The bad news is we are STILL living through a pandemic and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere for awhile. The good news is that WHY Racing Events wants to make sure that the show WILL go on for runners! It’s that time of year for the 2020 PeaceHealth Appletree Marathon, Half & 5k and it will be virtual.
Online registration for this race will be open until September 27th, and I encourage you to sign up and get your friends to as well! Me and many of my running friends have found ways to participate in virtual events apart, but together. Get creative and make it happen .. Friends hold you accountable, even if they aren’t on your doorstep waiting for you.
The 5k is totally a manageable option and you can sign up kids 12 and under for FREE. This is a great opportunity to get the whole family active. Additionally, you have a half marathon and a full marathon to choose from and you can either plan your own course, or follow the one that WHY Racing is planning to mark for you! The sidewalks and paths of Vancouver will be ready when you are, starting in front of the Eatery at the Grant House, just as it has in the past. The course will be modified since roads cannot be closed for this virtual event, and you’ll go through Fort Vancouver and along the waterfront paths. You can view the half marathon course map here (the full marathon will be this half loop twice) and the 5k course here if that will help you decide!
Packet Pickup will look a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but you’ll have a couple of opportunities. Come to the WHY Racing Events Warehouse (1108 NE 146th Street, Suite J, Vancouver WA) on Friday September 25th anywhere between 10:00AM and 7:00PM or wait until Saturday September 26th and come to Foot Traffic Vancouver (305 SE Chkalov Dr #122, Vancouver WA) between 10:00AM and 2:00PM. If you email registration@whyracingevents.com in advance for groups of 2 or more, it will help save a lot of time for everyone. If you need your race packet shipped to you, please contact WHY Racing by updating your registration info.
And what exactly is in the race packet this year? All registrants will receive a technical runner’s t-shirt, a sweatshirt hoodie, a drawstring bag, arm sleeves, a buff, a Tall Boy Can Glass, and of course the finisher’s medal. You’ll also receive a WHY Racing dining card and all of our local eateries need our business right now, so please take advantage of those deals. Some great coupons and sweet treats will be in every bag, so it’s well worth picking it up!!
You can run this race anytime anywhere, but WHY Racing is hoping you’ll plan to run your race sometime between September 19th and September 27th. That gives you plenty of time to get it done!! Also, there is a Full Marathon and a Half Marathon Challenge if you don’t want to race the full distance all at once. You just have to reach the full distance over a 9 day period.
There will also be a fun additional challenge and it’s all about whether you identify yourself as “Team Vancouver” or “Team Portland.” When you register, pick a side for the 5k Challenge and we’ll see which location has the fastest 5k pace and which side of the river has the most participants per capita.
As always with WHY Racing Events, a BEAST Challenge will also be in effect if you wish to register for more than one event. Choose any 2 or 3 races to complete over the timeframe and earn a special BEAST Medal for an additional $20 per event.
In addition to the challenges listed above, consider doing something fun to get in the spirit of the race, as there will be prizes for the best costumes, the most creative finish line, and best post-race party! Upload your photos, videos, and results and send ‘em in by September 28th so you can be a part of the official race video and results for 2020. Get them up on social media too and tag WHY Racing to show your support!
Details:
What: 2020 PeaceHealth Appletree Marathon/Half Marathon/5k
When: Anytime you wish, ideally between September 19th and 27th.
Where: Your choice! However, the race course starting on Officer’s Row in front of the Grant House will be marked by the race directors if you choose to come out and do the race as intended!
Cost: The Marathon and Half Marathon are $80 and the $5k is $55.
Register: Here
Packet Pick-Up: September 25th from 10:00AM to 7:00PM at the WHY Racing Events Warehouse (1108 NE 146th Street, Suite J, Vancouver WA) or September 26th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at Foot Traffic Vancouver (305 SE Chkalov Dr #122, Vancouver WA.)
