Sunday, September 10, 2023 • Gig Harbor, WA • 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 annual Race for a Soldier in the early fall.
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 7:30 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 some of its mildest and driest weather of the year in September, which has brought record temperatures here as low as 34°F (in 1983) and as high as 89°F (in 1987).
On race day (Sept. 10), the average low is 49ºF and the average high is 69ºF.
Past Results
- 2022 Results
- 2016 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Race for a Soldier Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Race for a Soldier Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
7:30 AM
Fees
- $55 – $95 for the half marathon
- $45 – $85 for the 10-mile
- $35 – $75 for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Race for a Soldier Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, register online at the official race website below.
Official Race Website
ptsdfoundation.org/race-for-a-soldier/
Comments
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