PORT ANGELES — The North Olympic Discovery Marathon between Port Angeles and Blyn offers more than a long run or walk.
Along with the main events — a marathon walk, half-marathon, kids marathon, relays and 5K/10K run/walks — an expo will offer 11 vendors Saturday and live music at the finish line near City Pier in Port Angeles on the day of most running events Sunday.
In addition, those who don’t hit the trail can have the fun of watching those who do from several vantage points along the course, which follows the Olympic Discovery Trail and offers views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The marathon has drawn thousands since Larry Little, organizer, started the first one in June 2003.
Where to watch
Traditional favored spots for spectators are:
■ Downtown Sequim at marathon miles 7 and 8 — Runners will move through on Washington Street.
■ Railroad Bridge Park at marathon mile 10 — To get there, take Carlsborg Road to Runnion Road to park at the west entrance to the park.
■ Siebert Creek at marathon mile 17 and half-marathon mile 3 — Drive on Old Olympic Highway to Wild Currant Way, follow the road to the parking circle and wait at the bridge.
■ Buchanan Road at marathon mile 21 and half-marathon mile 7 — Parking is limited or nonexistent at this congested area where major construction is taking place.
■ Francis Street Park — This is less than a mile before the finish line.
■ City Pier — Finish line in Port Angeles.
The only event Saturday is the ending of the Kids Marathon at 4 p.m. at City Pier.
Young people build up the event by tracking 25 miles for six to 10 weeks before the marathon weekend.
On Saturday, they will run their last 1.2 miles at City Pier.
On Sunday, marathon walkers will start early — 6 a.m. — at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center in Blyn.
Marathon runners and marathon relay teams will begin at 7:30 a.m., also at the tribal center.
Half-marathoners will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Agnew Soccer Fields in Sequim.
Both the 5K and the 10K will begin at 9 a.m. — the 5K at City Pier and the 10K at Deer Park Overlook/Buchanan Road near Port Angeles.
Saturday events
But before all that will be the Race Expo from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St.
Lined up for the expo are Athlete’s Choice with running apparel, Wahine with women’s active wear, Olympic National Park offering visitor and park information, Olympic Medical Center with information about cardiac services, Marathon Memories ‘n More with medal plaques and One More Mile with running apparel.
More expo lineups
Also, Quilcene Oyster Half Marathon telling of running events, Blue Steel Sports with anti-chafe cream, Harbinger Winery and Adventures Through Kayaking offering wine tasting and kayak and mountain bike tours, the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce with visitor information and Therapeutic Associates, which offers physical therapy.
Also during the afternoon, runners and walkers can pick up their packets at the Red Lion.
At 5 p.m. Saturday will be free yoga at the YMCA, 302 S. Francis St. This stretching is for runners who have event numbers and identification.
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., runners can carbohydrate-load at the Sons of Italy Olympic Peninsula Lodge No. 2733’s pasta dinner at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 12 and younger, free for ages 6 and younger.
Charlie Ferris will provide entertainment.
For more information or for tickets, phone 360-457-0763 or email osialodge2733@msn.com.
Live music set
On Sunday, live music is planned near the finish line at the City Pier Pavilion to celebrate the runners’ achievements.
Each one is personally greeted at the finish line and given a finisher’s medal, a cold drink, an escort to the massage tent and directions to the food tent.
Awards will be presented Sunday to the top overall man and woman for each event, the top three men and women in each age group and for those winning first places in the corporate and high school relays.
For more information about the races, visit the marathon website at www.nodm.com.
