This race was a big surprise to me, and in a positive way. In short, the logistics and execution on this small race was excellent--these folks know their course, their … MORE
This race was a big surprise to me, and in a positive way. In short, the logistics and execution on this small race was excellent–these folks know their course, their neighborhoods, and how to deliver the best course experience.
I signed up for this race to run with a friend (his first marathon). I was dreading it a little because I knew it was Port Angeles, and I expected a wet or cold and dreary race, which isn’t really my jam. We lucked out with spectacular weather in the 60s and sun.
The start logistics were simple and well executed–take a city bus (reserved) from Port Angeles up to the tribal casino hotel. At the hotel , runners could wait outside, or even go inside to stay warm and pick up snacks, or a coffee, which really was a nice surprise–the wait was completely comfortable.
The race itself is fairly no-frills with a simple start and dash on a walking trail that winds back eventually to neighborhoods and Port Angeles, with a finish just outside the sponsor hotel.
The course itself is neither flat nor exceptionally challenging. It is a fairly shaded course (think running on a paved nature trail most of the way), with some interesting areas to run through (including a long bridge trail), and some challenging small segments (.2 mile type segments) approximately mid-way. Towards the end you get to run along parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (or perhaps just Puget Sound), although the views were more limited than I was expecting–until right near the last several miles.
The crowd support is small, as would be expected in a small community, but pretty enthusiastic. In one area that’s particularly challenging (a steep hill) a drum circle/group on top welcomes the runner up top, which really was a cool experience, and just really showed that the organizers cared about their course and their runners.
Support on the way was excellent, with a variety of water and gatorade, and various snacks seemingly a couple miles apart and consistently.
All in all, this was a really pleasant local race, and it was a thrill to finish the line with a new marathoner.
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Great local race
This race was a big surprise to me, and in a positive way. In short, the logistics and execution on this small race was excellent--these folks know their course, their … MORE
This race was a big surprise to me, and in a positive way. In short, the logistics and execution on this small race was excellent–these folks know their course, their neighborhoods, and how to deliver the best course experience.
I signed up for this race to run with a friend (his first marathon). I was dreading it a little because I knew it was Port Angeles, and I expected a wet or cold and dreary race, which isn’t really my jam. We lucked out with spectacular weather in the 60s and sun.
The start logistics were simple and well executed–take a city bus (reserved) from Port Angeles up to the tribal casino hotel. At the hotel , runners could wait outside, or even go inside to stay warm and pick up snacks, or a coffee, which really was a nice surprise–the wait was completely comfortable.
The race itself is fairly no-frills with a simple start and dash on a walking trail that winds back eventually to neighborhoods and Port Angeles, with a finish just outside the sponsor hotel.
The course itself is neither flat nor exceptionally challenging. It is a fairly shaded course (think running on a paved nature trail most of the way), with some interesting areas to run through (including a long bridge trail), and some challenging small segments (.2 mile type segments) approximately mid-way. Towards the end you get to run along parts of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (or perhaps just Puget Sound), although the views were more limited than I was expecting–until right near the last several miles.
The crowd support is small, as would be expected in a small community, but pretty enthusiastic. In one area that’s particularly challenging (a steep hill) a drum circle/group on top welcomes the runner up top, which really was a cool experience, and just really showed that the organizers cared about their course and their runners.
Support on the way was excellent, with a variety of water and gatorade, and various snacks seemingly a couple miles apart and consistently.
All in all, this was a really pleasant local race, and it was a thrill to finish the line with a new marathoner.
Absolute Jewel
If the weather cooperates, I don't know if you can find many more beautiful races. Its a smooth and mostly all downhill run and goes thru forest and along the … MORE
If the weather cooperates, I don’t know if you can find many more beautiful races. Its a smooth and mostly all downhill run and goes thru forest and along the water. It was 65 and sunny with a mild breeze and I could have ran for miles more. Also a well done production–this one is a lot of fun
Beautiful scenic marathon
This race has amazing support, aid stations and volunteers. Course is mostly flat along well paved Olympic Discovery Trails with a few hills scattered in between. Final 3 miles along … MORE
This race has amazing support, aid stations and volunteers. Course is mostly flat along well paved Olympic Discovery Trails with a few hills scattered in between. Final 3 miles along the waterfront is beautiful. I will be back to this race again
Beautiful course
This was a beautiful run. We were blessed with perfect weather, not too hot and not raining. Good aid stations along the course and abundant food at the end. MORE
This was a beautiful run. We were blessed with perfect weather, not too hot and not raining. Good aid stations along the course and abundant food at the end.
Good scenic run
Overall Rating: Very good. Course Difficulty: This course has some challenging hills, and on the day I ran it, a pretty stiff head wind and some rain. That aside, it … MORE
Overall Rating: Very good.
Course Difficulty: This course has some challenging hills, and on the day I ran it, a pretty stiff head wind and some rain. That aside, it is about average for races I run. 98% paved trail or road, with one small section of hard packed cinders.
Course Scenery: Awesome at times, boring at others. There was a section of the race that had a sign that said “twilight zone”, I thought it was a reference to the movie, but as it turns out, it was just a long boring stretch. I wasn’t really expecting that, but compared to the mountain views, the bay, and the dense forest, it was a small and insignificant portion of the run.
Race Production: Excellent! Good communication, outstanding volunteers, and timely starts. The RD was willing to let me pick my bib up on race morning if I needed, an important note for anyone doing a double or maniacs.
Race Swag: Awesome. Nice medal, drop bag, and a 1/4 zip tech pullover.
My Performance: Not great. My finish time doesn’t really reflect it, but when I woke up, I just didn’t want to run a marathon that day. I think maybe I had just been on the road too long and had lost motivation. I spent much of the run just trying to convince myself to keep going. Happy that I pushed through and got state 48 crossed off the list.
This is not the easiest race to get to. You are going to have to drive 100 miles through slow traffic to get here, but once you arrive, it is a good run. At one point on the trail, I followed an otter for about 100 yards, so you’re right in the middle of nature. If you don’t mind the drive, it’s a good run.
Great race with mountain and ocean views
Race-is lovely and is mostly on a paved bike trail. Great organization, packet pick was well organized, nice swag, lots of awesome volunteers and tons of cheering for a small … MORE
Race-is lovely and is mostly on a paved bike trail. Great organization, packet pick was well organized, nice swag, lots of awesome volunteers and tons of cheering for a small race! I was disappointed in the snacks available after the race for the finishers. Last year’s layout was much better.
Beautiful at times... but a good race.
The race was an interesting race. At times it was very pretty, but at times we were running through neighborhoods. I enjoyed the race, but on the day of the … MORE
The race was an interesting race. At times it was very pretty, but at times we were running through neighborhoods. I enjoyed the race, but on the day of the race for me it was warmer and more hilly than I had expected.
Great Location
I love that none of this race is on the road--it is all on a paved bicycle trail. My favorite section is the end--once you get near the water--gorgeous! Well … MORE
I love that none of this race is on the road–it is all on a paved bicycle trail. My favorite section is the end–once you get near the water–gorgeous! Well organized, too.