This year participants in the Whidbey Island Marathon on April 15 will again enjoy the thrill of running across the scenic and historic Deception Pass Bridge at the start of the popular event.

For its first couple of years, the marathon was allowed to use the bridge, but then authorities made it off limits.

This is the first time the bridge will be included in the route since the city of Oak Harbor purchased the marathon several years ago as a way to increase tourism to the island. However, motorists may not be so happy: It means the bridge will be briefly closed the morning of April 15.

The marathon takes runners and walkers on rolling, country back roads and breathtaking waterfront coastlines. The Whidbey Island Marathon was named in the “Top 10 Places To Run A Marathon” as reported in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010.

This year the 5K Fun Run/Walk is Saturday, April 14, while the marathon and half marathons are Sunday, April 15.

Registrations and more information about the marathon can be found at City Hall in Oak Harbor or online at www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com.