Other than some intermittent lowland snow, trail running is a sport that can be done year-round on the Olympic Peninsula, notes Lorrie Mittmann, owner and race director of Peninsula Adventure Sports, and even snow trail running is possible.
With that in mind, Mittman notes there are several trail running events and activities coming up this spring, from informative workshops to races and film festivals.
Trail Running Workshop
Kicking off the season is year two of the Trail Running Workshop, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St.
Produced by Rain Bear Running Club with support from North Olympic Healthcare Network and Peninsula Adventure Sports, this workshop is designed to help runners build self-confidence, knowledge and strength to hit the trail.
The workshop will include safety and gear info, in addition to special sessions by professional instructors and speakers:
Sara Shearer, who offers “Yoga for Runners”; Spencer Larsen, with “Strength Training and Foam Rolling for Trail Runners,” and Rachel Hardies, “Mental Strength for Trail Runners.”
Advance registration is required and spots are limited. Cost is $60 per person and includes lunch. Sign up at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/TrailRunningWorkshopPA.
Trail Running Training Program
On the heels of the Feb. 24 workshop, Rain Bear Running hosts a seven-week trail run training program from March 2 – April 6.
This is designed to help runners prepare for the 12K OAT (Olympic Adventure Trail) Run set for April 13, though participation in the race is not required.
With sponsorships from Peninsula Adventure Sports and North Olympic Healthcare Network, the program is offered at a budget-friendly rate of $25.
Organizers say participants will receive a detailed training schedule, once-a-week trail group runs every Saturday, technique coaching, tips and tricks, motivation and support, accountability and fun.
To ensure participants are ready for the trial, participants must be able to run a 5k comfortably before the program’s start date.
Participants gather at 9 a.m. each Saturday for group runs on the Olympic Adventure Trail.
As an incentive, Rain Bear Running Club has reserved 20 spots for participants in the OAT Run on April 13. Anyone joining the training program also receives a discount code for the race registration fee. Register at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/TrailRunningTrainingPA.
OAT (Olympic Adventure Trail) Run
Now in its 11th year, OAT Run on Saturday, April 13, is a trail running race produced by Peninsula Adventure Sports with support from sponsors Angeles Millworks/Hartnagels, Moss Boutique and Olympic Lodge.
It includes a point-to-point 12k and half-marathon courses, as well as a 50-kilometer out-and-back course, followed by an after-party with bonfires, door prizes, hot food by Little Devils Lunchbox (included in entry), and a beer garden hosted by 4PA.
Pre-registration is required and the pricing is $50 for the 12k, $65 for the half marathon, and $90 for the 50k.
The race includes features hydration and snacks at water stations, custom race swag, shuttle to and from the start/finish line, chip timing, race photos, on-course medical support, and an after-party at Extreme Sports Park that includes a hot meal, bonfire and a chance to win door prizes from local retailers. There will be a beer garden at the finish line as well.Get more information at PeninsulaAdventureSports.com.
Note: OAT Run organizers are seeking a new Title Sponsor for 2024, as well as volunteers. Contact Mittmann at lorrie@peninsulaadventuresports.com for more information or to help out.
Trail Running Film Festival
As the culmination of the season’s festivities, the Trail Running Film Festival on April 19 looks to serve up “an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and celebration of the human spirit,” organizers note, at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at Meier Performance Hall on the Peninsula College main campus, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles.
This free film festival is sponsored by Peninsula Adventure Sports and the Peninsula College Magic of Cinema Series.
Trail runners, outdoor enthusiasts, and film aficionados are invited to experience a selection of compelling and diverse stories from around the globe, organizers note.
“The Trail Running Film Festival celebrates the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and connections to nature that make trail running a unique and thrilling experience,” they said.
