GARDINER — Toothed and glaring, Ogg will welcome runners at the Dragon Gates during the inaugural Valley of the Trolls run in Gardiner on Saturday morning.
Organizers counted 266 registered for one of three races as of Wednesday and expected some 400 by race day to run among the trolls at Troll Haven Bandy Farms, 950 Gardiner Beach Road.
The half-marathon, 10K and 5K run and walk will begin at 9 a.m.
Jefferson Healthcare hospital is sponsoring a free Kids Sprint for Health for those 9 and younger beginning at about 9:30 a.m.
“We were looking for a spot that was unique,” said Jane Storm of Friends of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, who along with Rebecca Krajewski organized the race.
Troll Haven is a privately owned fairy-tale-castle manor surrounded by 150 acres of barns, farmland and dozens of carved or metal trolls.
Some trolls, like Ogg, are short and squat, while others are tall and look down on visitors from great heights.
Troll Haven is owned by the Bandy family, who operate the castle for such events as community festivals, weddings and family gatherings.
“I asked Jarrod [Bandy], and he said, ‘Let’s do it,’” Storm said.
Participants can register for the race at http://regtorace.com/event/58.
On-site registration and pickup of race packets will be at the Troll Haven barn from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today or beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.
The adult entry fee is $60 for the half-marathon, $45 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K.
Those 18 or younger pay $55 for the half-marathon, $40 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K.
The half-marathon and 10K races are certified by USA Track and Field.
Organizers ask that registrations be completed by today so race organizers can make sure they have enough snacks — bagels and fruit — on hand for all participants.
Proceeds will go to programs of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation or to improve parks.
The half-marathon and 10K races are certified by USA Track and Field.
Dragon Gates
All races will begin together at the Dragon Gates —huge wooden gates carved with a pair of menacing dragons — and runners will pass among the property’s many trolls on their routes.
“We hope there are so many [runners] they don’t all fit [in the driveway],” Storm said.
Each race is color-coded, with bicyclists leading the racers on each route.
The top male and female finishers in each of 10 age groups for each race will receive troll medals for their achievements.
T-shirts will be available at the event for the first 400 participants. Additional participants will receive their shirts in the mail at a later date.
A beer garden will be available for those 21 or older.
The castle is being rented by a family this weekend, so there will be no tours available, Bandy said.
For more information, see http://tinyurl.com/PDN-trollsrun.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
