Five Tips on Running the Half Corked Marathon in BC Wine Country
If you have dreamt of running the Marathon du Medoc, the famous wine tasting run in Bordeaux, then you might want to consider the Half Corked Marathon in the Okanagan. Being fortunate to have ran both, I can vouch that there are more similarities than differences!
They are both not just a run, but a multi-day event. They both involve costumes and tasting wine along the route. But most importantly, both are experiences that those who like to run (or walk really fast) and drink wine should have on their bucket lists.
Another similarity is that they are both not simple or easy to gain entry into. Unlike serious races like Boston where one qualifies by time, these two are both entered by lottery (with a few exceptions). The number of people who want to participate is far greater than the number who logistically can. Unfortunately there is no qualification based on drinking experience!
The differences are of course the location, with the Okanagan much closer and easier to get to than France. The scale of the event in France is larger with 8500 runners, while this year in BC, there was a record 1584 registered participants.
If the Half Corked Marathon is on your list, here are five insights based on my recent experience.
1) Get in! This year 8000 people applied for about 800 spots, meaning pretty slim chances of success. However, if you do get lucky and get a spot, you have guaranteed entry the subsequent year. The reason why fewer spots are available for entry by lottery is because so many participants return year after year. I met some who have ran almost all 16 years! This means once you are in, you have to keep running, just like Forrest Gump (whom on that note, was a popular costume choice this year).
2) Dress up. Each year there is a different theme and costumes are strongly encouraged. A big part of the fun is admiring the other runners along the route! This year’s theme of “This is the 90’s” resulted in a rainbow of neon, along with multiple renditions of Baywatch and Jurassic Park. How dinosaurs ran 22km in costume was impressive! There were also many creative slogans including modified ingredients on Fruit Loops box and “Corks are for Quitters”.
3) Taste and spit. There is plenty of time after the run and at associated events to imbibe and enjoy, but drinking multiple samples of wine (and before noon) might leave you feeling a little unwell before you hit the finish line.
4) Don’t finish too quickly. This piece of advice is announced at the start line, encouraging participants to take the time to enjoy the scenery, the wine, and the festive mood along the route. It’s a run, not a race. The finish line party does not even open until 11…
5) Embrace the entire event. If you are coming in from out of town, take advantage of the area and arrive a day or two before. Explore, taste wine, swim in the lake, ride a bike, eat local food. Everyone is required to register in person the day before the run. There are also a few ticketed dinners put on by the event organization at vineyards both before and after the run. I attended the Primavera party at Church & State the night prior. Tickets included transportation from multiple pick-up spots, so no driving required. The finish line party is not only for participants, but open to the public, so friends and family can join in the festivities. The day after the run, tickets were available for a food truck showdown brunch at Nostalgia Wines.
If you have entered your name in the lottery without success, persist. If you have not yet tried, join the others who try their luck to be a newbie. If you are one of the fortunate ones who have participated, just keep running!