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Whidbey Island Marathon draws 1,520 runners, organizers tout tourism boost
Summary
Organizers said the 2025 Whidbey Island Marathon drew 1,520 participants from across the U.S. and Canada and generated roughly 464 room nights in Oak Harbor. The race director and the Oak Harbor Chamber are exploring partnerships and marketing to expand out-of-area visitation and make the event a multi-day weekend draw.
Jared Langer, the race director introduced as representing Fizz Events, told the Oak Harbor City Council on Sept. 16 that the 2025 Whidbey Island Marathon drew 1,520 registered participants, including runners from 34 states and Canada and an average participant age of 36. He said roughly 464 room nights in Oak Harbor were represented by participants and that 59% of entrants were female.
“We sold out almost every room in Oak Harbor and multiple properties throughout the island,” Langer said during his presentation. He thanked volunteer groups — including the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Kiwanis and the Lions — and said more than 220 volunteers supported the weekend, with 600 finishers recorded in one of the distances.
The presentation stressed economic benefits tied to visitor spending. Langer described ongoing marketing that reached the Pacific Northwest and points south, including bus wraps, social media campaigns and partnerships with other race organizers to cross-promote events.
Langer also proposed a partnership with the Bellingham Marathon to offer a bundled registration option and suggested coordinating the race weekend with downtown events to make a broader “racecation” that would encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more locally.
City council members responded with praise and questions about course improvements. Council member Stuckey, who serves on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, said the participant and room-night numbers were “music to my ears” and noted staff follow-up on a request to consider course grading for the Pass Lake start area. Parks and events staff did not present new funding decisions at the meeting.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was required or taken by the council at the meeting.
The next step for organizers is to continue marketing and to coordinate with the Oak Harbor Chamber and city staff on volunteer outreach and any course improvements for 2026.
