Here's and article titled "Poulsbo Marathon exceeds 2010’s total runners" that was featured in the North Kitsap Herald (Washington State) on October 14, 2011.
The full article is available at
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/ki...ports/131877473.html
I included the text below. Enjoyy. -- Justin
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Poulsbo Marathon exceeds 2010’s total runners
By KIPP ROBERTSON
North Kitsap Herald Education/Sports Reporter
Oct 14 2011
POULSBO -- Organizing the Poulsbo Marathon is like organizing a big party.
Race director Michelle Woodward said the event was on her mind since last year.
With two new races and the full- and half- marathon now USA Track & Field certified and the course now a Boston Marathon qualifier, Woodward said the event is ready.
"I think everything is in place and it’s ready to roll," she said.
The event is Sunday. The marathons begin at 7:30 a.m. on Caldart Avenue in front of North Kitsap High School and end on the track in front of the stadium.
Two marathons, a Lutefisk 3K and a 3K youth run are scheduled. The full marathon is 26.2 miles, the half is 13.1.
So far, the Poulsbo Marathon has drawn 350 registered runners. Last year a total of 330 participated.
The event benefits the North Kitsap Trails Association after the cost of hosting the event is paid off. Trails Association President John Willett said the event in 2010 raised about $7,000. The money was used to maintain trails between Indianola, Kingston and the North Kitsap Hertiage Park. Funds from the event also went toward brochures and other expenses.
The Trails Association, a non-profit, recently proposed the "String of Pearls" to Kitsap County. Many of the trails around North Kitsap, which the association works on, would become part of the trail network if the proposal is accepted.
"It’s all community effort," Willett said.
Along with drawing more runners this year, the full- and half- marathons are now USATF certified.
Certification is completed by creating accurate measurements of the courses. In order to measure the courses, Woodward used a Jones Counter on her bicycle. The measurements must be within .08 percent of the actual distance of the course. For those runners who keep track of their times and try to beat personal records, knowing the course is accurate is "a big deal," Woodward said.
"It’s a pretty curvy course ... I did a lot of riding on my bike," Woodward said. "It makes (the marathon) a little more authentic."
Poulsbo Marathon
Oct. 16 at 7:30 a.m.
Marathon begins on Caldart Avenue in front of North Kitsap High School
Events: 26.2 run, 31.1 run/ walk, Lutefisk 3K, 3K youth
Register online: www.poulsbomarathon.com or in person at Guest House International Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for discount prices.
Register the day-of for full-price.
Prices: marathon $85, half-marathon $65, 3K $18, 3K youth $12.
*Prices go up $5 for marathon and half-marathon and $2 and $3 for 3K’s on day of race.
North Kitsap Herald Education/Sports Reporter Kipp Robertson can be reached at krobertson@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.
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