North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Mile by Mile
The 15th annual North Olympic Discovery Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 4 on the Olympic Discovery Trail between Sequim and Port Angeles, WA. A paved trail course offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and a 5-mile stretch to the finish along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Runners will be greeted by sightings of seals, eagles and an array of shore birds from the trail, as well as iconic trestle bridges setting up beautiful back drops.
Miles 1-2
The point-to-point course begins at the Jamestown S’klallam tribe’s Seven Cedars Casino overlooking the picturesque Sequim Bay. Miles 1-2 climb along the Olympic Discovery Trail through a cool, wooded landscape that takes runners through Sequim State Park.
Miles 3-9
Miles 3-5 travel quickly towards the town of Sequim and past Carrie Blake Park. Runners will be able to keep a quick pace as miles 7-9 are fast and flat, nearing the strong neighborhood support of Sequim’s north end.
Mile 10
At mile 10, runners cross the Dungeness River Railroad Bridge, which was magnificently restored after flooding in 2015. This is a popular spot for supporters to congregate and cheer for marathoners on the course.
Miles 11-16
Miles 11-13 offer more points for spectating, as the course crosses flat fields and takes runners through Robin Hill Farm County Park at mile 14. The course then descends down into riverbeds and over a wide, scenic bridge. Runners will the climb a short uphill and head back to more fields and flat cruising for miles 15 and 16.
Mile 17
At mile 17, there is a steep descent into Siebert Creek, and the downhill will lead to a quick jaunt over the bridge, with a quick climb out to an aid station at the top of the hill.
Miles 18-20
Then it’s time to get away from the roads at miles 18 – 20 through beautiful, quiet rolling hills. And then it’s on to Bagley Creek where a tough descent-ascent awaits. And then it’s all downhill to the finish.
Miles 21-26.2
Miles 21-22 include a gentle downgrade toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and then 23-26.2 offer stunning views along the waterfront and close in on the finish line at Port Angeles City Pier.
Marathoners and half marathoners will receive a finisher’s medal made by a local artist, as well as a post-race celebration with food, music, massage, beer garden and more. Events include a marathon, half marathon and 10K, and are all run point-to-point. Voted “Most Scenic Course” in 2015 by Northwest Runner Magazine, this marathon should be on everyone’s bucket list. To sign up, visit nodm.com.
