North Olympic Discovery Marathon (5K / 10K/ Half / Full / Relay / Kids Marathon) - Race Reviews

We are from Wisconsin, but LOVE the Olympic Peninsula - I ran this at the end of our long weekend vacation to WA. Pros: 1. kids run the day before-awesome community event; although not timed, it's still 1.2 miles. my 8 year old enjoyed this and his real medal... nice touch NODM. 2. transportation to start (sequim) seemed well organized. 3. scenery - mountains!!! i don't care that i couldn't see the strait until the last portion of the race, it was the snow-capped mountains that got me through this. 4. community. the day before I walked around port angeles and shop owners seems genuinely interested in the race and the people it drew to the town. a warm reception as a tourist is always great. 5. Hammer gel (YES!!) at the aid stations. Cons 1. porta potties were scant on the course, i think the first one i saw was mile 10!! what?! thank goodness for the miles of wooded area where I snuck in to take care of business. MORE PORTA- POTTIES PLEASE. 2. shirts weren't as good as the previous year's shirts - was hoping for a long sleeve (based on other reviews here) - oh well. 3. post race- i signed up for the massage (first ever in 13 races) and that was a disaster - lack of staff, no preference for marathoners, half, 10K and 5K (seriously, do you need a massage after a friggin 5K?!). after 35 min i was gone since i had to check out of the hotel and catch a flight! a very 'what evs' attitude from the owner of the massage studio. no refund. FAIL. i didn't count this against the scoring but buyer beware on the massages. general comments: very scenic but quiet route. if you like big crowds, this might be a challenge for you. i loved the feel of a long run with the mountains as my running parter. the mile markers were painted on the bike path, meaning i didn't always know where i was in the racefor me, a good thing! first race that i didn't wear a watch and i just focused on enjoying the moments and the scenery -WORTH IT. i did just as good (and a little better) than other races, but I didn't get bored or stressed (except for the bathroom issues). I can't say enough great things about this race and the location-game changer for me. i'm heading west for future races!

Small race but has everything - very well organized, nice long shirt, beautiful medal, community based volunteers. Congratulations on putting out wonderful race.

I was compelled to write my first course review because this race deserves to be discovered! We marathoners are quite opinionated when it comes to race review, and this course and organization do not fall short. First they take a beautiful course, winding through fields, scenic wooded trail, and then finish with the remaining miles of beautiful waterfront. Then add the best volunteers and community support I've experienced on a course this size. The aid station supported by the Senior Center was a personal favorite - complete with gummy bears and costumes! When you finally do make it through the 26.2 miles, cruising in on the beautiful waterfront path, the finish line is stocked with ample food, including personal favorites: salty ramen noodles and popsicles! I recommend this race to anyone who wants to run a beautiful Pac Northwest course and have a great run, I'll be back!

I had high hopes for this race, and I was disappointed. First, except for the 2-3 miles, you really couldn't see the gorgeous waterfront of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Second, that last stretch of trail was very rocky - borderline technical - not something that I like to see near the end of a marathon. Third, there were a few steep hills. One involved a nasty switchback, again coming near the end of the race. Finally, mile markers were inconsistent - half and full markers were alongside each other, which is obviously wrong. On the positive side, the course support was good, and the finish line support was outstanding for a small race. I also liked the room where we waited for the start.

I agree with all the positive comments. A beautiful course with beautiful weather. I'm from the South, so the higher than normal temp was still relatively cool. Aid stations were awesome with very enthusiastic volunteers! Loved the medal and the shirt is awesome! Only negative for me was the ankle Velcro timing chip...never could get it adjusted and chewed up my ankle pretty good - saw a lot of runners messing with theirs as well. Would be great to change to a shoe tag. All in all, an outstanding race...would definitely run it again!

I was looking for a race in early June and was planning on the Rock and Roll marathon San Diego, but looked at other races that same weekend and looked closely at NODM. As I get older and run more races (over 30 marathons and half marathons) I find that I enjoy the smaller races vs. the large events. I'm glad I selected NODM over San Diego. The Olympic Peninsula is a great place to visit and you need to plan on staying a few days before or after the race. I decided to stay at the Red Lion (host hotel) and it provided an excellent base for the first couple of days of our trip. The expo is at the hotel, the finish line is at the hotel and the bus to the started picked up a block away. There are some great restaurants within walking distance (Kokopelli Grill, Bella Italia, Michaels). Since I used the race package we received a couple of bottles of water and energy bars at check in. The expo was small as I expected and was very efficient. It only took me 5-10 minutes to pick up my number and take a quick look at the running gear. We signed up for the pasta dinner and it was one of the best I have attended. They say you can walk to the dinner at Sons of Italy but it was over 11 blocks away, so we drove and enjoyed the food and live entertainment. Race day (half marathon for me)&the race doesnt start until 9:00 and the sun comes up around 5:00, so when you add in east coast time for me I was up in plenty of time for the race. The buses leave at 6:30 and I decided to walk over at about 7:00. A bus was waiting and I was at the start line rather quickly. The half start area is a soccer field and there are correct that there isn't any shelter. It was a sunny and warm day with temps around 70 at race time, so I walked across the street and waited in the shade vs. the full sun of the soccer field. It would have been easy to have someone drop you off at the start much closer to race time instead of the bus. The half marathon&the first 4 miles were very flat and in the sun so it was a little warm. The early 180 was very congested, but they state that clearly on the website. Around mile 4 is where the first hill arrives. I expected it to be really steep, but didn't find it to be any worse than where I run in Atlanta. It is a short and steep descent and climb, but not too bad. The next 3 miles I would describe as rolling and you are in the shade most of the time. In mile 7 is where climb number two happens. This one is steep and there were 2-3 cutbacks going down the hill and then a steep climb back up. This hill was hard and I decided to walk most of the uphill. After that you have a nice downhill to the ocean and the rest of the course (well almost the rest) is on the water. You do have to make a run around a dusty industrial area, but return to the ocean with about a mile to go. The finish area was very festive with lots of good music and food, and it was easy to find my wife. The medal was nice and the people were friendly. There were lots of aid stations along the course and they were communicated very clearly on the race packet information. I would have preferred the race starting earlier than 9:00, but the weather on race day was much better than normal with sunny skies. Other than that I have no complaints about the race at all.

I don't want to repeat some of the 2010 comments (which were also true for the 2011 race), but what a wonderful race, course, views, and funky characters on the race course. I made a new friend and simply had a great weekend. Great organization. I would definitely do this one again once I finish the 50 states. Totally awesome race shirt.

Who would have thought that a heat wave would inconveniently land on June 5th this year? Wow, was it ever hot on Marathon Day. As a Northwest runner, this seriously affected my 'fun' during the beautiful NODM. Nevertheless, I appreciated that this is a fantastically well organized race, full of friendly people and stunning scenery. The finisher's medal is lovely. There's plenty of support along the way. But do not be fooled: if you run competitively, DO be prepared for hills. If someone says to you that this race is mostly flat (as a few said to me), you're talking to either someone with Superman strength or someone who plans to run slo-o-owly. I'm telling you, there are hills, and they are mostly toward the painful end. This is the first race in which I have EVER walked for a few brief moments. Still, it's a lovely race and well worth running. And surely you will have cooler weather than we did in 2011.

This marathon was exactly what I hoped for. It was a small race (339 finishers) run partly on roads and partly on very scenic trails (paved). There are some tough hills between 27-33km (17-20 miles), but they are relatively short and steep so you don't have to lose much time on them if you can power up them instead of walking. In 2011 the weather was pretty hot (>20C, 70F) and I think that was a big factor for many people which is why the results were slower than in previous years. As many other people have said the race is very well organized, tons of aid stations, and lots people out cheering on the runners. It is a small race though, so be prepared to run most of the race alone as I did. The second half of the course was great because there were lots of people walking the race (either the full marathon or the half), so it certainly didn't feel like I was running alone. At one or two aid stations there was someone offering to soak runners in cool water, which was a nice treat on a hot day. Although the website says to stay in Port Angeles (where the finish is), I chose to stay in Sequim and it was great. My hotel was 5 minutes from the start line which worked out perfectly since I had family there to check out of the hotel and drive the course to see me at various points along the route. And there are free showers available at the YMCA after the race too. The finish line area is a bit congested for spectators, but there is a large area beyond the finish with tons of food and live music. They even provided ice creams too which was great on such a hot day. Overall this was probably the best racing experience I've had, and I definitely recommend it to others.

I am trying to run all 50 states (this was 19 with a couple repeated, including Boston) and this was my race for Washington. What a great choice! I had thought about doing another Rock 'n' Roll, since Seattle would be in a few weeks. I just read that cranky comment and definitely agree that the 2 hills at 16 and 20 were killers. I would give the course a 4.5 if offered and a 5 without those hills. So train for them, bank some time, or just walk up like I did. And Boston is famous for its hills, as is Big Sur and others. No, it is not a pancake-flat course, although probably 80% of it is. The course was mostly excellent and sometimes amazing. You are bused efficiently to the start and can wait inside (take that NYC and Boston) in a nice building with plenty of bathrooms and fluids until you walk a block to the start. The weather was perfect: 52 or so, overcast, not that humid, light wind (no rain in a very rainy area). And it never got over that, and the sun only came out briefly. It is a small race (400 finishers), and even though I always line up a little back, it only took me 7 seconds to cross. The first loop around the town went quickly in our pace group and is well managed. Then you head onto a smooth, well-paved bike path with firm footing that goes by horses, farms, wooded areas, across two rivers on beautiful bridges, on ridges, and yes, down and up those two monsters that are STEEP but short, followed by a few rollers, a downhill at around 22, and flat and along a strait of the ocean (with a small hill at around 24 by the little detour) and a finish line where they announce your name. Then a sweet older lady takes your arm and guides you to the chip remover. Awww.... Then you are there at a nice finishing area with massages for only $15. And times were posted on the wall immediately and constantly updated. Then the half finishing award ceremony began. I chose not to wait to get my AG for the full and we left to go to our car - oh, that was maybe a block away where we parked, free. And the whole area is gorgeous. Before, you can explore the Olympic National Park with its mountains and rain forest, the ocean, fish, see lavender farms, and a lot of other great things. Tip: If you like looking at beautiful, hand-blown glass, drive to Tacoma and see their Glass Museum's display of Dale Chihuly and others' pieces, especially the Bridge of Glass. I first saw his work at the Las Vegas Marathon - it's the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel and is not to be missed. Tip: Stay at the Domaine Madeleine on the water near mile 16 of the race, where you can look out and see Victoria, chill out, eat one of the best breakfasts of your life, and be coddled by the innkeeper. Tip: Eat at Bellas Italian Restaurant to carbo load. Good food and the place where Edward took Bella on their first date, not that I know anything about Twilight. If you are really into that, you can drive out to Forks, or just duck into their souvenir store across the street. I wish I could live in that area or Seattle In the summer. All in all, this was a great race in a great place. And I still BQ'd, so it can be done. The only negative was that the mile markers were off, but who looks at those? Fantastic job, NODM!

I saw no hills on this course - slopes, yes, some of which were stiff enough to make me walk in the latter part of the race, but they were quite moderate compared to the Seattle Marathon. What makes this course different is the amount of time spent on woodland trails. Personally I am not keen to run in the country; a country mile is indeed psychologically longer than a city mile. Just as I was approaching burnout, I got to the shore and that bucked up my morale. The sound of the waves was a real treat. I am grateful the course was one-way so I did not have to repeat any of it. Sure, it was not easy, but running a marathon never is. As for the shirt, I loved it. I am so sick of white shirts that a bold, yellow one -with a zipper, a collar and no advertising- was most welcome. Food at the finish was not that tempting (I may have hallucinating but I think I saw hot dogs being served), and the host hotel, the Red Lion, was very expensive (though very convenient). In all, this marathon has a good vibe about it and is worth trying once.

This was my 7th marathon and one of the most well supported. Hats off to the organizers who did such an awesome job. I definitely would run it again.

I ran the inaugural race in 2003 and again in 2010. In that seven-year span, the course has been changed and improved somewhat. There are parts of the course that are jaw-droppingly beautiful, but these are also the most difficult sections. The last 20 miles of the race are on the North Olympic Discovery Trail, a mostly paved multi-use pathway that follows an old railroad right of way. The first 16 miles of the race are fast and flat; but watch out, you're about to have your butt kicked. The hard parts come when the trail drops sharply to cross footbridges over several creeks, followed by a very steep ascents on the other side. These occur in miles 16-20. After that comes a nice downhill to about sea-level, with the remainder of the course along the Strait of Juan de Fucca, with a view of Canada across the water. There is one problematic half-mile stretch beginning at mile 24.5 when the course skirts around the perimeter of an old mill site. Here the pavement ends and you are running on dirt and rocks. Lots of rocks. My feet were already hurting by this point and I wished I had worn my trail shoes. Then at mile 25 the pavement resumes and it is a nice flat run to the finish. This is a small race, and it sells out, so register early. There are also a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K. The race in 2010 was sponsored by a physical therapy company, and as long as they are sponsors I would recommend signing up for the post-race massage.

The NODM experience was great! The run was gorgeous, the volunteers fun and friendly, and the aid stations seemed perfectly spaced. I was grateful for the mile 18 aid station (I think it was 18 or so) - I really needed those pretzels right then! And thank you, thank you, thank you to Michelle and Bill, who toted me from the half marathon start line to the full start line, when I managed to end up at the wrong place. I felt pretty bad about that, but you were both so gracious and friendly - really, thank you very, very much! I was also so happy to see you both at the finish line too! Thank you for organizing an awesome race.

Five miles of the marathon course are nice. Otherwise, it was all forgettable. There were PAINFULLY steep inclines and declines, and there were not a lot of spectators. I had to ask race officials TWICE which way to go. Mile markers were off compared to my GPS. There was a section toward the end that was not gravel, but a rocky road. The shirt was hideous. I had looked forward to running this race expecting to have a PR. The course was far more difficult than I anticipated. The race website states, "Be prepared for the hilly section and you can set a PR on this course; a lot have been set here." I doubt that statement is true. One person in my 32-person age group qualified for Boston. I do not agree with or understand the positive comments about this race.

NODM is one to put on your calender for 50-staters. It had a small-town atmosphere, with friendly and unique aid stations. I did not enjoy the steep inclines and declines, but the rest of the course was fantastic, especially the last few miles next to the strait.

NODM has some tough inclines and declines along the way; it is lodged between mountains and the sea, so enjoy the view. This race was well organized and the race director always seemed to be available if I had a question about packet pickup or anything else. The race is small, but I have never been met at the finish line and handed water, walked to baggage pickup, given my finisher's medal and then walked to the food tent... where there was still food for a 5-hour-plus finisher. The few difficult parts of the course washed away with this hospitality. It was the 4th marathon I had done this year, and a PR for 2009. I would actually like to come back after I finish my 50 states.

This is a very well organized event in a very scenic location. Admittedly, I only ran the half after downgrading from the full, but the subtly rolling course is fun and challenging without being a killer. The spectators who were on the course were supportive, but you need to run this event for the joy of running on a traffic-free trail in a beautiful part of the world. I have no idea what the previous commenter was complaining about - from packet pickup to porta-potties, the race went off without a hitch. Loved the band at the finish celebration too.

I will keep it simple: Pros: Great volunteers, nice scenery (for 5 miles total), plentiful aid stations, and great weather. Cons: HILLY - steep inclines and declines, the remaining 21.2 miles were nothing to write home about, there were not a lot of spectators (although I am not one to really need a lot - I tend to enjoy the smaller marathons - this race was practically desolate), HEED sport drink was given out at stations (this stuff is wretched), there was only an itty-bitty expo, and there was a lack of porta-johns. This is NOT a good race for a BQ. The hills are really steep. I run the Marine Corps every year and that race is like a pancake compared to NODM.

The baggage handling is better than excellent. Someone greeted me at the finish and walked me through the finish area - got me a water bottle, removed my tag, got my checked bag for me, showed me to the massage area, and saw me to my husband, who was waiting for me.

This was my first marathon and I couldn't have chosen a better race to start with. It was a great size - large enough to feel competitive but small enough to not feel intimidating or crowded. I can't say enough about the course either; it's got a little of everything: scenic rural roads, some nice wooded trails, and a beautiful ocean view finish. The people of Port Angeles were also amazing - so welcoming of the runners. Now if only they could make the weather cooperate!! The year I ran it (2007), it started off hot but by the time I got to the finish, it was pouring and with the wind coming off the ocean, and I was freezing. Oh well, it was definitely a motivator to finish!!

This was my 4th NODM and 10th marathon. I had a hernia and couldn't run, but I could still walk pretty quickly, so I decided to see what that was like. There is an early start for walkers and slow runners (7 a.m.). PLEASE, if you do this, make sure you are going to take 5.5+ hours (or around there). The first water stop was 6 miles in for the early start, so makes sure to stash some or bring some if you need it before then. It was cool out, so I didn't need any. Fewer spectators out on the first part of the course since it was early, but those who were out were very enthusiastic. It was overcast and cool, with perfect weather. You couldn't see the mountains, but the day before was gorgeous, so hopefully those new to the area got there early. Course is great - the best I've been on - and the organization is by far the best of the 11 marathons I've done. The "helpers" at the end are a great touch. It was very nice doing the early start and coming in when the bulk of the runners were coming in also, rather than when most were done. I think this is a great idea. For those who don't think they can run one, walking is pretty easy and great fun. I recommend it. (I'll be back to running soon though.) I did the Alaska Marathon two weeks later, and while it was great fun, it was nowhere near as well done as the NODM. I can now recommend it for all runners and walkers. You will enjoy it. Oh yeah, I walked it in 6:06, the same speed at the end as at the start (but slower in the middle).

I ran the 2005 half marathon and 2008 full marathon. I'm glad I was in decent running shape to do the full marathon this year. This is a nice race where it is not overly crowded, yet there are enough runners to make it feel "competitive." The course is beautiful and this year was almost perfect weather. I had run the Steamboat Springs Marathon the week before and got torched by the sun. I wasn't expecting that in the mountains of Colorado, but the Port Angeles race was ideal in that there were overcast skies to keep the sun away from you and there was nice, cool air the whole race. Running through the forest and finishing the last 3 miles along the waterfront is quite an experience too! Not many spectators due to nature of the course, but the ones that were there were really "into it." Thanks to all who organized this race! There are only a few gradual hills, but due to the sea level and (surprisingly) relatively flat course for this geographical area, and the cool weather, one could easily set a PR here. I'm surprised at the small number of runners in this race - this race could easily hit 2,000 runners in a few years if word spread how nice this race is!!

This was my first NODM. My performance was dreadful, but it had nothing to do with the course, the organization, or the spectators, which were all great! What a friendly and helpful bunch of people. The enthusiasm at the aid stations was inspiring. Who knew that xylophones in the forest could sound so beautiful. I wanted to just stop and listen. Anyway, I stayed with relatives in Sequim (at the start) so I didn't use the shuttle, since they also met me at the finish. Only 4 stars for spectators because there weren't many of them, but the ones that were there were great. By the way, this is a place where you need to take a few days after the race to explore the area. Don't rush off; there are natural wonders in abundance. As a transplanted (Maryland) native Washingtonian, I say "congratulations to Larry Little, staff, and volunteers."

Absolutely perfect! I wish all races were this well organized. This small race puts the last (larger) race I did to shame. The course was beautiful. The volunteers were outstanding. I will do this one again.

This was a great run! I ran the half with several novices who started talking about next year. Unlike the comments from 2007, we had perfect running weather. It was about 65 and overcast - cool enough, but we were happy it didn't rain. The course was beautiful. There were only about two miles that did not have breathtaking views. The escort at the end was a great touch. I really enjoyed the size of the race - big enough to have lots of energy and lots of support, but not so big that it was overwhelming. Also, the organization was great. Good food for runners at the end and the shuttles were easy to use. The only thing I'll change next year is that we'll stay in Port Angeles so we can sleep in a bit more before catching the shuttle to the start.

I had such a good time running the half in 2007 that I decided to run the full this year as a training run. The weather was perfect -- in the low 50s and overcast. The course had a lot of variation, so I was never bored. Spectators were spread out, but very encouraging. At times, I was running by myself with only the birds to listen to. It was a pleasant run. This race is very well organized, has fantastic volunteers, and caters to the runners in every way. The finisher buddy is one of my favorites. Highly recommended.

First-time NODM finisher - wanted to run a smaller early summer marathon and glad I picked this one. Scenic point-to-point route, well supported aid stations, smaller field (so easy logistics), and great finish line support and after-race food and music. Route is a mix of small-town roads and paved and unpaved paths, so you will never get bored if you want a race away for the big-city streets and traffic. Fairly fast course, although off-shore wind can be an issue and several quick up and downs going over creeks and ravines wear on the legs a little.

I just returned from running the NODM. All that I read about this race before I went to Washington ended up being true: the course was scenic and somewhat challenging, the organization was first-rate with a runner's eye to details, and the volunteers were awesome!! The weather, if it hadn't been for the headwind in the second half, would have been perfect - overcast and cool, with no rain. As I sat on the plane coming home last night, I thought about what I wanted to write here. There are so many good things about this race that it is hard to think of anything that I suggest as change/improvement. Bottom line: run this race - you will love it. Plan some extra time to see the area, especially the mountains and rain forests. They are inspiring!!!

This is my third NODM and 8th marathon. I didn't know it was advertised as flat and fast; much of it is flat but the section from around 16.5 to 20.5 certainly has some hills! Most are rolling, but a few short steep ones. I took almost half an hour off my best time here, so I guess the rain and wind didn't slow me down any. The rain was on and off again, but I was prepared with a shirt and hat and was just fine. Some were pretty cold. It is the Northwest, it can change anytime. The organization was fantastic as usual. Lots of aid stations and the best food at any marathon I've been to at the end. WAY better. Not huge crowds, but those that are there are enthusiastic. I felt bad that people not from the area couldn't see the views because of clouds; its route has some great ones when you can see. Plan on being ready for those hills (I walk the two steepest ones, they are very short) and any sort of weather. I run this course all the time and it you can never tell what it will do. For much of the route you can run in the gravel alongside the pavement; a few short sections are gravel only (maybe a mile and a bit total). I don't have problems running on it, but perhaps some people's feet are a bit sore by then. There are pretty smooth routes along those parts, but you have to look where you are going. Overall, very highly recommended; my favorite marathon by far.

Overall I really enjoyed the race. It was my second full marathon. The other was the Nike 26.2 in 2004 in San Francisco. I chose this race because I was going to be in the area, and I was looking for a very enjoyable run. The scenery was beautiful, especially to someone coming from the plains! I generally agree with all of the other compliments. It was marketed as a "flat and fast" course, so the 2 larger hills around miles 17 and 20 were a surprise, and at 20, a little cruel. :) My only new comments: I was dressed in a technical sleeveless singlet and shorts, which was perfect for the first 15 miles. (I finished in 4:45, for perspective.) I was not prepared for the rather sudden change in weather, with the cold rain and wind. Thankfully my sister came along to cheer so I could take her sweatshirt at mile 20! The only criticism I have of the course is the surface along the last 3 or so miles. Parts of it had large exposed stones in the pavement, which were really quite painful (at least to me) to run on. Overall it was a great race, with great support. The volunteers steering you through the finish area were GREAT! Oh, and as someone else mentioned, any warming shelter area would have been great. I would have liked to have stayed longer to see people finish, but I was just too cold. Great race - I highly recommend it. Just be ready for some hills and undpredictable weather.

I ran the half with my wife. Lots of things were really well done with this race - esp. the organization in getting the race started and runners moved, aid stations (with great volunteers all over), and a very scenic, rural course. Also, the medal was nice, the shirt particularly nice and the volunteer who took each finisher in tow to ensure they were alright and found what they needed. All in all, a good race - but beware! The weather can be less than perfect. The prevailing wind is against the direction of the run and rain is not uncommon. The last several miles were definitely impacted by both. Also, several miles of the course are on a dirt track - which I had not expected. It wasn't a bad surface, and was through the woods, but it does make for a slower pace. It isn't necessarily advertised as a hilly course, but there are some nasty little hills in the last quarter of the course. Most are short, but several are also steep! Finally, there was really no place to get out of the weather at the finish - and it was wet and cold. Being able to get into warming tents or having hot drinks or food available would have been nice.

Well organized, fairly scenic, no traffic, very pretty medal, and a great zippered, pullover, technical shirt. Course weaves around unremarkable rural land for the first 8 miles or so; the remainder is on a scenic paved bicycle trail, with last several miles along the ocean. While it is mostly flattish, it can be windy and is not a super-fast course. There are several quick yet devilish ravines in the second half. This race is advertised as largely "trail," but that turns out to mean "paved bicycle trail." In fact, this is a tough marathon on the feet - no matter how bad you want it, there are almost no soft shoulders on the entire course. Beware the weather on this part of the coast: it can change rather radically, e.g. in 2007, from sunny to a rather windy, cold rain. Any wind not on the side will be on your face. Geographically, I was told every mile towards the finish gets another inch of rain a year. Support was great: reasonable number of aid stations run by local organizations. Overall, a nice race, though the shirt, medal, and all the nice parts of the course are on the second half, which, smart people take note, is the half marathon course. I would certainly do this one again and generally recommend it, though it will be quite hard not to be lured into merely doing the half.

Very beautiful course. Mostly flat except for miles 16-21. Train for the hills! Very well organized. The rain and headwind the last 8 miles were tough but I don't think the rain is typical. Each finisher is met by a volunteer to make sure they are ok, find their gear and food. Medal and shirt were great. The crowd support was good for a smaller marathon.

This was my first distance event (half-marathon) and I am thankful I chose NODM for it. Everything was thought of and appeared to run smoothly. The scenery was gorgeous and the course well marked. Thank you for a wonderful event.

I totally enjoyed this run. The temperatures were a little cooler than I am used to, but it sure beat running in hot and humid weather. The rain and winds started to pick up towards the end of my run. That, with the hills at the end, added to the challenging finish. The crowd support, though minimal, was encouraging and supportive. I especially enjoyed the relay teams cheering the marathoners on. Even the local police who were assigned to the race called out race times as I passed. The volunteers were exceptionally helpful, especially those assigned to the finish line. What made this marathon unique were the aid stations. Each one was manned by a different organization. The volunteers went out of their way to make their station creative and unique. Not only were those stations a welcome sight, but we were also entertained at the same time. If you are ever in the Port Angeles area in June, you should definitely check this one out.

This is my first marathon and one could not ask for a better event. I have done shorter distance races, but none have compared to the awesome support from the folks who put this event on and the super enthusiastic volunteers. It was pouring rain by about the halfway point, but the volunteers were still super supportive. The course was absolutely beautiful, although the hills between mile 16 and 20 were fairly challenging. I will definitely run this race again.