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Seattle Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Seattle, WA, USA
- Race Date: 11/29/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Seattle Marathon Description
The Seattle Marathon starts and finishes at Seattle Center near the Space Needle each November or December, crossing the Lake Washington Ship Canal via the University Bridge and tracing the shores of Lake Washington. The Boston-qualifying course carries a few challenging hills, especially late, with views of the Olympic Mountains and city skyline throughout. A half marathon runs the same day, backed by enthusiastic crowd support and well-placed aid stations.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Seattle Marathon Additional Details:
Thirteen aid stations line the course, spaced roughly every 1.5 to 2 miles with water, electrolyte drink, and the occasional HUMA gel. Despite a start line of around 8,000 runners, the race stays notably stress-free to navigate, more a scenic group run through Seattle’s neighborhoods than a big-city hassle. The Space Needle comes back into view in the later miles, offering a genuine emotional lift heading toward the finish. Runners collect their medal and shirt afterward inside a heated finish area with seating, a welcome touch given the region’s late-fall chill.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hr 30 min (full), 7 hr (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 3,000+
Marathon: 1,500+
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 1,689 ft (full), 984 ft (half)
Elevation Loss: 1,692 ft (full), 990 ft (half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 39°F
- High: 49°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Seattle, WA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Outdoors & Trails
Discovery Park
Explore Discovery Park’s 534 acres, Seattle’s largest green space with a mix of forest, beach, and meadow trails — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Food & Drink
Pike Place Market Food Stalls
Sample fresh seafood and baked goods from vendors inside Pike Place Market — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.
Arts & Culture
Chihuly Garden and Glass
See Dale Chihuly’s large, colorful glass sculptures and glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass — a relaxed, indoor-outdoor way to spend a taper day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Green Lake Park
Run or walk the trails around Green Lake Park, a favorite loop for Seattleites — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.
Landmark
Pike Place Market
Wander Pike Place Market, open since 1907 and home to more than 500 shops, vendors, and restaurants — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Shopping
Downtown Seattle
Browse Nordstrom’s flagship store and other boutiques in downtown Seattle’s vibrant shopping scene — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Woodland Park Zoo
See sloth bears, Malayan tigers, and an African Savanna exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Seattle Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Seattle Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
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