New marathon coming to Vancouver this year

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The Inaugural APPLETREE Marathon is set to roll out this September in Vancouver. The run is put on by an organization called “WHY Racing Events” which is behind a number of other events in the area as well. 

Along with the marathon, there will also be a half marathon and 5K. The runs will be spread across two days, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16. 

In past years, Clark County runners could attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon in their own backyard via the Vancouver USA Marathon, but it was cancelled last summer, a month before the run, when the organization cited low registration. WHY Racing is not affiliated with the organizers of the Vancouver USA Marathon. 

The low turnout, in part, was likely due to a course mistake during the 2016 race which ended the race just short of the exact 26.2 miles. As a result, the Boston Marathon did not allow qualifying times from the race. 

WHY Racing organizers said the races’ primary beneficiary will be Police Activities League, a local nonprofit focused on fostering relationships between kids, community and police. They hope to raise $50,000. 



“The APPLETREE Marathon will also partner with the Historic Trust to highlight the history of our community,” Why Racing owner Sherri McMillan said in the event’s announcement. “Our tagline is a ‘Run through History’ so it will be very popular amongst history buffs across our country.” 

The race will start in downtown Vancouver before snaking through Vancouver. It will be relatively flat. 

“Our course will be a fast and extremely scenic course through Fort Vancouver, Officer's Row, the Army Barracks, Pearson Airport — the oldest operating airport in the USA — the historical Old Apple Tree, along the majestic Columbia River and many other historical vantage points,“ McMillan said. “Runners and walkers will enjoy beautiful views of Mount Hood, both interstate bridges, Marine Park, Wintler Park and more.”