Run the ‘Pearl of the Peninsula’ events Sept. 27

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The second annual Quilcene Oyster Half-Marathon is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning and ending at the Linger Longer Outdoor Performance Theater in Worthington Park in Quilcene.

Participants can choose a half-marathon Oyster Run, a 10K Salmon Run, a 5K Ranger Run or a kids’ run. A new feature this year is that the half-marathon and 10K races are officially sanctioned by the USA Track & Field association.

The courses meander through rural country backroads with views of Quilcene Bay and surrounding forests. In 2013, runners came from six states for the event.

“Our whole town comes out to support the runners and coordinate the event,” said Tom Brotherton, 2014 event chair. “Last year, we were fortunate to have great support from the Jefferson County Friends of the Park organization, and they taught us many of the ins and outs of coordinating a race.”

Two groups are to benefit from this year’s races: the Quilcene-Brinnon Dollars for Scholars, which funds scholarships at the local school; and Count Me in for Quilcene, a nonprofit organization of local citizens providing support for community projects.

Registration through Sept. 26 costs $65 for the half marathon, $45 for the 10K (age 18 and under, $40) and $30 for the 5K (age 18 and under, $25). Day of race, the half marathon entry fee is $70, 10K fees are $55/$45 and 5K fees are $40/$30. Information is at quilcenehalfmarathon.com.

Local concessions are to line the grounds, and the popular tradition of serving tasty Hood Canal oysters at the race’s conclusion continues. Runners receive a complimentary serving of oysters.

For sponsorship information, call Cleone Telling, 301-4130. For general race questions, email Brotherton at tomb255@gmail.com, or visit the website.