Nearly 2,000 people are participating in the Whidbey Island Marathon and its companion races this weekend, a 50% increase compared to last year.

The event is occurring for the 22nd time on Sunday, April 23. The half marathon is the most popular race with 750 participants registered, according to the city of Oak Harbor Communications Manager Sabrina Combs. More than 250 people signed up for the marathon, 390 people for the 10K, 340 people for the 5K and 75 kids for the 1K Kids Run.

The marathon begins at 7 a.m. at Bowman Bay boat launch in Deception Pass State Park. All other races begin at Windjammer Park throughout the morning. All races, including the marathon, will finish at Windjammer Park.

There are two major road closures for the event. Highway 20 at Deception Pass Bridge will close between 6:50 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. in both directions between Rosario Road and Ducken Road. The northbound lane of Penn Cove Road and Scenic Heights will be closed from 7 a.m. to noon.

Combs said an average of over 65% of participants come from off the island to run in the event. As a result, hotel rooms in the area are currently completely booked.

People can watch the marathon from anywhere on the course. Because the roads are not fully closed, people can drive to different spots along the course to watch or cheer on participants. Combs said there will be live music, food trucks and exhibitor booths at Windjammer Park to welcome runners as they cross the finish line.

Visit runwhidbey.org for more information.

Map provided