Merrilee Rush headlines at golf classic

The Wells Fargo San Juan Island Celebrity Golf Classic is May 30-31 at the San Juan Golf and Country Club.

The 22nd annual fundraiser benefits a dozen local non-profits. It is the island's longest-running charitable event and raised more than $40,000 last year.

The classic begins May 30 with a celebrity reception and "horse race." Tee time is 4 p.m.

On May 31, the "best ball" competitions start at 7 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. Register by calling the pro shop, 378-2254.

Later, islanders can enjoy a salmon dinner by John Vejvoda and crew at the golf club. For tickets, call 378-9519. You can meet celebrities, bid on auction items and enjoy live entertainment.

This year's celebrities include former NFL standout Blair Bush, drummer Alan White of the rock band Yes, and WSU football coach Paul Wulff.

Other celebrities this year include radio personalities Jeff "The Fish" Aaron, Pat Cashman, Mike Gastineau, David Grosby and Bob Rivers.

Merrilee Rush, nominated for a Grammy for her 1960s hit "Angel of the Morning" — later repopularized by Juice Newton, The Pretenders, and reggae artist Shaggy — will perform.

S.J. Island Marathon June 1

Organizers are expecting the largest field ever for the sixth annual San Juan Island Marathon, June 1.

The event is sanctioned by the U.S. Track Association and sponsored by King’s Market. Last year, 431 runners ran either the full 26.2-mile course or the 13-mile half marathon. Last year’s winning time was 3:08.04.

The course was recently described by Northwest Runner magazine as "the most scenic run in the Pacific Northwest." Numerous runners have qualified for some of the more famous marathons in the nation, including the Boston Marathon.

The marathon and half-marathon begin at 8:30 a.m. at the county fairgrounds.

Volunteers are still needed. Call Jane Hutchison, 472-0268, or e-mail jhutchison@rockisland.com.

Visit www.sjmarathon.org.

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