On September 6, 2014, the inaugural GOAT Run took participants on a marathon or half marathon trail run between the Elwha River and Lake Crescent. (GOAT stands for Great Olympic Adventure Trail.)
The Olympic Adventure Route (aka the OAT) is perfectly maintained for running, thanks to many outstanding volunteer trail adopters. Even so, this is a challenging 26.2-mile course, with a cumulative elevation gain of more than 3,500 feet! Race day was warm, but a dip in Lake Crescent and refreshments at the Log Cabin Resort awaited runners at the finish line.
A portion of GOAT Run proceeds was donated to the Peninsula Trails Coalition for construction and maintenance of the Olympic Discovery Trail and Olympic Adventure Trail. The PTC thanks race directors Lorrie Mittmann (former PTC board member) and Scott Tucker for their generous donation!
The runners were enthusiastic about the course, volunteers, sponsors, food, and, of course, beer. Jeni Little, Rhody Run race director and PTC board member, participated in the marathon and said, “This is the most beautiful marathon I’ve ever done!”
In addition to our active local runners, we had a strong showing from Port Townsend, Seattle, and Bellingham. Folks also came to run from Victoria, Olympia, Yakima—even Arizona!
Marathon Winner: Shane Taylor, Port Angeles, 3:52:53
Half Marathon Winner: Amelia Bethke, Bellingham, 1:36:27
Aid station sponsors: Peninsula Trails Coalition, CrossFit ThunderRidge, Brown’s Outdoor, Harbinger Winery, Renaissance, and Nuun Hydration. GOAT Run’s enthusiastic volunteers did it all: checked in runners, served food, drove shuttles, cleaned up, and more. We’re grateful for the Clallam County Amateur Radio Emergency Service’s help with communications. Crescent Grange and Barhop Taproom graciously provided registration venues.
GOAT Run 2015 is on September 19; visit GreatOATRun.org. OAT Run 2015 (12K and half marathon) is on April 11; visit OATRun.org. Stay tuned for a “new” 2015 event: The Big Hurt! Email olympicadventuretrail@gmail.com for event, sponsorship, or volunteer info for any of these events.
See you on the Adventure Route!
Originally published in Trail Notes, Winter 2014. Get all the news first as a PTC member.
