Ready? Get set to grab your running shoes and your wine glasses because the race is on to register for tickets for the 2016 Half Corked Marathon.
On November 17th at 9am, general ticket lottery registration will open for the sixth annual Half Corked Marathon – a fun 18km race through the wineries and vineyards of the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country – with the lottery closing on November 23, 2015 at 11:59pm.
Runners usually aim for their personal best in races but at the Half Corked Marathon the prizes are for creative costumes, not race times, and the refreshments along the way are some of Canada’s very best wines. Inspired by the legendary Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, the Half Corked Marathon is a homage to one of Canada’s most decorated wine regions. Participants are encouraged to sample wines from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association along the way, paired with celebrated regional cuisine from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners, as they run or jog the 18km route.
“Half Corked Marathon gives visitors a true taste of our region,” says 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.”
Tickets for the marathon cost $165 plus tax per person. Tickets are in such hot demand that a lottery system will once 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 (including the pre-race Primavera! dinner) will be announced shortly.
Spectators can join in the fun and enjoy wine tasting, music and local food trucks at the Finish Line Lunch and throughout the weekend as participating wineries will be offering special events, deals and open days. Local hotels, resorts, B&Bs and RV parks will also be offering 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, 2016, runners will set off in waves to run or jog the 18km route. The race trail leads through the incredible surrounds of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and brings together the region’s winemakers, chefs and producers, all of whom whole-heartedly embrace the event with refreshment and wine tasting stations along the route, hearty picnics post-run and the highly anticipated pre-race Primavera! dinner.
For more information please visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website:
About Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association:
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 31 member wineries.
Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association members are:
Burrowing Owl Montekarn Burrowing Owl Moon Curser
C.C. Jentsch Cellars Nk’Mip Cellars
Cana Vines Winery Oliver Twist
Castoro de Oro Platinum Bench
Church & State (Coyote Bowl) Quinta Ferreira
Covert Farms River Stone
Culmina Family Estate Winery Road 13 Vineyards
Desert Hills Rustico
Fairview Cellars Silver Sage
Gehringer Brothers Stoneboat
Gold Hill TIME Estate Winery
Hester Creek Tinhorn Creek
Cana Vines Winery Oliver Twist
Castoro de Oro Platinum Bench
Church & State (Coyote Bowl) Quinta Ferreira
Covert Farms River Stone
Culmina Family Estate Winery Road 13 Vineyards
Desert Hills Rustico
Fairview Cellars Silver Sage
Gehringer Brothers Stoneboat
Gold Hill TIME Estate Winery
Hester Creek Tinhorn Creek
