver’s picturesque wineries.
The first year’s event in 2010 saw 220 participants. By 2012 the marathon grew to a whopping 652 runners/walkers and was sold out in less than three minutes.
In fact, noted OOWA executive director Tony Munday, the demand for tickets last year was so high, the association had to eschew their first- come first-serve approach to ticket sales and create a lottery system for people to win the chance to enter the marathon.
The lottery attracted more than 2,800 prospective entrants, all vying for a spot.
Munday says this year will be the largest event to date with 850 runners participating in the event, which is set for May 24.
The event is routed through more than 20 vineyards on the Golden Mile and Black Sage Road benches, where thirsty participants can stop and enjoy wine tastings and small food pairings from 12 wineries and food stations.
The event kicks off with an al fresco pre-race pasta feast at Church and State winery on May 23, and ends with an optional picnic lunch and wine tasting at the finish line.
“There’s nothing else like it around here, really,” Munday points out.
After all, where else would you get asked if you want red or white at the aid stations? And if hundreds of people drinking wine while running a marathon isn’t outrageous enough, most entrants run the Half Corked in costume.
The coveted is claiming the prize for best costume and Munday says the competition is fierce.
“Almost everyone comes in costume. Whether it’s as simple as a funny T-shirt or a full-blown outfit. People dress as bottles of wine or boxes of wine – last year a couple came as life-sized Malibooze Barbie and Ken. I think they won.”
Martiniuk said it’s definitely becoming a spectacle.
“The costumes are getting better and better every year.”
Unlike the Medoc Marathon, which is a true international marathon, the Half Corked is intentionally not an official half marathon.
At 18.6 km versus 21 km, Munday says the emphasis is on enjoying the event rather than being the first to cross the finish line.
“It’s a unique experience. You get to eat good food and drink good wine. That’s what it’s all about, right? And everyone has a good time.”
The community is encouraged to come and cheer runners on or purchase tickets for the finish line picnic.
To find out more about the Half Corked Marathon or its fun-filled events, visit www.oliverosoyoos.com.
ERIN CHRISTIE
Special to the Times
