When Kitsap County runners look for marathon races to compete in, the choices they find usually require a lengthy commute from the peninsula. Whether that means an early morning ferry ride or a drive across the Hood Canal or Tacoma Narrows bridges, runners typically travel for hours to participate in their favorite races.

Thankfully, we have an excellent option in our own backyard. That option is the Bremerton Marathon, a beautiful run that meanders through the back roads of Kitsap. In addition to the hilly terrain that locals know so well, the Bremerton Marathon offers fantastic views of the mountains and the water. The race takes place April 19th, a time of the year that usually boasts excellent running weather, and includes both full marathon and half marathon options.

The full marathon begins at Evergreen Park in downtown Bremerton, where runners will make the loop around Dyes Inlet and finish where they started. The half marathon starts at the Newberry Hill Heritage Park and joins the marathon course in Chico before finishing at Evergreen Park. Support, in the form of hydration and aid stations, will be offered throughout the race.

This is the fourth year of the Bremerton Marathon, a race that has grown in popularity year after year. It is an attractive option for local runners as well as those sprinkled across the state and beyond. Participants with a wide range of running abilities have enjoyed the race in previous years, from competitive runners to those simply looking to cross off a challenging full or half marathon from their bucket list.

The Bremerton Marathon is organized by Kitsap Running, a local resource for all things running. Kitsap Running was founded in 2013 by Crystal Whittier, an avid runner, running coach, and all-around running enthusiast. She has turned Kitsap Running into a one-stop shop for runners to discover everything happening in the local running scene, from race calendars and running groups to youth programs, coaching opportunities, and local businesses catering to the runner’s needs.

Whittier’s ultimate goal is to make Kitsap a runner’s county, a thriving community where runners of all ages and abilities feel supported and inspired. She has done this through local events, shared knowledge, and tools that make running and organizing more accessible. Hosting the Bremerton Marathon is also a big step in allowing her to do that.

Kitsap’s very own marathon is a little over a month away. To sign up, visit Kitsap Running’s website and click the ‘Our Races’ tab. If you plan on participating, I hope your training is going well, and I look forward to seeing you on the course.

Dr. Jordan Duncan is from Kitsap County and writes a monthly health column for Kitsap News Group. He is the owner of Silverdale Sport & Spine.