Darren Robinson photo

Even before you set off through the vineyards, it’s clear that this is no ordinary race: Half the crowd is in costume, and the other half is only here for the wine. Welcome to the Half Corked Marathon Weekend, the most fun you can have in a pair of running shoes and the 2017 winner of the Canadian Tourism Awards’ Canadian Event of the Year.

This year’s race will run (and hobble, hop, stumble and stroll) through the vineyards around Oliver on May 26. Primavera, the carb-loading pasta feast that kicks things off, will be held May 25, and the festive Party at the Finish Line follows the race in Oliver. Mind you, for those not actually running, the party starts well before the first runners cross the finish line.

Tickets are allocated by lottery and, unfortunately, this year’s lottery is already closed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t swing by the after-party and sample some of the flavourful wines of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country while you cheer on the participants. oliverosoyoos.com

Vitis Magazine

Vitis is is an indispensable seasonal guide for vintners, sommeliers and weekend imbibers alike that is dedicated to British Columbia’s rapidly evolving wine culture.