My son, Ammon and my dad, Ralph.

Last Sunday, June 3, was the 5th Annual San Juan Island Marathon and Half-Marathon.  I have been organizing this event with Paul Hopkins for all five of those years.  Along with Lynne Rodgers and Hedda King we brought the idea of having a local marathon and half-marathon to reality.

The races take a high amount of planning, organizing, marketing that begins in July and ends the following June on race day.  There is so much that needs to be done and much of that happens in the final weeks before Race Day.  Besides our efforts we utilize close to 100 volunteers who do every thing from manning Ham Radios for course information to filling water cups for both runners and walkers.  With out these wonderful people this race would not happen.


Frank and Wayne, local Ham Radio Operators who volunteered on Race Day

Besides doing such things as ordering T-shirts, medals, drinks, supplies, there is permits that need to be arranged for, insurance to purchase, law enforcement to coordinate - a ton of stuff to do.  On Race Day we start at 4:30 and often don't finish until 7 or 8 that night! 

Now that the Race is over, I have the rest of my summer to go and have some serious fun.

Here are some pictures from the day.


Ammon placing the 26th Miler marker.


Bill with bike - Half Marathon Escort


Runners at the Start Line


The Start!





Participants of the Kids Race which started right after the Marathon


Paul reading the names of top finishers.



Hedda King, who was awarded the Lynne Rodgers Award, enjoying the Awards Ceremony.

A big THANK YOU for all who helped.

For More Articles about the Race, check out:

Results:  http://www.perfecttimeevents.com/results/event/1853/results.php
Official Photographer:   http://www.brunkphoto.com/
San Juan Update:  http://www.san-juan.net/marathon07/