Marathon does credit again to Olympia
Some good things almost never change, or at least don’t lose their charm.
The Capital City Marathon went off well again Sunday, a tribute to the perennially well-organized effort that is so well supported by our community and runners in the Northwest.
This year’s race marked the 35th year, and hometown favorite Jesse Stevick remained a legendary figure on the 26.2 mile course.
The 34-year-old from Olympia won his 10th race in 11 tries — and sixth in a row.
Another hometown favorite, Linda Huyck, repeated as the women’s champion. The 44-year-old, who graduated from Timberline High School and coaches the cross-country team, set a course record for runners age 40 or older.
Huyck completed the circuit in 3:04.10 hours, slower than she’d trained for, but a time worthy of praise.
This year’s run drew 1,916 finishers in four events — a full marathon, a half marathon, a five-mile race and a kids run.
The robust field was fitting for a remarkable running event that shows little sign of letting up after 35 years.
This race grew out of the Olympia RainRunners Club in 1980. A few years later, in May 1984, Olympia hosted the first Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials.
No race this size can be accomplished without its huge volunteer support base, which included more than 500 people on race day alone.
Youths from Key Club at Olympia and Capital high schools were on hand to help this year. Many staffed water stations, providing quick refreshment or water baths to runners. Other volunteers helped with those tasks, plus handing our medals and medical assistance.
In the end, no event that relies on local streets like this one can be pulled off without a patient, understanding populace that is willing to share its great little community.
Nona Snell, the race director, and others who helped organize it deserve a huge thanks from our community for pulling it off — again.
Well done.
This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Marathon does credit again to Olympia."