North Olympic Discovery Marathon

We are from Wisconsin, but LOVE the Olympic Peninsula - I ran this at the end of our long weekend vacation to WA. Pros: 1. kids run the day before-awesome community event; although not timed, it's still 1.2 miles. my 8 year old enjoyed this and his real medal... nice touch NODM. 2. transportation to start (sequim) seemed well organized. 3. scenery - mountains!!! i don't care that i couldn't see the strait until the last portion of the race, it was the snow-capped mountains that got me through this. 4. community. the day before I walked around port angeles and shop owners seems genuinely interested in the race and the people it drew to the town. a warm reception as a tourist is always great. 5. Hammer gel (YES!!) at the aid stations. Cons 1. porta potties were scant on the course, i think the first one i saw was mile 10!! what?! thank goodness for the miles of wooded area where I snuck in to take care of business. MORE PORTA- POTTIES PLEASE. 2. shirts weren't as good as the previous year's shirts - was hoping for a long sleeve (based on other reviews here) - oh well. 3. post race- i signed up for the massage (first ever in 13 races) and that was a disaster - lack of staff, no preference for marathoners, half, 10K and 5K (seriously, do you need a massage after a friggin 5K?!). after 35 min i was gone since i had to check out of the hotel and catch a flight! a very 'what evs' attitude from the owner of the massage studio. no refund. FAIL. i didn't count this against the scoring but buyer beware on the massages. general comments: very scenic but quiet route. if you like big crowds, this might be a challenge for you. i loved the feel of a long run with the mountains as my running parter. the mile markers were painted on the bike path, meaning i didn't always know where i was in the racefor me, a good thing! first race that i didn't wear a watch and i just focused on enjoying the moments and the scenery -WORTH IT. i did just as good (and a little better) than other races, but I didn't get bored or stressed (except for the bathroom issues). I can't say enough great things about this race and the location-game changer for me. i'm heading west for future races!

Small race but has everything - very well organized, nice long shirt, beautiful medal, community based volunteers. Congratulations on putting out wonderful race.

I was compelled to write my first course review because this race deserves to be discovered! We marathoners are quite opinionated when it comes to race review, and this course and organization do not fall short. First they take a beautiful course, winding through fields, scenic wooded trail, and then finish with the remaining miles of beautiful waterfront. Then add the best volunteers and community support I've experienced on a course this size. The aid station supported by the Senior Center was a personal favorite - complete with gummy bears and costumes! When you finally do make it through the 26.2 miles, cruising in on the beautiful waterfront path, the finish line is stocked with ample food, including personal favorites: salty ramen noodles and popsicles! I recommend this race to anyone who wants to run a beautiful Pac Northwest course and have a great run, I'll be back!