Fifth annual AppleTree Marathon Festival sees 1,125 athletes

VANCOUVER — The fifth annual PeaceHealth AppleTree Marathon festival on Sept. 17 and 18 attracted 1,125 athletes from two countries and 22 states. Christopher Hall, 52, of Brush Prairie took home the first-place finish in the coveted marathon division with a time of 2:49:27. Adria Biasi, 33, of Vancouver was crowned the marathon female champion with a time of 3:32:08. The event was structured as a weekend festival to attract the entire family to participate with a sunset 5K on Sept. 17, the marathon and half-marathon on Sept. 18, a health and fitness expo, bouncy house, concerts, a barbecue, and, of course, apple pie. The main beneficiary for the event was the Police Activities League, a nonprofit organization that partners with law enforcement agencies to promote positive relationships between law enforcement officers and youth in the community through educational opportunities and recreational opportunities. This year, the Police Activities League used the opportunity to honor fallen Vancouver police Officer Donald Sahota, who was killed earlier this year. The event has raised more than $11,000 with donations still coming in.