Race the Reserve returns to Central Whidbey Aug. 10

Race the Reverse slated for Aug. 10

By Jim Waller • July 19, 2019 1:30 am
A volunteer helps a runner at a water station during last year’s Race the Reserve. More volunteers are needed to help with this summer’s event. (Photo by Jim Waller/Whidbey News-Times)
A volunteer helps a runner at a water station during last year’s Race the Reserve. More volunteers are needed to help with this summer’s event. (Photo by Jim Waller/Whidbey News-Times)

The eighth annual Race the Reserve, Central Whidbey’s marquee running event, weaves through Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Saturday, Aug. 10.

The race is the primary fundraising event for the Coupeville High School Parents of the Class of 2020, and proceeds will go to providing a safe and sober graduation celebration for next year’s seniors.

Race the Reserve provides runs for a variety of skill levels: a marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K run/walk and a marathon relay.

The start/finish line returns to Mickey Clark Field at Coupeville Elementary School after being staged at the high school the past few years while construction was being completed at the elementary school.

Registration takes place through race day, but individuals who sign up by July 21 will get a $5 break on the cost, while relay teams receive a $25 break.

Runners can register and get information at the event’s website, racethereserve.com

Day-of-race fees are $85 for the marathon, $65 for the half marathon, $45 for the 10K, $35 for the 5K and $240 for the marathon relay.

Registration the day of the race opens at 5:30 a.m.

The marathon starts at 7 p.m.; slower runners can take off at 6 p.m.

The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. and the 10K and 5K at 8 a.m.

Runners can pick up event packets from 5:30-7:30 a.m. the day of the race or from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at the elementary school.

All finishers will receive “a really good goodie bag,” according to co-race director Beth Dion, and those who preregister will receive a T-shirt.

“The T-shirts are nicer than past years; they are tech-T’s,” Dion said.

In addition, Haggen is supplying a “great food booth at the end,” Dion said.

Participants can also take advantage of several other community events happening the same weekend. Coupeville is hosting its annual arts and crafts festival Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11, and the Oak Harbor Pig Fest is Sunday, Aug. 11.

Registration is going well, according to Dion, with about 150 signed up by mid-July. The event generally attracts more than 300 runners.

“It’s an awesome course,” Dion said. “It is beautiful and offers a panoramic view for the runners.”

The Race the Reserve requires 60 volunteers, and more are needed, Dion said. To help out, contact Dion at racethereservewhidbeyisland.com