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Washington > Race for a Soldier Half Marathon & 2-Mile Run
Gig Harbor, WA • Sunday, September 29, 2013 • Course Map
Framed by the majestic peaks of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains off in the distance, and the cool blue waters of Puget Sound closer to its shores, this small Washington port city whose history and culture have deep roots in the state's fishing industry is set to play host to the first-ever Race for a Soldier Gig Harbor Half Marathon & 2-Mile Run, which makes its 3rd annual running in the fall of 2013.
Designed as both a tribute to fallen soldiers and as a fundraiser for a range of programs that benefit soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who are experiencing the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, including programs like the USO, Horses for Heroes, Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors and Canines & Heroes for Independence. The race also is planned to benefit the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation, which seeks to provide support and raise awareness of the epidemic of suicide among combat veterans returning from the wars.
Open to both runners and walkers -- provided they can finish the 13.1-mile course within the event's 3-hour time limit -- the race is set to start at the Gig Harbor YMCA, which lies just off Borgen Boulevard, and just north of both the city's downtown and the harbor that gives it its name. From there, runners will head out on a race route that shows off both the natural beauty of this seaside city and the attractions for which it is known, from the sailboats in the harbor to the historic architecture of the quaint shops and restaurants in town.
The race is limited to between 1,500 and 2,000 civilian (i.e., non-military) entrants, so those thinking of signing up for the race are encourage to register early. The starting time for the half marathon is set for 8:00 AM, and the two-mile fun run for kids will start after all the half-marathoners have left the starting line area.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington state, roughly a 10-mile drive across the sound from nearby Tacoma, Gig Harbor typically sees September temperatures that average between 51°F and 71°F, while rainfall totals average just over 1.4 inches for the month.
On the day of the race (Sept. 29), the average low is 48°F and the average high is 67°F.
Course Map
View the map for the Race for a Soldier Half Marathon
Fees
$45 for the half marathon, if registered before May 1, 2013
$60 between May 1 - June 30
$75 between July 1 - September 5
$85 between Sept. 6 - 29
* Discounts for active military and veterans, see race website for more info
Registration
To reserve your spot in the late summer/early fall 2013 running of Gig Harbor's Race for a Soldier Half Marathon or 2-Mile Run, visit the event website.
Official Race Website
www.raceforasoldier.org
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