One of our lovely team members modelling “the cap”—C.Helbig
A few weeks ago, six pals and I participated in one of our favourite events of the year: The Osoyoos-Oliver Half Corked Marathon in British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley. We pride ourselves on coming up with clever and current wine-related costumes for the 18 km walk/run through the vineyards. Some readers may remember us as The Real House Wines of Vancouver and The Walking Red. This year our good neighbours to the south provided the inspiration. We thank you. And, in Canadian fashion, offer up apologies if our mockathon antics cause any offence.
Marathon is a bit of a misnomer. The thousand or so participants are encouraged to take their time walking or jogging the 18 km through gorgeous vineyards between Osoyoos and Oliver. The term “aid station” also takes on a whole new meaning at the Half Corked Marathon. Along the route there are about a dozen wineries where “runners” can sample many different wines and lots of tasty treats. All the wineries do an amazing job, but Silver Sage takes it to a new level. It’s really tough to get going again after feasting on cheese, sausages, baked goodies and several generous wine samplings (not that I’m complaining).
Teams walk through the vineyards at the Half Corked Marathon—C.Helbig
Disturbing an otherwise bucolic scene—C.Helbig
Our team sampling the wine at one of the “aid stations”—C.Helbig
The team poses at one of our favourite wineries (great name!)—C.Helbig
Dress-up is encouraged at the Half Corked Marathon. While Team Make America Grape Again was undoubtably the most outrageous, there were many many fabulous costumes. Check out some of our favourites:
Imagine “driving” The Mystery Machine for 18 km—C.Helbig
Aren’t these Luffa Gals pretty—C.Helbig
It was tough keeping up with the 12-pack Energizer Bunnies—C.Helbig
We thought we were a shoo-in for best prize costume. We had come in first as the Real House Wines and second as the Walking Red, but alas, we were knocked off the podium this year. We suspect the theme might have been a tad too controversial for the wine association with the Canada/U.S. border just a few miles down the road. Nonetheless, we were the crowd favourite. We got a million laughs and posed for countless photos and videos. We even had people wanting to buy our caps.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the “marathon” for Team Make America Grape Again was when a trio of gentlemen working in the fields insisted we take photos with them. One of them was sporting a Mexico cap. Hmm, they all wanted to stand by the “Grape Wall Estates” sign. As we set off, they serenaded us with La Bamba.
Our biggest fans (you guys made our day)—C.Helbig
It was another awesome weekend in the Okanagan at the Half Corked Marathon, and we’re already scheming about next year’s costume. Suggestions are welcome.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Half Corked, go to the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association website. The event has become so popular, entry is now done through a lottery system.
I’ll leave you with our team photos from this year and previous years.
Team “Make America Grape Again” minus the author—C.Helbig
Team “Walking Red”—C.Helbig
Team “Real House wines of Vancouver”—C.Helbig
Back to more serious stuff for my next posts…West Coast Trail and Cambodia (not necessarily in that order).
Writes of Passage 
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This sounds like so much fun. I had a good laugh with all the pictures.
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It was! Thanks.
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LOVE, love, love it! Awesome slogan!!
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Why thank you!
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Great post Caroline. I remember you referring to this marathon. You all look fabulous. The wine walking combo could be dangerous for me. Given Australia is a nation of drinkers and that we have a few premier wine growing regions I don’t know why we don’t have one of these too!
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You should start one Louise! I think this event would go over great in Australia. Maybe you need to come over here for some marketing research! Cheers, Caroline
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Now there’s an idea!
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This is hilarious!!! Haha 🙂 Looks like so much good fun. Your theme is terrific and the costumes are just great! How did you enjoy being a blonde? The photos of all the different groups are also fabulous… love that everyone puts so much effort into making this a successful event.
Cheers, Peta
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Thanks Peta. It was insanely fun and I am amazed how the majority of participants really embrace the getting dressed-up theme. Being blonde for the day was great, but I don’t think I have the colouring for it. Cheers. Caroline
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That looks SO FUN! All the groups are so dang creative!!
I love the real house wines of Vancouver 🙂 And definitely Make America Grape Again, you guys are awesome. Can’t beat wine aid stations…best race ever?
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Thanks Ashley. It is SO FUN, and definitely the best “race” ever. All the laughter may be better for my health than a real race.
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Grinning from ear to ear after seeing these pics! Very fun 3rd year. I think it’s okay to offend, given the circumstances!
Shannon
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Glad you approve! I left some of the more racy ones out (a few awesome ones of Morag and Trish that I will share with you). Miss you!
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OMG you guys are brilliant! So creative. I love your theme for all three years. And the Okanagan is one of my favourite places on the planet.
Alison
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Thanks Alison. More than half the fun for us is coming up with the theme and putting together the costume. If laughter is supposed to extend life, then my antics with this great bunch of women should add a few years. Regardless, I cherish these happy, crazy experiences. Cheers, Caroline
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Fantastic article, Caroline! What a fun, fantastic group we are!!!!
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We certainly are, and you look great in that hat. Maybe we can decorate it with a Canada Day theme!
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Nooo you do not down glasses of wine, eat sausages and cheeses and then get going on a marathon! Hahaha I love the idea of this mockathon. I would be a willing participant! xx
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Oh yes we do! But, we go at a snails pace. It’s all about laughing and going a little crazy (amazing what donning a costume will do). We can always use an extra teammate!
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Once again, another fantastic adventure with you!!
Looking forward to our hike on the Sunshine Coast.
Your partner in crime,
Morag
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Costumes do figure prominently in our adventures. I’m still giggling about the Walking Red “on stage” photos. Yes, looking forward to our hike as well, but I understand you have another excellent adventure first!
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