Editor,

I am a runner, have been since I was 15. I have run in many states, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii and most of the states.

In 2003, I ran my first half marathon and it happened to be the Whidbey Marathon.

I had minor heart surgery and, as a single mom, I wanted to show my kids that no matter what happens in life, you can do whatever you set your heart to do.

I ran the half for two years and moved away for three years and came back to Whidbey Island to live in Oak Harbor, which I have called my home.

I automatically looked up to run the half again, but was saddened that the route had changed, as did the fee. I did, and do, train with the runners group sponsored through the Navy with Brad Sanford.

I did the half this year only because the fee was affordable, but I found the route to be boring and on a Sunday.

My question is, why on Sunday, when most of us have to work the next day?

I know I didn’t do the whole, but I can just imagine how much more sore the runners were who did run the whole.

They host the 5K run/walk and 10K on the Saturday before the marathon. Why not reverse the schedule?

If the same price is offered on a Saturday next year, I will run again.

I am pretty sure if you asked all the runners if they prefer Saturday, you would get a big “yes.”

Or give the half marathoners the choice of starting at Deception Pass for a nicer scene instead of running through town and holding up traffic.

Past marathons included routes ending in Coupeville.

I believe that I am very fortunate and blessed to live in a postcard. I have traveled for 30 years and this is the only place I call my home.

I do agree with Mayor Scott Dudley on having a “beer garden” after the race.

I know for a fact that most runners would enjoy and appreciate a nice cold beer while nursing sore muscles.

Maria Stochl

Oak Harbor