Coupeville Sports

Participants in a previous Circumnavigate Whidbey fundraiser stop for a pic. (Photo courtesy James Steller)

Same fundraiser, different look.

After years of conducting “Circumnavigate Whidbey,” a 120-mile, two-day odyssey, organizers are going with a streamlined, easier-on-the-body event this time around.

The event, which raises money for the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools, will be known this year as the “Coupeville Run & Ride (and Reunite).”

Held Sunday, September 5, the fundraiser features a six-mile run, an 11.5-mile bike, and a celebration in the town park afterwards.

It’s not a competitive race, as everyone participating sticks together.

Things kick off in the Coupeville Elementary School parking lot at 9:15 AM, with runners departing the track oval at 9:30.

“Lace up your shoes and join us for a leisurely 10K around the prairie,” said organizer James Steller. “Highlighted by Ebey’s Landing, the view of the prairie, the sound, and Rainier in the distance, it’s a painter’s delight and we get to enjoy this every day!”

After the run, participants will move to their bikes for a jaunt which will head back through Ebey’s Landing, go past Fort Casey and Crockett Lake, then finish back at the school.

“Ten-speeds, dirt bikes, E-Bikes — they are all welcome,” Steller said.

Things will finish with a casual celebration at Coupeville Town Park, with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and water for everyone.

Even if you’re not up to doing all three parts, you can join.

“You are welcome to do one or the other — i.e., you can just bike — or just hang out!,” Steller said.

Organizers are asking for everyone to use the event’s website to sign up, however, so they can get a feel for how many people are likely to be in attendance.

You can participate without donating, and you can donate to the fundraiser without participating.

For those who choose to donate, you get one raffle entry for each $100 pledged.

The raffle winner, who will be announced on Facebook Live during the celebration in the park, receives a 2-night stay at the Ocean Bluff Farm Guesthouse in Coupeville for two people.

Started in 2017, “Circumnavigate Whidbey” has raised over $100,000, with the money going for teacher grants for educational enrichment, college scholarships, and financial resources for students in need of equal access.

The Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools has been operating since 1997.

During the 2020-2021 school year, the foundation was able to provide key support for local schools as they dealt with the pandemic.

Scholastic enrichment, technology (WiFi hot spots and cameras), and social-emotional tools were funded with this support.

For more info, to donate, or to sign-up to participate in the event, pop over to:

Coupeville Run & Ride (and Reunite) (4coupevilleschools.org)

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