Olympic Peninsula News Group
SEQUIM — While there aren’t any real trolls lurking, there is a bit of added mystery to this year’s Valley of the Trolls event.
With the theme “Trolls Gone Wild,” the The Valley of the Trolls 3 half marathon, 10k and 5k are set for an 8 a.m. start on Saturday, Aug. 19.
Taking place at Bandy Farms and the famed Troll Haven grounds at 950 Gardiner Beach Road, this day of racing sees runners and walkers traverse course on a privately-owned estate occupying 150 acres along Discovery Bay.
Added to the mix in 2017 is an element of competition: Cities/towns of Sequim, Chimacum, Forks, Port Angeles and Port Townsend are competing to garner the most participants. The top participating community receives a donation to their prep track and field teams.
Other funds collected goes to park projects in Jefferson County.
“We raise money for kids and parks and what can we do to get people’s attention,” said Jane Storm, who organizes the race with daughter Rebecca Krajewski.
“Last year we got people from 13, 14 states. We had more people from Texas than some of the peninsula towns. We want to get locals to come out for this. What if we put a competition out there? … We just ran with it.
“We just want to have fun and make a difference.”
Storm said she and Krajewski learned some key things from the previous two race incarnations.
“We learned we don’t need an army to do this,” Storm said.
“We learned people love Bandy Farms. They (the Bandys) are the most wonderful family. They really get into it.
“And,” Storm added, “you can never have enough Port-A-Potties.”
Cost for The Valley of the Trolls races prior to Aug. 2 is $35 for the 5k, $40 for the 10k and $55 for the half marathon.
Prices go up $5 for each event up to race day.
T-shirts are including in entry and will be guaranteed on race day if participants are signed up on or before Aug. 2. Those registering after Aug. 2 receive shirts either on race day or by mail.
Register at regtorace.com/event/183.
Packet pick-up is 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at The Castle (race headquarters) at Bandy Farms.
Commemorative awards are presented to the top male and female runners in the half marathon, as well as in age groups (12 and younger, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80+) .
Check out a course map and more details at aasportsltd.com/event/valley-of-the-trolls.
For more information, contact Jane Storm (thestorms@q.com, 360-385-2291) or Rebecca (206-779-2979) or see www.jeffcofriends.com.
