Central Whidbey race returns this month

“Race the Reserve” will take place Saturday, Aug. 13.

An annual Central Whidbey race is a summer event once again.

“Race the Reserve” will take place Saturday, Aug. 13, with the half marathon beginning at 8 a.m. and the 10k and 5k races starting at 8:30 a.m. The 11th annual race returns to its typical August date after taking place in October last year.

“Whidbey Island in August can be absolutely beautiful, so we’re really excited to have a beautiful race day,” said race committee member Taleena Sinclair.

Race the Reserve’s three events will take runners past scenic farmland and along coastal trails. The race is a fundraiser for the Coupeville High School class of 2023. Proceeds from the race will fund the upcoming seniors’ graduation ceremony next spring, as well as “safe and sober celebrations,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair, whose youngest child is one of this year’s Coupeville seniors, said the class of 2023 is one of the biggest graduating classes the district has seen in a while. She said she and her fellow committee members hope for a successful fundraiser to give the soon-to-be graduates the send-off they deserve.

Race the Reserve will take place the same weekend as the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. Sinclair said she hopes the beloved event will draw people to the race, and vice versa.

Registration for Race the Reserve is open online at racethereserve.com. Same day registration takes place between 6 and 7:15 a.m. for the half marathon and between 6:30 and 7:45 for the 10k and 5k races. The event’s logo was designed by incoming Coupeville senior Helen Strelow.