This is an extremely well organized marathon right from the time the entry form is turned in. I e-mailed the director on three occasions and was answered every time on the same day. There were e-mail and website updates almost every week. At the start, there is an indoor area to stay warm and many, many friendly volunteers. I stayed at the Econolodge in Sequim and only had to walk a few blocks to the starting line--I would recommend this place. The race course has a few short steep up slopes and down slopes through some creek beds, but I would consider it a more rolling course. This race has to rank as one of the most beautiful marathons out there, I am surprised that thousands don't flock to this one. When I finished, I had my own personal finish shoot tour guide; my own personal angel that got me something to drink, my medal, asked me how I was doing, led me to my drop bag, and after she was sure I was all right, pointed me to the food area. Yes, they do this with every finisher. If I had to give a negative, there was not a date on the medals or shirt (Doesn't really matter to me, but it might to some). Fans were vocal but not many, but enough for me. Who wants this spectacular scenary interupted by fans? You have to do this one.

The marathon was completely gorgeous. It went from Sequim to Port Angeles on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. There were views of mountains, fields of lavendar, running through forests, over picturesque creeks and streams, and the last 5 miles were along the beach with views over the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Victoria BC--it was a clear day.

The aid stations along the way were a real hoot. The race director had local businesses and organizations adopt each of them, and runners voted for their favorite aid station at the end. I voted for the senior center--you should have seen those seniors cheer--they really had the spirit!

Another one of my favorite aid stations was adopted by a local elementary school--the aid station was at mile 9, and the kids kept yelling, 'Only 17 more miles,' which is not exactly what you want to think about at that point in the race, but the kids wer so earnest!

There was musical entertainment as well--around mile 14, in a residential area, some kids brought out a karaoke machine and were singing their hearts out, and around mile 18, kind of randomly in the middle of the woods, there was an informal marimba and African drum band.

At the finish, they had a volunteer meet each runner, place a medal around their neck, give them water, and lead them to the food area.

A wonderful experience overall. First: this is not a flat, sea-level race. Second: I had to wait two hours after the race for a bus back to Sequim where my hotel was. Not a good thing after cooling down. Everyone was friendly and helpful. A lovely part of our beautiful country. I'm glad I took some extra days to see the area. Nice place to retire.

This is a wonderful race with a scenic rural course and exceptional organization. The combination of a headwind and some short but steep hills late in the race slowed me down some but the massage at the finish made up for it. I particularly appreciated the personal attention at the finish line and the periodic email updates during the several months prior to the race. I also appreciated the opportunity to see and purchase my race photo at the finish area. Next time I plan to stay an extra couple of days to explore the area, and maybe get another massage too.

By the time I ran this race I felt like I was part of a family. So many pre race emails from Larry Little giving updates that I felt like I knew him. Certainly this was an indication of the friendliness of this race. It had a small feel with the organization of a mega race. The shirts and awards were excellent, aid stations went all out with costumes and themes and encouraging volunteers. The second half of the marathon course is definitely challenging as was the strong headwind all the way. The warm building at the start was a great bonus. The whole atmosphere of this race was personal, they made you feel that you counted. I will definitely be back. Well done!!!

I found this race at the last minute after a disappointing experience at the Lakeshore Marathon in Chicago two weeks prior. (Aside: Read the comments on that marathon before you even THINK of signing up for it.) Looking for a marathon at the last minute, I took a chance on a second-year event with a good reputation all the way across the country. That chance paid off.

The North Olympic Discovery Marathon was an ideal combination of small-town charm with the Swiss-watch organization of a big race. Every step of the way, it was clear that someone was paying attention to the organization, from the detailed information available on the web site, to the consistent quality of the aid stations, to the extensive finish-line facilities. But it was a personal race, too -- runners were announced as they crossed the finish line, and a volunteer followed each runner several steps past the finish to make sure that he or she was ok. Port Angeles, WA seemed very involved with race (signs welcoming runners were everywhere), but there were not so many runners that the small town was swamped.

The course itself was a mix of road running and forest trail, with the last few miles alongside the Strait of Juan De Fuca. While most of the course was flat or gently rolling, runners should be aware of a few steep creek crossings in the second half of the course. These came between miles 15 and 20 or so, and while they would not have been terribly difficult on their own, they did make the second half of the course quite a bit more difficult than the first half. Don't skip the race for that reason, as the course was otherwise quite fast -- just be aware of what's coming when you set your pace at the beginning. The fans were very supportive, and perhaps even numerous given the small size of the race.

I would recommend this race to anyone. I only hope it doesn't grow too big, too fast and lose its wonderful combination of big and small.

This is run like one of the big-city marathons. Scenery is outstanding, with ocean on one side and the snowcapped peaks of Olympic National Park on the other. The children along the course handing out high-fives were GREAT. The only big hill is a downhill one, but there are two steep ravines and lots of rolling terrain in the second half of the course. It's point-to-point, so you have to take an early bus to the start, but there is a nice recreational building at the start park where people can stay warm and dry and get free food to boot.

Another option is to stay at the start (Sequim); book a room in either the Ramada or the EconoLodge (free high speed internet!), both of which are a five minute walk from the start. Then park your car down at the finish in Port Angeles.

The Littles, who organized this event, really did a great job. Excellent water stations too - with plenty of energy drinks, and even some with oranges and power gels. The half marathon is also beautiful; it is also point-to-point and simply starts at the halfway point. Oh - because it's small (so far), you can get your photos at the finish. Almost forgot to mention - EACH finisher had ONE 'handler' who congratulates you, gives you your medal, guides you through the finish, gives you a recovery drink, gets your chip snipped, brings YOU your check bag, and makes sure that you're feeling ok. I felt like I was at a spa!

Where do I start? The event was very well organized. From the time I pulled into town to pick up my packet to arriving at the finish line to pick up my drop bag, people were helpful, supportive and organized. The course was beautiful! The aid stations were well positioned and the people were very supportive. The final 3 miles had great water views. The shirts and medals are great. It's only the 2nd year and it feels like they've been doing it for 20. Not too many hills, nicely paved and would definitely recommend everyone run it.

I've been running shorter races for twenty-plus years, and just started doing 1/2 marathons this year. NODM is my third 1/2, and one of the absolute best races that I've run -- at ANY distance. From the pre-race emails and race information website updates, to the pre- and race-day events -- all was extremely well organized, lots and lots of wonderful and friendly volunteers (they had nearly 500 volunteers for about 1,100 runners!), well-stocked and entertaining aid stations. This is going to become an annual event for me and my husband!

Beautiful little city with lots of scenery to make the time go by fast. Well organized and friendly people make this marathon a well kept secret.