South Okanagan’s Half Corked Marathon goes virtual this year

COVID-19 may have put a stop to this year’s Half Corked Marathon, but organizers are transitioning the event into a multi-destination roadshow, a virtual marathon and a number of online wine experiences.

Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country said in a media release today, Aug. 12, the marathon has morphed into a six-week long Half Corked Marathon Virtual Festival.

The multi-faceted, mixed-reality wine festival hopes to bring all the elements of the half corked marathon to participants, while maintaining safety and responsibility during COIVD-19 protocols, the organization said.

The festival will include the Half Corked Marathon Roadshow between Aug. 23 and Sept.8. Participants are invited to attend a Half Corked Roadshow taking place in 12 communities across B.C. and Alberta, to sample wines and local treats, enter contests and collect a participant race pack.

Each roadshow event is coordinated through partnership with local communities and adheres to health and safety regulations, including social distancing.

The Half Corked Marathon Virtual Route takes viewers on a journey between the vines of some of the Oliver and Osoyoos area’s best known wineries.

The costume and skit contest, which has been part of the Half Corked Marathon for the past 12 years, continues this year with an opportunity for participants to enter photos of their costumes and comedy skit videos via email for the chance to win a prize.

The 12 days of Half Corked Marathon Virtual Wine Festival gets underway Sept. 12 and runs for 12 days with a series of education sessions on wine along with giveaways throughout the festival.

For more information visit the Half-Corked Virtual Marathon website here or follow the event's Facebook page here.

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