Half Corked Marathon ticket lottery opens on November 19, 2014

Race is on to register for 18km run around Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country’s vineyards

The race is on to register for tickets for the 2015 Half Corked Marathon. At 9am on November 19 general ticket lottery registration will open for the fifth annual Half Corked Marathon, a fun race through the wineries and vineyards of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, held on May 23, 2015. The lottery closes on November 28, 2014 at 11:59pm.

Runners usually aim for their personal best 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 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 route, 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 $150 plus tax per person. The 650 tickets available to the general public 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 (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 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.

“We love welcoming visitors for fun in the springtime sun and the Half Corked Marathon is all about enjoying the best of our region,” says Jennifer Busmann from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. “Visitors can have a taste of our celebrated wineries, make new friends and enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.”

Celebrations start on Friday, May 22, 2015, 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 23, 2015, groups of 250-300 runners will set off in four 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.

For more information please visit the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website: http://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:

Adega on 45th Intersection

Black Hills Jackson-Triggs

Burrowing Owl Maverick

C.C. Jentsch Cellars Moon Curser

Cana Vines Winery Nk’Mip Cellars

Castoro de Oro Oliver Twist

Church & State (Coyote Bowl) Platinum Bench

Covert Farms Quinta Ferreira

Culmina Family Estate Winery River Stone

Desert Hills Road 13 Vineyards

Fairview Cellars Rustico