“A traveler is really not someone who crosses ground so much as someone who is always hungry for the next challenge and adventure,” penned writer Pico Iyer. But for lucky Hood Canal area residents, The Traveler is both destination and guide, watching over the area and its outdoors-loving population.
According to legend, The Traveler’s shape appears in the spring as the snowmelt on the Olympic Mountains reveals a shadowy human form complete with walking stick. Under the gaze of this rugged benefactor, Hood Canal Events will host their first annual Traveler 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 23 in Union, WA.
Celebrating spring’s return, the event will feature a 5K mile run/walk for all ages and abilities, followed by an afternoon of live music, food, beer, and wine, and vendors from across the community.
“The Traveler is especially important to us as a local legend that is unique and special to the region,” explains Hood Canal Events owner, Kerry London Myers. They chose him as a logo “so WE can be the Traveler and to represent tourism for the Union area. He represents all the great art, culinary and recreation offerings, and really cool things to do around here.”
As knowledgeable kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping, foraging, and yoga instructors, the Hood Canal Events team always congratulates success by saying “Way to be the Traveler!” For the 5K Run/Walk, their staff will be present at the finish line to cheer on the more than 200 pre-registered racers.
The 5K will take place at Alderbrook Golf and Yacht Club’s The Pointe: E 330 Country Club Drive E in Union. Racers are encouraged to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. for warm-up exercises with the runners starting at 11:00 a.m. and walkers soon after that.
Professional racing timers will be on-site but all ages and abilities are welcome. There will be a one mile non-timed dash for families and even non-racers can show up to enjoy post-race activities and festivities.
Event registration is available online until April 21 or in person the day of the race. Tickets for the 5K run/walk are $39 but entrance to the post-event fun is only $10 and includes coffee, beer, or wine. Children under 8 are free.
While The Traveler 5K definitely falls under “the more, the merrier” says Myers, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Parking assistance will be present throughout the day, but space is limited and attendance numbers are still climbing.
Questions about the event can be directed to Kerry and her team by calling 360-898-1500 or emailing info@hoodcanalevents.com.
Planning a close to home staycation? Check out activities, lodging, and camping throughout Hood Canal. Whether you’re looking for a wedding venue, premium crabbing locations, or a guide to the region’s best mountain climbing, ThurstonTalk’s articles about the region are always helpful.
Kafka claimed that “the history of mankind is the instant between two strides taken by a traveler.” Why not test that theory by signing up to celebrate spring with Myers and her team? They—and the Traveler himself—guarantee you’ll have a great time.
