FAQS
1. Is there a time limit for the Full Marathon or Half Marathon?
The full mull marathon has a 6-hour course time limit and the half marathon has a 4:30 time limit. If you are unable to make certain checkpoints by the time needed to meet the six-hour limit, we will pick you up and move you forward to the next checkpoint, and average your current pace time accordingly to add to your overall finish time. Please allow us to do this as we have to meet road closure opening times.
2. What timing device will be used?
A disposable chip will be used for official times. Gun start time will be used for prize money. There will be split timing mats throughout the courses.
3. What is the minimum age to participate in the Marathon? Half Marathon?
All athletes in the Full Marathon must be 16 years old or older. If you are younger than 16 and would like to participate in the Full Marathon, please have a parent or guardian contact us with this request.
There is no age limit for the Half Marathon.
4. Will bikes, skates and dogs be allowed?
No, in accordance with USATF rules, these items will not be allowed on any course.
5. Is there a Pace Team?
Yes! We are pleased to announce the Super Pacers based in Tacoma, WA will be pacing both the full marathon and half marathon in 2023
Marathon – 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00
Half Marathon – 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30
*Pace times could change and could be reduced based on pacer availability.
6. Where will the bathrooms be located?
Portable toilets will be located at each start line, at every water/aid station approximately 2 miles apart along the course and at the finish line.
7. How do I know if I am registered?
You will receive a confirmation email after you registered. If you didn't receive that confirmation email or are unsure if you are registered, please shoot us an email to info@fizzeventsnw.com.
8. I can't participate, what are my options?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a refund after registering to participate in the Whidbey Island Marathon or surrounding events. We will allow participants to change race categories prior to the race, transfer their race entry to a friend* or defer their entry to the following year. If you would like to take advantage of any of these options, please email us at info@fizzeventsnw.com
*If transferring to a friend, please email us with your friend CC'd and will help facilitate the transfer.
9. If I'm registered for the Full Marathon can I switch to the Half, 10k or 5k?
Yes – We are happy to switch you from one event to another. You will be charged the difference if you are going up in distance but there will be no refunds for downgrading from a longer distance to a shorter distance. If you'd like to switch distances, please pick up your bib at the expo and bring it to the help desk where we will make the change.
10. Can I pick up my packet on Race Day?
Yes, all packets will be available up until 15 minutes before the start of your race at your respective start line, AND all shirts will be available at the finish line after your race
11. What is the average temperature on Whidbey Island?
It is usually slightly overcast to sunny on race day with temperatures ranging on average from 51 degrees up to 66 degrees. It is Washington and it is the spring time. It could be colder and it could be windy and/or rainy – Please check the forecast before starting your run and dress accordingly.
12. Lost and Found
Please contact the City of Oak Harbor Special Events Coordinator at specialevents@oakharbor.org or call (360) 279-4504.
The full mull marathon has a 6-hour course time limit and the half marathon has a 4:30 time limit. If you are unable to make certain checkpoints by the time needed to meet the six-hour limit, we will pick you up and move you forward to the next checkpoint, and average your current pace time accordingly to add to your overall finish time. Please allow us to do this as we have to meet road closure opening times.
2. What timing device will be used?
A disposable chip will be used for official times. Gun start time will be used for prize money. There will be split timing mats throughout the courses.
3. What is the minimum age to participate in the Marathon? Half Marathon?
All athletes in the Full Marathon must be 16 years old or older. If you are younger than 16 and would like to participate in the Full Marathon, please have a parent or guardian contact us with this request.
There is no age limit for the Half Marathon.
4. Will bikes, skates and dogs be allowed?
No, in accordance with USATF rules, these items will not be allowed on any course.
5. Is there a Pace Team?
Yes! We are pleased to announce the Super Pacers based in Tacoma, WA will be pacing both the full marathon and half marathon in 2023
Marathon – 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00
Half Marathon – 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30
*Pace times could change and could be reduced based on pacer availability.
6. Where will the bathrooms be located?
Portable toilets will be located at each start line, at every water/aid station approximately 2 miles apart along the course and at the finish line.
7. How do I know if I am registered?
You will receive a confirmation email after you registered. If you didn't receive that confirmation email or are unsure if you are registered, please shoot us an email to info@fizzeventsnw.com.
8. I can't participate, what are my options?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a refund after registering to participate in the Whidbey Island Marathon or surrounding events. We will allow participants to change race categories prior to the race, transfer their race entry to a friend* or defer their entry to the following year. If you would like to take advantage of any of these options, please email us at info@fizzeventsnw.com
*If transferring to a friend, please email us with your friend CC'd and will help facilitate the transfer.
9. If I'm registered for the Full Marathon can I switch to the Half, 10k or 5k?
Yes – We are happy to switch you from one event to another. You will be charged the difference if you are going up in distance but there will be no refunds for downgrading from a longer distance to a shorter distance. If you'd like to switch distances, please pick up your bib at the expo and bring it to the help desk where we will make the change.
10. Can I pick up my packet on Race Day?
Yes, all packets will be available up until 15 minutes before the start of your race at your respective start line, AND all shirts will be available at the finish line after your race
11. What is the average temperature on Whidbey Island?
It is usually slightly overcast to sunny on race day with temperatures ranging on average from 51 degrees up to 66 degrees. It is Washington and it is the spring time. It could be colder and it could be windy and/or rainy – Please check the forecast before starting your run and dress accordingly.
12. Lost and Found
Please contact the City of Oak Harbor Special Events Coordinator at specialevents@oakharbor.org or call (360) 279-4504.