PORT ANGELES — This spring brings an exciting lineup of trail running events and activities, making now the perfect time for people to mark their calendars. From expert-led workshops to accessible races, there are countless ways for people to immerse themselves in the trail-running spirit.
Kicking off the season is the third annual Trail Running Workshop from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Port Angeles Senior Center. This workshop, produced by Rain Bear Running Club with support from North Olympic Healthcare Network and Peninsula Adventure Sports, is designed to help runners build confidence, knowledge and strength to hit the trail. Participants will meet other local runners and there will be a raffle, snacks, and special sessions by professional instructors and speakers, including:
Alexa Carr: Fueling Focus — Carr will explain how to optimize nutrition for every stage of race prep, including training, race day morning, during the race and recovery afterward.
Spencer Larsen: Strength Training and Injury Prevention — Larsen will explain how people can discover how to identify and address muscle or movement imbalances and develop a strength training routine tailored specifically for trail runners.
Dr. Austin Friswold: Endurance Training and Foot Care — Friswold will discuss how to build endurance while emphasizing the importance of foot care. People will gain practical tips to keep their feet healthy and ready to conquer any terrain.
Advance registration is required, and spots are limited. The cost is $60 per person. People can sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/trailrunning2025.
Training program
Following the workshop, the Rain Bear Running Club offers a seven-week trail running training program from Feb. 22 to April 5 designed to help runners prepare for the 12K Olympic Adventure Trail Run on April 12, though participation in the race is not required.
Thanks to sponsorships from Peninsula Adventure Sports and the North Olympic Healthcare Network, the program is available for $75 for the first 10 participants. Afterward, registration is $95.
A detailed training schedule is included, as well as three trail group runs weekly on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. There will be expert technique coaching and tips.
Participants must be able to comfortably run a 5K (roughly three miles) before the program’s start date.
The program will take place on Saturdays at 9 a.m. from Feb. 22 to April 5, meeting along the Olympic Adventure Trail.
Rain Bear Running Club has reserved 20 spots for the OAT Run on April 12. Participants in the training program receive an exclusive 20 percent discount code for race registration. Race registration fees are not included in the training fee.
People can register online at: https://tinyurl.com/TrailTraining.
OAT Run
Now in its 12th year, the OAT Run is a trail running race produced by Peninsula Adventure Sports with support from sponsors North Olympic Healthcare Network, Angeles Millworks/Hartnagels, Moss Boutique and Olympic Lodge. The event offers three courses — a 12K point-to-point, a half marathon and a 50K out-and-back. After the race, runners can enjoy an after-party with bonfires, door prizes, a hot meal from Little Devils Lunchbox (included with entry) and a beer garden hosted by 4PA.
The after-party will feature a mobile wood-fired sauna provided by Salish Sauna.
The registration fee is $55 for the 12K, $70 for the half-marathon and $90 for the 50K. People can sign up at Peninsula AdventureSports.com.
If a business would benefit from connecting with athletes or they’d like to support endurance racing on the Olympic Peninsula, contact OAT Race Director Lorrie Mittmann at lorrie@peninsula adventuresports.com for sponsorship opportunities. The race also needs volunteers and people can email the same address if they are interested.
