Runners and wine lovers can raise a glass to starting training for next year’s ultimate fun run: the race is on to register for tickets for the 2017 Half Corked Marathon, which will be held May 27, 2017.
General ticket lottery registration opened on Nov. 21 for the eight annual Half Corked Marathon – an 18 kilometre run through the wineries and vineyards of the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country – with the lottery closing on November 28, 2016 at 11:59pm. This year capacity has been increased to 1,100 places to keep up with demand for the hot tickets.
“Half Corked Marathon is our favourite fun way to give people a taste of our region,” says Jennifer Busmann, transitional executive director for the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association in a press release. “Visitors can enjoy spring sunshine and get a flavour of the wide range of wineries here during an unforgettable weekend in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.”
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 an 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.
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.
For more information please visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website: http://www.oliverosoyoos.com/halfcorked.
