Wenatchee Marathon returns on April 19

WENATCHEE – The Wenatchee Marathon, a Boston qualifier, will return to the valley on April 19.

The annual event invites athletes of all levels to participate in its full marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles), 10k, and 5k. Walkers are welcome to join in all of the marathon categories and will be given an early start.

All races begin and end in front of the Numerica Performing Arts Center in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Participants will be taken briefly along Wenatchee Avenue, then through the scenic Apple Capital Loop Trail. The USATF-Certified marathon is largely flat with a few rolling hills, making it ideal for setting personal records and qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

This year’s event has also expanded to feature music by a live DJ, food options, a bouncy house for kids, and a beer garden for ages 21 and up, hosted by Pinnacles Beerworks. Mountain Berry Bowls and Sammies & Hammies will offer local bites, and Café Mela will provide coffee on-site. The entire block of Wenatchee Ave between First and Second Streets will be closed until 3 p.m. for the event. 

The Wenatchee Marathon is put on by TedDriven, a social benefit organization dedicated to supporting cancer research and local organizations and non-profits. Proceeds from the event will go toward cutting edge and groundbreaking cancer research. 

The organization was conceived over 20 years ago, after co-founder Ian Crossland lost his mother, Kris Crossland, to cancer. It was renamed TedDriven when another co-founder, Ted Finegold, passed away from cancer in 2010. Today, the organization is led by co-founders Ian Crossland, Wendy Crossland, and Lynda Finegold-Brine, in addition to Finegold-Brine’s husband, Colin Brine. 

TedDriven also produces the Leavenworth Marathon, the Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf, the TedDriven Overland Ultra Relay (TOUR), the Leavenworth Tour de AlpenFlusse, and the TedDriven Gravel Challenge Tour.   

The Wenatchee Marathon is sponsored by Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, Peoples Bank, Performance Footwear & Outdoor Gear, Leavenworth Outdoor Center, Mission Ridge and Washington Health Plan Finder. 

All races will begin on Wenatchee Avenue, in front of the Numerica Performing Arts Center: 123 North Wenatchee Ave. Finishers in all events will receive a custom Wenatchee Marathon medal. Overall and age-group awards will be presented at the Podium Stage, with ceremonies beginning at approximately 11 a.m. Registration and more information can be found on the TedDriven website.