PORT TOWNSEND — Celebrating the Big 4-0 can be a fun time, especially when you invite a crowd to help fete the milestone — and when you give away all the presents.
Big- and little-sized feet will be running, jogging and walking along Port Townsend’s streets for some fun, exercise and a bit of tradition Sunday, the last day of the 2018 Rhododendron Festival.
“As of Wednesday, we have 1,400 pre-registrations,” said Jeni Little, president of the nonprofit Port Townsend Marathon Association that organizes the race.
“We think it will be a record-breaking year,” she added. More than 1,800 runners are expected to compete.
Before the races begin Sunday, revelers will have enjoyed the biggest day of the festival on Saturday, which features the Running of the Balls, the Grand Parade and the Cake Picnic, among other activities. For a full schedule, see the Arts & Entertainment section in today’s Peninsula Daily News.
The 40th annual Jefferson Healthcare Rhody Run 12K will begin and end at Fort Worden.
The 7.46 mile course, certified by USA Track and Field (USATF), is filled with twists and turns, hills and flats. It begins at 11 a.m.
And, for those not quite up for the challenge of a 12K, there is the shorter Half Rhody course of 3.72 miles, which isn’t certified.
It starts at 11:30 a.m.
Online registration closed Thursday. Day of registration cost is $60 for adults. Registration at Fort Worden Commons will open at 8:45 a.m. and close at 10:15 a.m.
The sixth annual Kids Sprint for Health begins at 9:30 a.m. at the parade grounds. It’s free and open to all who are 9 or younger. Heats are designed to match a runner’s ability. First-, second- and third age-group winners will be given awards, and all finishers earn a commemorative shirt.
Several past participants will be back to compete in this year’s event.
Three runners hold the distinction of participating in every race and have registered for their 40th event. They are Jeff Foster of Oak Harbor; and Priscilla Cooper and Bob Witheridge, both of Port Townsend. Lois Sherwood of Port Townsend broke her foot just before a race several years ago, so she’s missed only one event.
Ellen Ruby of California is planning to run the course at age 90. She holds the course record for the 85-89 age group. She’s in the 90+ category this year and hopes to set another record.
Winners in several age categories will receive medals created by Port Townsend Foundry.
The race course gains 388 feet in elevation. It follows a route along Cherry Street to Hastings Avenue to Cook Avenue to 53rd Street then 49th Street, past the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to San Juan Avenue, then to Admiralty Avenue and back into Fort Worden.
Participants take one loop around the Parade Grounds before crossing the finish line.
The course record was set in 1986 by Mike Lyman, formerly of Tacoma, who completed the route in 36 minutes, 8seconds. Port Townsend graduate and national elite runner Kim Seelye Jones set the women’s record in 1991 with a time of 41:10.
The Half Rhody course starts at Fort Worden, continues to Cherry Street and then to F Street. It turns right on the farm trail near Colinwood Farm past Quimper Village and neighborhoods, then back to Fort Worden. Quimper Village will host a water station in front of the neighborhood at mile 1.5.
Along with Race Director Sarah Davis, Little has been working to make sure details of the event are on track.
“The Rhody Run brings together several organizations who have been volunteering for many years,” Little said. “More than 2oo members of school groups and organizations help out with registration, set-up and tear down, registration packets, and demos. In return, our nonprofit makes a donation to them. It truly is a community event.”
Water stations are planned along the route at mile markers 2, 4 and 6. Each will be manned by members of service groups such as the Robotics Club, Kiwanas and Elks. Sani-cans will be stationed along the route. Aid stations will be available at miles 4 and 6.
The Fort Worden Public Development Authority is hosting a post-race beer, wine and soft drink garden. Port Townsend Vineyards is donating wine and Kona Beer is providing the brew. Also available will be Organix fresh fruit from the Co-op, bagels from Metro Bagels and bottled water donated by Safeway.
Instead of the traditional race T-shirt, the association is handing out a grey hoody to all participants for this special anniversary year.
“This race has stood the test of time,” Little said. “It is unusual for events like this to last this long, and have so many returning participants year after year.”
“The race originally started as a way to encourage people to exercise. That’s been the focus all along. We’ve been able to expand the message to include healthy lifestyles though Jefferson Healthcare’s help, the title sponsor for the last five years.”
Little recommends carrying identification and a phone and wearing a hat and using sunscreen. She said it is expected to be a warm, sunny Sunday.
“Perfect for a 40th celebration,” she said.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
