Categories: Things To Do

Half Corked: A wild wine marathon returns to the Okanagan this summer

Photo via Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country / Facebook

We’ve got another event to toss your way, wine lovers! The Half Corked Marathon is coming to the Okanagan this September, and tickets are now available. Honestly, if anything can get us to run a half marathon, it’s BC wine!

Pre-marathon

The event will kick off on Friday, September 9th with a special pre-marathon Primavera Dinner (Tickets are $120 each, including transport from Osoyoos at 5:10 pm). The al fresco dining experience will include a carb-loaded meal, regional wines, and a delicious paella dinner courtesy of the Paella Guys – the chefs behind Paella Sundays at Como Taperia.

Note that all participants, regardless of whether they attend the dinner or not, are required to register in person on Friday, September 9th at the Oliver Visitor Centre. Participants will be assigned waves and pick-up times for the half marathon course on the following day.

Half Corked Marathon

Now, for the half marathon itself. This journey will take place on Saturday, September 10th and will take participants through the beautiful valley and vineyards of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, allowing for stops for fine wines and bites from local restaurants on the route.

As tempting as it is to stick around all day, you’ll have a maximum of 3.5 hours to complete the 19 km/~12 mile course, so don’t forget about the end goal (a massive party at the finish line)!

Half Corked registration includes the following:

A curated welcome bag with goodies & exclusive offers from Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Wineries
Transportation TO the Start Line and FROM the Finish Line from Oliver, Osoyoos & Penticton
Wine and food from participating venues along the route

In addition to the stunning scenery, you’ll also get to see some fun costumes and meet the people behind the wines of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country – including Bordertown Winery, Castoro de Oro Estate Winery, Gold Hill, Kismet Estate Winery, and much more.

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Post-marathon

Finally, we’ve got the Party at the Finish Line! Once you finish the race at Oliver Community Park, you’ll have access to live entertainment by Rebel Luv and food trucks – and of course – more wine sampling. GA to the Finish Line is free, but you can enjoy additional wine tastings and receive a souvenir glass with a $25 ticket.

So, whether you’re more of a fun run person, enjoy running competitively, or just want to walk the course with your friends and sip some wine – the Half Corked Marathon is slated to be an event to remember.

We’ll see you in Wine Country, Vancouver. Don’t forget your funky costumes!