The Half Corked Marathon is all about fun, with some exercise on the side. Those who weren't successful in this year's entry lottery can still find lots to do in the area that weekend, May 24 to 26, 2019.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Half Corked Marathon
March 14, 2019 - 3:30 PM
PENTICTON - It’s probably the most unorthodox marathon in the Okanagan, if not the country, and if you’re signing on as part of a fitness regime, you’re likely signing on for the wrong reason.
It’s the Half Corked Marathon taking place on Saturday, May 25, in South Okanagan wine country. Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association describes it as "one of the most highly anticipated events in Canada."
"This race is all about having fun. If you are looking to set a record, this probably isn’t the event for you,” the association says.
The 2017 Half Corked Marathon won Canadian Event of the Year at the Canadian Tourism Awards, putting on the radar of runners and wine lovers nationally.
Participants have three to five hours to complete the route, which is around 18 kilometres long, starting at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver. Participants should be able to run at least five kilometres of the route as they make between 10 and 12 stops for wine tastings and food stations along the way. Four different waves of runners take part, with the first wave starting at 8 a.m.
The Half Corked Marathon has been running out of the Oliver area for the past decade. This year’s May 25 run is the 11th year for the race which gets more popular every year.
Last November, more than 5,500 people participated in a lottery for the 1,500 spots in this year’s marathon. But for those that lost out on the lottery and didn't get a spot in the marathon, there will be lots of things going on in the Oliver area that weekend.
The primavera dinner launches the Half Corked Marathon weekend, a pasta event set at a long table amid the vines of Oliver Twist Estate Winery. The dinner takes place on May 24 and a ticket will set you back $95.
On May 25, there’s the party at the marathon's finish line, where guests have the opportunity to taste regional award winning wines and meet local 'characters' in a setting of live music accompanied by food trucks in a relaxed, family friendly environment. It's $25 for a wine tasting package which includes souvenir glasses and five tasting tokens.
The Winemakers Dinner in the Park returns for a second year on May 25, providing a look into the art and science of winemaking. Held in Oliver Community Park, the dinner costs $135 and comes with live jazz music.
Other events include the Recovery BBQ at Road 13 Vineyards at a cost of $40, and Tinhorn Creek Vineyard’s Concert series with the roots rock band The Matinée. Tickets are $35.
On May 26, Oliver Twist Estate Winery is holding an outdoor pancake breakfast with funds raised going to the Kelowna General Hospital. Cost is by donation.
For more information, see the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website here or the Half Corked Marathon Facebook page here.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2019