Quilcene, WA

QUILCENE OYSTER RACES GO BACK TO THEIR ROOTS

Brian Cullin | Contributor

What’s in a name? With apologies to Shakespeare – a great deal. They could have been called the Crassostrea Gigas Races - but that specie nom didn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Instead, we know them as the Quilcene Oyster Races - the biggest little half marathon in the region celebrating its 10th anniversary on September 18. Oyster is a word that carries great significance on this Hood Canal shore.

The First People – the Quilcene tribe - were known as the "saltwater people," and shell fishing has always been central to this community. Quilcene Oysters are clean and pristine just like the area they are grown in. They are an intertidal beach cultured oyster - accustomed to fighting the tides, clamping tightly shut during low tides to preserve their “liquor” and to protect themselves against predators. Because of this tough life, beach raised oysters are hearty – just like the folks who call this area home. Oystering has always been central to the life of Quilcene Bay. The Quilcene Historical Museum that hosts the event every year on its grounds at Worthington Park has for over thirty years been committed to telling this rich story. On this important anniversary in the history of the Quilcene Oyster Races, they and Dollars for Scholars have teamed-up with Pacific Seafood to support this great athletic event and area students.

The new event “presenting sponsor” operates the oyster hatchery just down Linger Longer Road on the Quilcene waterfront. As the races’ biggest sponsor, they are not only providing Quilcene oysters for all the participants but major funding for educational scholarships as well. OYSTER RACES | SEPTEMBER 18

The Oyster Races attract more participants every year but retain a welcoming smalltown feel. The races start and end at beautiful Worthington Park, home of the newly restored Victorian mansion, at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. The Half Marathon is a USATF certified and sanctioned event. The course features views overlooking Hood Canal and Quilcene Bay, and the Olympics. It is hilly and challenging, but totally worth

Ron Lau, the hatchery operations manager in Quilcene, proudly notes, “We use advanced technology, experienced technicians, and a superb natural environment to produce over 50 billion oyster larvae per year, making our hatchery one of the largest shellfish hatcheries in the world. We are proud to bring our commitment to quality and community to this great event – celebrating our new partnership along the shores of Quilcene Bay.” Pacific Seafood has been designated the first and only company in the world that is certified to offer Four-Star (the highest designation) Best Aquaculture Practices oysters. The four stars signify that their hatcheries, farms, processing locations, and feed (algae they grow at the Quilcene hatchery), have all been certified by the third-party organization BAP. BAP’s certifications are based on four pillars which include environmental responsibility, animal welfare and health, food safety, and social accountability. The USATF certified races are not only expanding in key partnerships like this one, but also in their reach state-wide, nationally and internationally, with runners coming from as far away as Switzerland. Despite this welcome growth, the Quilcene Oyster Races are committed to keeping their unique small town character – staffed by volunteers from a local nonprofit, Count Me in for Quilcene, the runners are cheered on by local residents along beautiful forested roads and trails at the foot of the Olympics. They deliver a taste of quality as in the oyster that takes their name.

For more information and signing-up to walk, jog or run (5K, 10K, ½ Marathon, or Kids Sprint) the beautiful surrounds go to: Quilraces.com and Worthingtonparkquilcene.org.

Lake Limerick Golf Club and Café designs new programs for fall

This beautiful challenging nine-hole golf course near the Olympic mountains and just outside of Shelton Washington is a great course. The affordable green fees make this a terrific value for your next golfing adventure.

Lake Limerick Golf Club is offering new and fun activities as we enter a new season. When their summer wine and golf lessons recently finished the fall Happy Hour golf program kicked into gear. The summer lesson participants are now dividing into non-competitive foursomes and enjoying a quick nine holes with a scramble format. Yes golf is fun, but the conversation and camaraderie after golf is even better. A new practice area will be completed this fall for expanded lessons and programs during next summer. For more information and to book your next tee time and tournaments, call 360-426-6290