Get ready to cheer on the runners in their half marathon race through wine country. GLV
Hot demand on tickets for Canada’s coolest race in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country
On Monday February 10, 2014 at 9am, general ticket lottery registration will open for the fourth annual Half Corked Marathon, a fun race through the wineries and vineyards of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, held on May 24, 2014. The lottery closes on Friday February 14, 2014 at 11.59pm.
Water is the usual liquid of choice for thirsty race runners but the Half Corked Marathon takes a different approach to refreshment; 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 18km route.
Tickets for the marathon cost $139 per person. The 650 tickets available to the general public are in such hot demand that a lottery system will 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, 2014 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 4 waves; running, jogging or walking the 18km route. The route can be run in 1.5 hours or walked in 3 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 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 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
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:
C.C. Jentsch Cellars Moon Curser
Cana Vines Winery Nk’Mip Cellars
Church & State (Coyote Bowl) Platinum Bench
Culmina Family Estate Winery River Stone
Desert Hills Road 13 Vineyards
Gehringer Brothers Silver Sage
