Big Hurt adds post-race party to 2019 event

Organizers of the annual Big Hurt event have added a bit of post-race fun to this year’s activities.

Set for Saturday, Sept. 28, the Big Hurt is a four-leg test of endurance and strength set on the North Olympic Peninsula. Participants begin on mountain bikes and ride 16.5 miles on roads and trails in the Olympic Mountains foothills, then traverse some pavement before reaching Pebble Beach Park, the hub of the race in downtown Port Angeles.

From there, racers paddle the Port Angeles inner harbor on a 3-mile kayak before a 30-mile road bike journey. Finally, racers complete a 10-kilometer run along the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Participants 15 years and older race solo or as a relay team.

Team members and spectators can watch the start line by live feed from the Platypus Pavilion at the park at 10 a.m. There will be continuing live feed from various points along the race course throughout the day. Zaya Marimba entertains the onlookers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend to cheer on racers as they pass through the Transition Zone and finish line throughout the day, and to enjoy the evening festivities along with the racers. There will be food and beer for purchase by the public as well.

New for 2019 is the addition of a post-race party. Sponsors and local organizations have stepped up to enhance this after-race event, with the Lower Elwha Casino providing a salmon bake dinner free for all racers and volunteers, and a beer garden open from 1-6 p.m. with brews from Barhop Taproom and Finnriver Cidery.

Race awards are given to the top three finishers in each category and division at 4 p.m., followed by live music by local guitar and violin duo Scott Sullivan and Chandra Johnson from Crushwater from 4:30-6 p.m.

Registration is $95 for single-person entries through Aug. 31, $100 from Sept. 1-27. Tandem and high school age registration is $125 through Aug. 31, or $130 from Sept. 1-27. All other team costs are $260 through Aug.31, or $280 from Sept. 1-27.

Racers should sign up by Sept. 12 to receive a Big Hurt T-shirt.

Visit www.bighurtpa.com for more information on how to register, a list of sponsors and more.

For questions or to find out how to volunteer for the race, contact race directors Lorrie Mittmann and Tim Tucker at contact@peninsulaadventuresports.com.