§staticmap(1717,6)Hello, on April 10th 2011, you’ll be organizing the Whidbey Island Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
WIM is located on beautiful Whidbey Island, starting at the Deception Pass State Park and finishing in the wonderful City of Oak Harbor.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
WIM will be celebrating its 10th year in 2011, and was created by a running enthusiast who thought (correctly) the beauty of Whidbey Island would make a great setting for a unique marathon experience.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The route is set up to take advantage of Puget Sound viewpoints as well as the local flora along the way. The route does have some elevation changes but are not extreme.
Most if not all runners exclaim the beauty of the setting is well worth participating in the WIM.
The WIM plans for around 2000 total marathon & half marathon runners who come in all categories. The WIM offers a $1000 prize per 1st place marathon winner and a $500 prize per 1st place half marathon winner so we do see a competitive race.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
We do offer a half marathon that shares a portion of the course and many runners of both distances finish around the same times. We also have a 5-K Fun Run on Saturday as a local event to celebrate wellness and our community.
The WIM guarantees weather will be in place in time for the race, or at least we hope it will be. Last year, 2010, the temperature at finish time was 67°F degrees with sunshine and a slight marine breeze. Normal lows and highs run between the mid-40°F and mid-60°F.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
Yes, there is an Expo held for race participants to pick-up bibs and t-shirts as well as many running type vendors. There are restaurant specials provided to all participants for pre and post event meals.
There is an award ceremony an hour+ after the first finishers come in. The finish line and ceremony are conducted in Windjammer Park, which is a premier waterfront park on Puget Sound.
Included with your registration are restaurant suggestions along with discount coupons.
Sightseeing goes without saying as all sights on Whidbey Island are exceptional.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Whidbey Island Marathon?
Aside from being a well organized race event and the warm welcome that all runners receive, the WIM is in itself a new reason to run for all the reasons you run a marathon.
Thank you