People with cheese heads ran in last year’s Half Corked Marathon in this file photo. (Keith Lacey file photo)
The lottery to try and get tickets to participate in the annual Half Corked Marathon – which has sold out in a matter of hours the past couple of years – wraps up Friday.
The general ticket lottery registration began Monday at 9 a.m. and closes Friday, Feb. 14 at 11:59 p.m.
The fourth annual Half Corked Marathon, a race run through the wineries and vineyards of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, will be held on May 24.
In only three years, this fun event has drawn participants from not only the entire South Okanagan, but the entire province of British Columbia.
Last year’s lottery tickets sold out in only a couple of days.
Water is the usual liquid of choice for thirsty race runners but the Half Corked Marathon takes a different approach to refreshment as participants are encouraged to sample wines from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association along the route, paired with celebrated regional cuisine from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners, as they run, jog or walk the 18-kilometre route.
Tickets for the marathon cost $139 per person.
The 650 tickets available to the general public were in such hot demand the last two years that a lottery system will again be used 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,” says 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 Friday, May 23, with the spring-themed Primavera! dinner – an al fresco gourmet pasta party in the vineyard, which is a chance to make new friends and load up on carbs before race day.
On Saturday, May 24, groups of 250-300 runners will set off in four waves as the teams run, jog or walk the 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 vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos and brings together the region’s winemakers, chefs and producers, all of whom whole-heartedly embrace the event with 10-12 refreshment and wine tasting stations along the route, hearty picnics post-run and the highly anticipated pre-race Primavera! dinner.
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
The Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association is a non-profit organization with a goal to develop the wine industry in Oliver and Osoyoos through education and promotion.
Originally known as the South Okanagan Winery Association and founded in 2007, the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association (OOWA) redefined its brand image in 2011 to better reflect its geographical boundaries and the 31 member wineries.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
