About
The North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on a unique point to point course that incorporates the beautiful Olympic Discovery Trail with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a five mile finishing stretch along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This rails to trails course is a wide, mixed/hard surface trail. The race is organized by the Port Angeles Marathon Association - a group of accomplished amateur athletes.
The marathon is a USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The marathon starts at Carrie Blake Park in Sequim (the half marathon starts half way between Sequim and Port Angeles at the Agnew Soccer Fields) . Both races finish at city pier in downtown Port Angeles.
Start
The marathon will start promptly at 9:00 am at Carrie Blake park in Sequim. Be sure to look at the course page to find directions and parking information. Runners are welcome to hang out in the indoor pavilion or roam the beautiful gardens at the park before the race start.
Marathon course will remain open for 6 hours. If you expect to need more time, please register in the marathon walk category.
There will be pacer bunnies for the 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00 and 4:15 hour groups.
This event will be chip timed.
Registration
Registration information can be found on the registration page. Register early! Race is limited and will sell out.
Participants receive a high quality performance shirt, race bib, timing chip (returned at finish line), invitation to the race expo and speaker series (open to the public), course support, free shuttle, gear bag and clothing drop, finisher medal, awards ceremony, music and food at the finish. Participants can also purchase massage, pasta dinner tickets, and race photos. Free showers (bring your own towel) are offered at the YMCA.
Packet pick-up
Be sure to show up to the expo at the Red Lion Hotel on Saturday to pick up your packet. Included is your shirt, bib, timing chip, and goodies. Details can be found on the race weekend page.
Aid Stations
Enthusiastically staffed aid stations (each with fun and original themes) will be provided at approximately every 2 miles along the course. There will be water and energy drink at each aid station. Additionally, fruit, energy gels, and runner comforts (i.e. band aids, vaseline, etc.) will be available at select aid stations. Port-a potties are at each race start and at every 2 - 5 miles along the course.
Shuttles
Because the marathon is a point to point, free transportation from downtown Port Angeles (where the race finishes) will be available race morning. Runners are encouraged to park in Port Angeles (there are several free parking lots as well as fee parking lots ranging from $6-$11 - bring exact change) and reserve a bus seat to the start. Bus reservations are required for planning purposes - please mark your needs on your registration form or email larry@nodm.com before June 1st. Buses will leave from the downtown transit station (just one block from the Red Lion). Buses are first come, first served and will leave when full. Arrive in plenty of time. See race weekend page for schedule.
If you do choose to park at the marathon start (for driving and parking directions click here), there are two return shuttles after the race. See race weekend page for schedule.
Clothing Drop
Clothing drops (bag check) will be available at the start. Gear bags and labels are provided at packet pick up. Make sure that your gear bag is properly labeled with your bib number and just before the race start drop your bag off at the yellow school bus. Belongings will be transported to the finish compound at the Port Angeles City Pier to be claimed.
Awards
Every finisher will recieve a medal. The top three finishers in each age group will recieve a plaque with their age group and position on it. Winners will receive their plaque at the awards ceremony after the event - see the race weekend page for schedule.
