North Olympic Discovery Marathon

What time and where does my race start?

Check the race weekend page for the complete schedule.

Visit the course page for maps of the courses and race starts. All events finish at City Pier in downtown Port Angeles. Course will be closed at 3:30 pm.

Don't forget about the Kids Marathon - 4pm Saturday at City Pier, Port Angeles

Do I need the shuttle?

The marathon and half marathon courses are point to point. Free transportation from downtown Port Angeles to each start area will be available race morning. Runners are encouraged to park in Port Angeles (there are several free downtown parking lots as well as fee parking lots ranging from $6 to $11- bring appropriate cash) and reserve a bus seat to the start. Some parking is available at each start, however we strongly recommend that half marathoners use the shuttle as parking at the half start is VERY LIMITED. Shuttle service will be available after the race to take runners from the finish in Port Angeles back to the start areas.

Bus reservations are required for planning purposes - please mark your needs on the registration form. Email larry@nodm.com to make any changes before June 1st.

Please see the race weekend page for a complete shuttle schedule and directions to the shuttle terminal.

What is a gear bag and clothing drop?

What is the gear bag for? Because the marathon and half marathon are point to point, we are providing a gear check at each start. Bags and id labels will be available at registration. Labels should match your bib number and should be placed in the upper right corner of your bag. Volunteers will ask if you would like a bag. If you are not sure, take one. If you know for sure that you won't need one, please help us preserve resources and decline.

On race day, take what you need to the start - extra clothes, food, magazine, disposable camera... And just before the race starts, put everything but what you need for the run in your bag, drop it off at the school bus, and it will be transported back to the finish area for you. Clothing drops will be available at the start of the marathon and half marathon events. 

Do I wear a timing chip and will you post my results?

The event will be timed by AccuStat Sports Timing. For more information visit their website.  Results will be posted at the finish venue and on this website after the event.

What will the weather be like?

Average High - 65F, Average Low - 49F, Average Mean - 57F

What are the age groups?

Marathon: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 -74 and 75 and over. Marathon runners must be at least 16 years old.

Half Marathon: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.

5k/10k: 12 & under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

Relay Teams: awards will be presented to first place corporate relay team and first place high school relay team.

What about awards, shirts and finisher medals?

Awards will be presented to the top 3 in each age group male & female, plus top overall male & female for each event. All participants will receive a high quality performance garment. Finishers of the marathon and half marathon will receive a beautiful medal. The NODM medal received fifth place in an issue of Marathon and Beyond. The article highlighted the 25 best medals in the country. Read the article here. Awards ceremonies will be held after each race - check the race weekend page for a complete schedule. Race results will be available online.

Can I walk?

We welcome walkers in all events. Half Marathon walkers will follow the same instructions, same course, same start time and place as the half marathon runners. Marathon walkers will start early - click here for details. This is a great walking course! The aid stations and the finish line welcome every participant regardless of their time!

Need to shower after the event?

Don't want to drive back to Seattle stinky? Just bring a towel and toiletries... our local YMCA opens especially for our participants to take a rinse or sauna. Located on Francis and 4th St - more information will be available at packet pick-up.

Do I bring my own water and energy gel?

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 (Gatorade... lemon lime half strength) at each aid station. Additionally, fruit, energy gels, and runner comforts (i.e. band aids, Vaseline, etc.) will be available at selected aid stations. Port-a-Potties are every 2-5 miles along the course. Complete details below:

Where can my friends and family watch?

The North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half Marathon are unique for spectator viewing. The course is a point-to-point rather than the more common out and back or big loop. ¾ of the run takes place on trail, away from road access. But it is definitely worth checking out the great spots to give support and take pictures with beautiful backdrops.  A spectator map will be provided in your race packet.

How do I cancel?

Entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferable. Pasta dinner tickets and massages are refundable until May 15 with a written or emailed request.

We are happy to mail your race packet and shirt to you if you have to cancel. Please send a self addressed large envelope with $5 postage to: PAMA, P O Box 431, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Envelope must be received by May 30 and will be mailed out after the event.

Can I switch events?

Would you like to upgrade from the half to the full or downgrade from the full to the half? We can do that! Send an email request to larry@nodm.com before May 25th. Changes made after May 25th will not be guaranteed a shirt for their new event choice (you may recieve a shirt from your previously selected event).  

Are the miles marked?

Miles are marked at every mile for both the marathon and half marathon.