PORT ANGELES — The North Olympic Discovery Marathon (NODM) weekend is set for Saturday and Sunday, drawing thousands to the Olympic Peninsula for a series of races, including the main event on Sunday.

Race Director Victoria Jones says there has been an increase in participants this year.

“Right now, we have about 2,000 runners for all of our events, which include the 5K, 10K, Kids Marathon, half-marathon, full marathon, and relay. We have people coming from 38 different states, plus over 100 people from Canada, which is higher than at least the last ten years,” said Jones.

Registration remains open until the start of each race. The NODM is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

The marathon events begin Saturday with 5K and 10K races at 11 a.m., and a kids’ marathon at 3 p.m. The main marathon starts Sunday at 7:30 a.m., followed by a half-marathon at 8:30 a.m. The route runs from Blyn along the Olympic Discovery Trail, ending near City Pier in Port Angeles.

Jones mentioned that the marathon provides an economic boost to the local area.

“All of the hotels are pretty much full from Sequim to Port Angeles. The nice thing about this event is that people stay everywhere in between. The restaurants are extremely busy. Seven years ago, we started a pasta feed in partnership with the Lions Club on Saturday night at 4:30 p.m. at the Elwha Heritage Center, with all proceeds going to the Lions Club and their scholarship program. It helps ensure everyone gets fed, especially those who couldn’t get restaurant reservations,” said Jones.

There is a health and fitness expo that opens Friday night and runs through Saturday at the Red Lion Hotel, open to the public. The public is also invited to cheer on the runners at the finish line. Events at City Pier will feature a beer garden and music by a U.S. Navy band.