PORT ANGELES — The popular North Olympic Discovery Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners from across the country, will take place for the ninth year in a row Sunday.
Some events, including the Kids Marathon, is set for Saturday.
In the addition to the marathon and half-marathon Sunday, there will be 10-kilometer and 5K races.
The marathon, which is rated one of the top small marathons in the country because of the North Olympic Peninsula scenery, the weather, how friendly area residents are and the way the event is conducted, starts at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park at 9 a.m. and ends 26.2 miles later at City Pier in Port Angeles.
“Over 600 volunteers will once again create what is now known as the best boutique marathon in North America,” race director Larry Little said.
There also is a 13.1-mile half marathon that starts at the same time at Agnew Soccer Fields, 1240 N. Barr Road, which is between Port Angeles and Sequim.
Following is good places to watch the marathon and half-marathon races.
These events are so popular that the marathon and half-marathon have been sold out since the end of April.
This year will be the largest event yet with more than 2,300 participants coming from Kenya, Australia, 33 states and four Canadian provinces.
Sunday’s 10K and 5K races start at 9 a.m. at City Pier in Port Angeles. These races have been sold out for more than a week.
Organizers are expecting 400 children for Saturday’s Kids Marathon, which starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday at City Pier.
The weekend events are expected to generate close to $1.5 million in tourist-related activities benefiting the area communities, Little said.
Places to watch
Spectators will have plenty of places to watch runners in the marathon and half-marathon Sunday.
Both races will end at City Pier at Railroad Avenue and Lincoln Street in Port Angeles, where awards ceremonies will be at 11:30 a.m. for the 10K and 5K runs, 12:45 p.m. for half marathon honors, and 2:15 p.m. for the top runners in the marathon in the pavilion.
The marathon will begin at Carrie Blake Park, 202 North Blake Ave., where spectators can watch the 9 a.m. start of the marathon and then hang around to see the runners again after they make a four-mile loop and run past the starting line a second time.
Other good places to watch in Sequim are anywhere along Washington Street or at Sequim Avenue and Hendrickson Road.
As the race progresses, Railroad Bridge Park, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, is another gathering place for spectators, who are urged to go to the west side of the park by taking U.S. Highway 101 to Carlsborg Road, turning right and then taking a right on Runnion Road.
Half-marathon
The half-marathon will begin at 9 a.m. at Agnew Soccer Fields. No cars will be allowed on Barr Road after 8:15 .a.m., so spectators must arrive early.
Siebert Creek Bridge west of the half-marathon start is a difficult stretch for runners — one where cheering would be appreciated.
To get there, take Wild Currant Lane off North Olympic Highway (turn right from Sequim, left from Port Angeles), follow it to the left for about five miles, then park at the end of the road and walk to the bridge.
To see runners on the their final climb on their run to City Pier — mile 20 for the full marathon — settle at the Deer Park overlook off Highway 101.
From this point, runners will have a downhill path, then a dash along the waterfront.
The final point for spectators is at City Pier, where bands will play all day.
The course will close at 3 p.m.
The adult races are on Sunday, but events begin Saturday.
Kids Marathon
The Kids Marathon is at 4 p.m. Saturday at City Pier.
Youngsters in this race have been tracking 25 miles for six to 10 weeks leading up to race weekend.
On Saturday, they will run their last 1.2 miles at City Pier.
Also on Saturday, runners can pick up their packets from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St.
There and at City Pier runner and those members of the public just thinking about getting into running can find plenty of information during the Race Expo.
The expo will include a speaker series — with presentations at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the small banquet room on the main floor of the Red Lion Hotel — and vendors with race items for purchase.
Spaghetti dinner
That night will be a Sons of Italy Pasta Dinner for carbohydrate loading before the big race.
The dinner, which is open to the public as well as registered runners, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Queen of Angels Church, 209 W. 11th St., Port Angeles.
The dinner will include spaghetti, home-made sausage and meatballs, salad and spumoni ice cream.
It will be accompanied by live entertainment and four free raffle baskets of Italian delicacies.
Tickets can be purchased at the church office or by phoning 360-457-0763, or by emailing osialodge2733@aol.com.
The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 7-12 and free for age 6 and younger.
A very limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
For more information, see www.nodm.com/.
