By Michael Carman
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — After 15 years, the finish line remains the best place to witness the North Olympic Discovery Marathon.
As always, the marathon and all of the races associated with it will conclude at City Pier this morning.
Again this year, the starting line also is a good place to watch the runners.
The start of the point-to-point marathon, in its 15th year, as well as the marathon walk and the marathon relay will begin at 7 Cedars Casino in Blyn.
Spectators wanting to watch the start of the races need to arrive early, though, because U.S. Highway 101 will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. while the marathon and marathon relay runners cross the highway near the casino.
The marathon and marathon relay both begin at 7:30 a.m.
The marathon walk starts at 6 a.m.
Starting at the casino allows the races to stay on the Olympic Discovery Trail essentially from start to finish.
There is a stretch that goes on Sequim streets by Carrie Blake Park, but that stretch does not include Washington Street, as has been the case with past North Olympic Discovery Marathons.
The half-marathon starts at Agnew Fields at 8:30 a.m. There will be parking available nearby on Gunn Road.
The 10-kilometer run begins at the Deer Park Overlook at Buchanan Road, west of Port Angeles, at 9 a.m.
The 5K, which also begins at 9 a.m., is an out and back that starts and finishes at City Pier.
The other races also end at City Pier.
The marathon record of 2 hours, 35 minutes, 47 seconds was set by Preston Brashers in 2006, but tomorrow’s first finisher is expected at City Pier closer to 10:15 or 10:30 a.m.
The cool weather — tomorrow’s high is expected to hit 60 degrees, according to the National Weather Service — likely will aid runners.
Last year’s winner, Thomas Fagin, finished in 2:55:501, when race temperatures reached into the low 80s.
Along with City Pier and 7 Cedars Casino, here are other places to watch the races today:
Railroad Bridge Park: Only the marathon races can be viewed here.
To get there, take Carlsborg Road to Runnion Road to park at the west entrance to the park.
Deer Park Overlook: Take Old Olympic Highway west for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 101, travel 2 miles west and take the Deer Park Overlook rest area exit.
This area is highly congested and parking is tight.
Francis Street Park: This spot is less than a mile from the finish line, so there isn’t time to view specific runners here and then catch them at the finish line.
As you enter Port Angeles, U.S. Highway 101 becomes Front Street. Follow Front Street past Race Street and turn right onto Francis Street.
Finish-line activities
As usual, there are several activities at City Pier for runners and the public.
This year there will be a beer garden at the finish line. All race participants 21 and older will receive a free beer. There also will be drinks available for purchase.
Live music will be provided by Joy in Mudville.
And 15-minute massages will be available post-race for runners and walker.
