The Half Corked Marathon is a run so popular, all tickets are allocated by a random lottery.
What is it?
The Half Corked Marathon is a half marathon fun run taking us through scenic vineyards and world class wineries.
This highly anticipated run recently won “The Event of the Year Canadian Tourism Award.”
We sample award-winning wines and food at approximately every kilometre. It is a weekend of fun festivities, entertainment and amazing costumes.
An experience of a lifetime!
Where?
The Half Corked Marathon takes place in beautiful Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country in the scenic, South Okanagan region of British Columbia.
When?
The Half Corked Marathon is on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Fun events take place all weekend May 29-31, 2020.
Who?
This year there were 8116 entrants for the coveted 1500 tickets.
This is the third year we have tried to get in. Some hopeful runners have entered their name into the lottery the past twelve years and no luck.
The draw is open for one week at the beginning of November. One entry per person. All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable – no exceptions!
Why?
- Wine sampling before the race at the starting line.
- Wine and food pairing along the course.
- Approximately twenty-five wineries at the finish line, showcasing and celebrating the viniculture in the picturesque South Okanagan Region.
- Fantastic awards for the best and most creative costumes.
- Picnic party at the finish line with live entertainment, music, dancing, food trucks and you guessed it……..more wine tasting!
How do we train for the Half Corked Marathon?
Part 1: How do we complete the Run/Walk?
- The race rules specify we have 3.5 hours to complete the route with a run/walk pace to allow time for sampling the wine and food.
- The organizers also state, we should be able to run at least five kilometres to safely participate.
- There will be four wave starts with cut off points to make by a certain time. If you have not reached the cut off point in time, a Sag Wagon will pick you up and bump you ahead.
No Sag Wagon for us. We do have some pride.
- In past years we have run marathons, half marathons and a gruelling “The Great Walk” ultra-marathon from Gold River to Tahsis. 63.5 Kilometres to receive the “Burning Boot Award.”
- I use the term “running” loosely. We were usually back of the pack, almost crawl to the finish line, “runners.” We did complete the events.
- A few toenails were lost and grew back. Hips dislocated and clicked back into place. Fun!
Part 2: How do we sample all of the wine?
The race information states ‘you are not obligated to drink the wine.’
The organizers clearly have a sense of humour.
We have had some practice drinking wine.
Part 3: How do we decide on a costume?
Elaborate costumes are a big part of this event.
Prizes are awarded for Best Individual or Duo costume and Best Team Costume.
Some of the imaginative costumes over the past years included:
Five costume planning thoughts to keep in mind:
1. 30 degrees Celsius temperatures are not uncommon at that time of year.
2. We want to be able to run/walk/move in the costume for the entire distance.
3. If nature calls, we should be able to take a quick porta-loo break.
4. We want to see what is in front of us.
5. We want to keep at least one hand free for wine and food samples.
We welcome all suggestions!
Do you have any unique and fun costume ideas?
Do you have any training tips?
Do you want to join us? Free admission for all family and friends to attend the party at the finish line.
Stunning scenery! Award-winning wines! Food! Entertainment! Fun!
An experience of a lifetime!
***All costume photos are courtesy of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Facebook Page.
Behind the Scenery 
So … how long is a marathon again? We have only done 5K, which are doable for us.
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The Half Corked Marathon is actually a half marathon, approximately 21K. The challenge is to take photos, sample wine and food, go for potty breaks, all under 3.5 hours. We have begun training…….sort of. Great for the both of you doing 5K. Still a challenge🙂
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I am definitely going to get in the lottery for this racer next year! Thank you for the information. Sounds like a lot of fun. Good luck!
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Wow, you are a fast responder, Laurie🙂 We heard about this event a few years ago from my brother’s friend. Some people have been trying to get in for 12 years and no luck. For us it was 3 years. I am not sure whether you have heard about the Marathon du Medoc in France. A similar event. The Half Corked is actually a half marathon. Aside from getting in, the challenge is to fit in the sampling of wine/food and the photography. Nice to meet you and thank you for the follow!
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What a most unusual event! Sounds as though it gets better and better the further you go. Or alternatively it sounds like there might be a lot more people of the wagons towards the end of the race. i was trying to figure out how one runs a marathon, drinks wine and food and wears a costume, but clearly I had nothing to worry about as it seems everyone is doing fine, doing ALL those things! What was I thinking?
Love the costumes, the spirit and the clear festivity. As long as you are asking for recommendations, here is my two cents worth.. I would suggest you honor the spirit of the wineries, since they are the primary contributors to the runners well being and run as a bunch of grapes.
What FUN!! And definitely wins the prize for originality.
Peta
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Hi, Peta and Ben, The challenge will be to sample wine/food, visit porta-loos and I want to take photos, all in under 3.5 hours. I love your suggestion on the “spirit” of the wineries.
I am delayed responding to you, since we had another life-changing experience Thursday night. My daughter gave birth to a baby boy. She and baby “Liam” are doing great. Grandma Erica is overjoyed and exhausted.
I greatly appreciate you reading, Peta, and sharing your thoughts!
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