The Whidbey Island Marathon

The Whidbey Island Marathon, taking place Sunday, April 22, 2018 in Oak Harbor is fast approaching and we’d like to invite you to be a part of the Island’s premier running race.

The race is considered one of the Pacific Northwest’s hidden athletic gems and a must do destination race for running enthusiasts. Starting at the Deception Pass Bridge, the marathon course winds through ocean side roadways, farmland and more while featuring waterfront coastlines, snow-capped mountains and more. The race features a full marathon, half marathon, 10K Run/Walk, Family 5K and a Kids 1K Run. We are on track for 1,800+ participants this year with over 30% of participants traveling from off-island to participate. These traveling runners and family participants not only converge on Downtown Oak Harbor but they stay overnight and shop in area businesses, eat in local restaurants and fill-up on gas before returning to their residence.

Though this race finishes on Oak Harbor’s waterfront, it truly takes an entire Island’s involvement to make happen. The race courses range from Pass Lake, across the Deception Pass Bridge, to the eastern most points of Whidbey and south through Penn Cove… we cover lots of ground, working with major city and state agencies including multiple counties, multiple cities, the state and lots of local businesses to make this race a success.

This is where you come in…
This event cannot be possible without the support of kind hearted volunteers, local community organizations and area businesses providing their support. We partner with local restaurants, businesses, hotels, schools and civic groups to provide the world class support that runners return each year expecting to receive.

We are reaching out today in hopes that either your business, yourself or civic group may be interested in participating in the marathon in some way.

How You Can Help:
1. Volunteer – Over 250 volunteers are recruited annually to support the 1800+ runners get from starting line to finish line.
– Water Station Groups – We are currently still looking for 6 groups to staff an on-course water station. Each station requires 6-10 volunteers to provide water to thirsty runners. This is a great location, all together, for businesses to work as a group at, bring family and friends together or come together as a civic group (youth sports teams, HS clubs, businesses, church groups, military commands have been AWESOME volunteers in the past) to support the race
– Course Monitors – Course monitors are a HUGE support not only to cheer on tired runners but to keep those same runners safe. Helping direct runners the proper direction and help vehicles navigate the race course, volunteers are a huge help. If coming as a group, we place all near the next
– Finish Line Volunteers – Another great place for youth sports teams, businesses and groups – Finish line volunteers help provide race finishers with their completion medals, food/water and more. All located at Oak Harbor’s waterfront on Bayshore, this is great for groups sticking together.
*Interested in your business coming out to support the race through volunteerism? Respond to this email for more detailed options!

2. Parter with the Whidbey Island Marathon – The marathon & surrounding events are a great way to get your business in front of the public. Through our promotional channels, the Whidbey Island Marathon has the ability to promote your business to race participants, potential participants and general Oak Harbor Community. Featuring an event facebook page of over 3,500, promotional email database of over 35,000 and the ability to connect with participants in a one on one setting via email, direct communication and face to face, this is a great opportunity to connect with potential customers as well.
– In-Kind Partnerships – The Whidbey Island Marathon partners with lots of on-island businesses trading promotion for cost saving needs such as tents, hotels, meals, signage and on-course supplies. We’d be happy to discuss with your business!
– Pre-Race Expo & Post-Run Celebration Booth Opportunities – The race also offers businesses the opportunity to connect one on one with participants (potential clients) at our Pre-Race Expo on Saturday, April 21 and finish line celebration Sunday, April 22. The pre-race expo is mandatory for participants to pick up their race essentials and the finish line is where participants unwind and celebrate their achievements. Great opportunities to connect with potential customers! Booth space is available for $300 or $500 for both locations. We’ve attached an exhibitor app for you to look over.
– Custom Sponsorship Options – Interested in doing something a bit larger? We tailor packages for partners and would be excited to do so for you. Shoot us an email and let us know your goals!

3. Help us promote the event! – We are in constant promotion mode, ranging from social media, print advertising, direct email communication and more, but we can always use your help!
– Posters & Rack Cards – Help us promote the event at your business by displaying posters in your window and setting rack cards at your register. If interested, please visit Oak Harbor City Hall to collect posters & rack cards. Can’t make it? Let us know so we can deliver. It is as simple as taping a poster in your window. Want to help a little more? Place a rack card in your bill jacket, in a customer’s bag as they leave, etc. We’ve also attached the event poster to this email if interested in printing and displaying?
– Social Media – Help us spread the word about the event, share our posts and like our page. We’d be happy to cross-promote your business with the marathon as well!

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. This race would not happy without the support of the local community. Email us today to discuss volunteer and partnership opportunities! I look forward to chatting with you soon.

Happy Running,
Jared

Jared Loranger
Race Director, WIM
www.runwhidbey.com
[email protected]
360-220-4548