Running Events around Hood Canal

Miranda Schweiner |Portland, OR

I am proud to say I officially ran, completed, and placed in a 5k. Well, it was technicallya 5.5k-I have to give myself that extra .5 credit, right? The race was in Union, at the Alderbrook Golf Course.

Race day was here and I was excited from the moment I woke up. I had been training for the last two months so this was a big deal. Putting on my new #BeTheTraveler t-shirt shirt before I left the Airbnb sealed the deal that I was really doing this!

It was about an hour before race time so I definitely needed a light snack and some caffeine in my system. I headed to Union Square Deli to get a latte and a little something to eat. With coffee in hand, I headed up to the race site. The race was set to start at 10 AM. There were competitors warming-up, I started to prep myself a bit as well and put on my race bib (lucky #77). A group warm-up started and this is where I really started to feel butterflies. Feel-good jams were playing over the PA while we waited. I felt great and was ready to start!

Us “travelers” headed towards the start line with the runners set up at the front and the team participants/walkers lined up behind us. The countdown began and then I heard the air horn go off…GO! I took off and found myself at the front of the pack. Remembering to breathe and not exert myself too much in the beginning was hard whilst so excited. The race meandered through the privately owned roads of the Alderbook Golf Club community. The course is well marked with volunteers s at pivotal turns ensuring no one strays offcourse. There were a few rolling hills and then one hill about half-way through the race that totally slowed me down. But, after I conquered it, I felt a second wind.

Miranda and a direction sign for the race.

The cheers from area residents and the hosted water stations were a nice touch to such a fun race. As I got closer to the finish line I could hear more cheers. Knowing it was almost over, I started to speed up and give it my all. I finished!

I crossed the finish line with a feeling I had never felt before. It was a combination of strength, accomplishment – and shortness of breath. Through Eclectic Edge Racing's timing I discovered that I had placed third for female competitors and ran my fastest mile yet! As more finishers crossed the line I eagerly cheered them on while I listened to the live music, enjoyed some great local food and drinks, and talked with some of the fellow competitors. It was such a great experience and a very fun day.

Miranda Schweiner lives in Portland Oregon. She traveled to Union to complete her first 5k in 2018. The 4th Annual Traveler 5.5K Run & Walk will be on April 27, to register visit hoodcanalevents.com.

Area Races

Beast of Big Creek Trail Run | August

13.1M, 10K trail run | 21K mountain race (5000' of climbing) to summit of Mt. Ellinor or a challenging 7M trail race on dirt track with 2000' of climbing.

Quilcene Oyster Races | September

Come and run or walk our Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K races in peaceful Quilcene on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula!

Traveler Trail Run | September

Trails of Lake Cushman, WA. 5-miles with some challenging hills and unbelievable views a through a mature forest laying in the foothills of the Olympic Mountain Range

PUD 3 Shuck N Share 5K | October

Family-friendly 5K in Shelton during OysterFest. ​

Family-friendly 5K in Shelton during OysterFest. ​