FAQ's

 

Thanks for having enough interest in our race to check out the FAQ’s! 

If you have any other questions email us at larry@nodm.com!

Is the course as pretty as I have heard

What is the course profile like?

Weather and winds?

Is this a Boston Qualifier?

Is transportation provided?

Are walkers allowed?

Is there an early start?

Why start at 9AM?

What kind of support is on the course? 

Can my friends bike along with me?

What about these aid stations?

What is the finish like?

Will my family be able to find me?

What else is there to do in the area?

Can I get a refund?

How do I get to Port Angeles?

 

Is the course as pretty as I have heard?

Yes! Both the half and the full offer beautiful mountain vistas, winding tree covered forest, railroad trestle bridge crossings, and a 5 mile finishing stretch right along the coastal shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  The course starts in rural Sequim and at mile 9 runners are on the Olympic Discovery Trail until the finish.  The trail surface is 99% asphalt with 60% of the route having the option of running on a dirt shoulder next to the trail.  The trail is about as wide as one normal traffic lane.  [top]

For more information and other pictures of the trail click here: OlympicDiscoveryTrail

 

What is the course profile like?

Take a look at the profile on this website.  [top]

Marathon:  There are gradual climbs for the first 2 miles then it is FLAT to slightly downhill for the next 14 miles.  Miles 16 - 19 are rolling with two steep, but short creek beds.  At mile 19 you begin a ½ mile descent to a flat final 5 miles right next to the water.  [top]

Half:  You follow the same course as the marathon from the half way point. You have 4 miles of flat, the rollers, and the same final 5 flat along the water.  [top]

 

Weather and Winds?

We selected early June because of the ideal running weather. Mornings are usually overcast, cool, and calm.  Average temps are between 45 to 62 degrees. Winds, if they pick up, usually don’t start until late afternoon. Even so, the later parts of the course are generally protected from the prevailing winds.  [top]

 

Is this a Boston Qualifier?  

Yes! [top]

 

Is transportation provided? 

Yes.  Since both races are point to point, we provide bus transportation to each race start.  On race morning you are encouraged to park in downtown Port Angeles and ride the bus to your race start.  If you decide to park at the race start instead, there will be shuttles from the finish after the race.  Reservations are required, please indicate your need on your registration form.  [top]

 

Are walkers allowed? 

Yes!  See the Walker's Page  However, our course is unique in that we don't have any traffic issues or road closures along the last five miles and our volunteers always stay to welcome every participant as if they were the first to cross the line!  If you think you will be longer than 5 1/2 hours, please register for the early 7am start.  [top]

Why start at 9AM?

This year we expect to be transporting 2000 participants. We will make certain this goes off without a hitch and we want adequate time to make sure it does!   Other reasons for the 9AM start include ferry and travel schedules, and volunteers getting up at 3 AM (2AM would be WAY too early)!  [top]

 

What kind of support is on the course?

We have a minimum of 14 (6 for the half) Aid Stations.  Every Aid Station will offer Heed and water.  Food and HammerGel will be available at Mile , Mile 16.7 (3.6 for 1/2) and Mile 20.7 (7.6 for the 1/2).  Port-a-potties and park restrooms are available approximately every 5 miles or closer.  [top]

 

Can my friends bike along with me?

Bicycles on the course, during the event, are prohibited by friends or family members!  This is a safety concern.

 

What about these aid stations?

We have modeled our Aid Stations after the big triathlons.  They are a hoot.  Each Aid Station is adopted by a business, school or civic organization who compete for the coveted bronzed running shoe award given each year to the “best aid station” - voted on by the runners at the finish area.  Let me tell you the competition is fierce!  [top]

 

What is the finish like?

We want to remain different from the big city races.  Each person who finishes our race has accomplished a significant milestone and we want them to feel the sense of pride that they deserve.  We have a very supportive, positive, fun finish area which includes a great food tent and music.  [top]

 

Will my family be able to find me?

We take extra efforts to reunite family members after the run.  We don’t want our participants or families to feel they are lost after their big day!  [top]

 

T-Shirts? 

No-sir-ree.  Last year we gave our marathon and half marathon participants a long-sleeved performance tech shirt and a custom designed medal.  [top]

 

What else is there to do in the area?

Here is a list of web sites to visit!  We think we live in the best place in the world and we love to share our peninsula with visitors!  Plan to kayak, river raft, visit the coast, have a picnic at Hurricane Ridge, fly fish on one of the many rivers, etc., etc.! [top]

http://www.portangeles.org

http://www.visitsun.com

http://www.olympicpeninsula.org

http://www.nps.gov/olym/home.htm

 

Can I get a refund?

Sorry, but no.  There are no refunds or transfers.  We encourage people to be very serious about their commitment before sending in your money.  If you are not able to make the race and would like your shirt, please send us a self addressed 9x12 envelope with a priority mail stamp and we will send you your shirt after the race.  Send envelope to PAMA, P O Box 431, Port Angeles, WA  98362. [top]