The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon first got its start in 1970, where a mere 38 runners gathered for the first event. Fast forward to present day and the 2018 event on November 25, 2018 is expected to have 10,000 participants toe the line! This is a true testament to the power of running in the Pacific NW.
Run Oregon is heading to our northern neighbor this year to experience the festivities and report back. It won’t just be a new experience for us, but there will actually be all new courses for both the full and half marathon routes. This means that even runners who have competed in years passed will see new areas and places, while still getting the reputable experience that the Seattle Marathon provides.
Runners will start near the Seattle Center and Museum of Pop Culture in the shadow of the iconic Space Needle. The race will have runners heading SE to start, passing near the famed Pike’s Market before turning north and running on the I-5 Express Lane over the ship canal. The full will break off and head further NE past the University District and complete an out-and-back to Mathew’s Beach Park on Lake Washington. Half participants will head westward to Gas Works Park (where the full runners will meet back up with) for a final few miles on the Fremont Cut and back to the finish at Memorial Stadium. After you finish, enjoy Victory Recovery Area at the Seattle Center till 5p.
Both courses are rolling with hilly sections and scenic views of Downtown Seattle, Lake Washington and Lake Union. However, the course has been changed so there will be less elevation gain than in previous years – 21% less for the full and 25% for the half! If that doesn’t scream PR from those who ran last year, I don’t know what does. The course will be stocked with a massive 15 water/aid stations that will be providing Talking Rain Water and Gatorade for fueling, and 3 will have GU Energy as well.
Register for Seattle Marathon HERE!
- Half Marathon: $115 (8:00a start)
- Full Marathon: $145 (7:30a start)
You can pick up race packets and shirts Friday November 23rd (11a-8p) or Saturday November 24th (11a-7p) at the Expo at The Westin Hotel in Downtown Seattle!
Check out Seattle Marathon on Facebook here so you don’t miss any important information!
