PORT ANGELES — There are a number of trail running events and activities coming up this spring on the Olympic Peninsula and now is the perfect time to get them on your calendars, according to Peninsula Adventure Sports.
Kicking off the season is the second year of the Trail Running Workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Port Angeles Senior Center. The four-hour workshop is produced by Rain Bear Running Club with support from North Olympic Healthcare Network and Peninsula Adventure Sports. The workshop is designed to help runners build self-confidence, knowledge and strength to hit the trail.
The workshop will include safety and gear info, in addition to special sessions by professional instructors and speakers.
These include Sara Shearer, “Yoga for Runners,” Spencer Larsen “Strength Training and Foam Rolling,” and Rachel Hardies, “Mental Strength for Trail Runners.”
Advance registration is required and spots are limited. The cost is $60 per person and includes lunch. People can sign up at: http://tinyurl.com/TrailRunningWorkshop.
Starting just after the workshop, Rain Bear Running Club will offer a seven-week trail running training program from March 2 to April 6, designed to help runners prepare for the 12K OAT Run that takes place on April 13. Participation in the race is not required.
Thanks to the sponsorship from Peninsula Adventure Sports and North Olympic Healthcare Network, the program is offered for $25.
Participants will receive a comprehensive package, including a detailed training schedule, once-a-week trail group runs every Saturday, expert technique coaching, valuable tips and tricks, motivation and plenty of fun.
To ensure participants are ready for the trial, participants must be able to run a 5K comfortably before the program’s start date.
The program will gather at 9 a.m. each Saturday for group runs along the Olympic Adventure Trail. As a bonus incentive, Rain Bear Running Club has reserved 20 spots for participants in the OAT Run. Anyone joining the Rain Bear training program will also receive a 20 percent discount code for the race registration fee. The race registration fees are not included in the training fee. People can register online at: http://tinyurl.com/TrailRunningTraining
In its 11th year, the OAT Run is a trail running race produced by Peninsula Adventure Sports with support from sponsors Angeles Millworks/Hartnagels, Moss Boutique and Olympic Lodge. It includes point-to-point 12K and half-marathon courses, as well as a 50K out-and-back course, followed by an after-party with bonfires, door prizes, hot food by Little Devil’s Lunchbox and a beer garden hosted by 4PA.
Pre-registration is required and the pricing is $50 for the 12K, $65 for the half marathon, and $90 for the 50K.
In addition to an epic outdoor experience, all runners experience a well-organized event, a well-marked course, hydration and snacks at water stations along the course, custom race swag, shuttle to start and return shuttle back to parking area/party and an after-party at Extreme Sports Park, including a hot meal, bonfire and a chance to win door prizes from local retailers. There will be a beer garden.
More info and signup link can be found at: PeninsulaAdventureSports.com.
OAT Run is looking for a new Title Sponsor for 2024. If you have a business that would benefit from connecting with athletes from both the Olympic Peninsula and out of area, or are a business owner who wants to support endurance racing on the Olympic Peninsula, reach out to Race Director Lorrie Mittmann at lorrie@peninsulaadventuresports.com.
The race also needs volunteers. People can contact Mittmann if they are interested.
As the culmination of the season’s festivities, the Trail Running Film Festival on April 19 promises an evening of inspiration, entertainment and celebration of the human spirit. The festival is sponsored by Peninsula Adventure Sports and the Peninsula College Magic of Cinema Series. It will be at Meier Performance Hall at Peninsula College at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge.
