QUILCENE OYSTER RACES GO BACK TO THEIR ROOTS Brian Cullin | Contributor
What’s in a name? With apologies to Shakespeare – a great deal. They could have been called the Crassostrea Gigas Races - but that species name didn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Instead, we know them as the Quilcene Oyster Races - the biggest little half marathon in the region celebrating its 10th anniversary on September 18. Oyster is a word that carries great significance on this Hood Canal shore. The First People – the Quilcene tribe were known as the "saltwater people," and shellfishing has always been central to this community. Quilcene Oysters are clean and pristine just like the area they are grown in. They are an intertidal beach cultured oyster - accustomed to fighting the tides, clamping tightly shut during low tides to preserve their “liquor” and to protect themselves against predators. Because of this tough life, beach raised oysters are hearty – just like the folks who call this area home. Oystering has always been central to the life of Quilcene Bay.
The Quilcene Historical Museum that hosts the event every year on its grounds at Worthington Park has for over thirty years been committed to telling this rich story. On this important anniversary in the history of the Quilcene Oyster Races, they and Dollars for Scholars have teamed-up with Pacific Seafood to support this great athletic event and local students.
The new event “presenting sponsor” operates the oyster hatchery just down Linger Longer Road on the Quilcene waterfront. As the races’ biggest sponsor, they are not only providing Quilcene oysters for all the participants but major funding for educawell. tional scholarships as 21
OYSTER RACES | SEPTEMBER 18
The Oyster Races attract more participants every year but retain a welcoming smalltown feel. The races start and end at beautiful Worthington Park, home of the newly restored Victorian mansion, at the foot of the Olympic Mountains. The Half Marathon is a USATF certified and sanctioned event. The course features views overlooking Hood Canal and Quilcene Bay, and the Olympics. It is hilly and challenging, but worth it!
FJORD