Ultramarathon will bring runners from around the world

For a third year, the Vashon Island Ultramarathon and Trail Run, scheduled for Saturday, June 30, will draw long-distance runners from all over the Northwest and the globe to race on the Island’s forested trails.

By Natalie Johnson • June 19, 2012 1:37 pm

For a third year, the Vashon Island Ultramarathon and Trail Run, scheduled for Saturday, June 30, will draw long-distance runners from all over the Northwest and the globe to race on the Island’s forested trails.

Race founders Kevin Kim-Murphy and Bruce Cyra say that the Ultramarathon & Trail Run, which includes a 50-kilometer race and a 10-mile companion run  organized completely by volunteers, has surpassed their expectations.

“When we started this we really had no idea how popular it would become,” said Kim-Murphy. “The outpouring of interest from Island runners and non-runners has been amazing.”

An ultramarathon is any race longer than a traditional marathon of 26.2 miles. The course for the Vashon event begins at Paradise Ridge Park, winds through Island Center Forest and circles Fisher Pond. A 10-mile companion run is open for those who are looking for an alternative to the full 31 miles.

The 200 spots for the races are filling fast, organizers say, but there is still space available. So far seven of the athletes signed up for the 50-kilometer and more than 40 runners signed up for the 10-mile run are from Vashon. Off-Islanders include athletes from as far away as Canada and Italy.

The event’s local and national sponsors include West Seattle Runner and Raw Revolution. Proceeds from the event are donated to local nonprofits that share in the organizers’ goal of fostering physical fitness and outdoor exploration throughout the community.

Registration is still open for runners, and organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with the nonprofit event. Local volunteers help support runners with everything from staffing aid stations to directing road crossings to awarding finisher medals.

“Every year the participants say the thing that made the event such a success was the quality and enthusiasm of our volunteers,” Kim-Murphy said.

 

The Vashon Island Ultramarathon & Trail Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at Paradise Ridge Park.

To register for the race or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, see www.vashonultra.com.