Races within Driving Distance of Seattle and Tacoma

Seattle is a city known for its fitness culture, where running is popular year-round, regardless of the weather. You’ll often see numerous runners in parks, on trails, or navigating through neighborhoods. Groups, such as Team in Training, frequently train together, showcasing the strong community spirit among runners.

With a plethora of marathons available, both in Seattle and its nearby areas, whether you’re aiming to qualify for Boston or simply improve your fitness routine, you’ll find many exciting running events throughout Washington State.

February

Woolley Run
The Woolley Run takes place in Sedro-Woolley each February and typically includes events like a half marathon, marathon, and 50K. It’s a dog-friendly race, allowing your furry friends to join as long as they stay leashed. The course is an out-and-back route on railroad-grade gravel.

March

Mountain Marathon and Hillbilly Half Marathon
This challenging run in Capitol Forest near Olympia features a course on dirt trails and dirt roads, with steep hills and technical sections. It’s not an easy race, but the stunning forest scenery makes it worthwhile.

April

Yakima River Canyon Marathon
Starting near Canyon Road and Berry Road in Ellensburg, this race includes both uphill and downhill portions, offering breathtaking views of Yakima River Canyon along with a carb-loading dinner the night before.

Whidbey Island Marathon and Half Marathon
Located at Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, this marathon qualifies for Boston and is USATF certified. The course, which includes open roads, is managed with cones and marshals for runner safety.

Wenatchee Marathon
The Wenatchee Marathon is another USATF certified Boston qualifier, featuring a fast course mostly on asphalt trails with stunning views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. It also offers a half marathon and a 10K, and walkers are welcome.

Spring Eagle Trail Run
Taking place at Soaring Eagle Park in Sammamish, this event offers various trail lengths, including a marathon, half marathon, 20 miles, 10 miles, and 5 miles, with a course mostly flat but featuring some technical elements.

Grand Ridge Marathon Trail Run
Participants can choose a traditional marathon, 50K, half marathon, or 5-mile race at Grand Ridge Regional Park in Issaquah, providing diverse trail experiences.

May

Tacoma City Marathon
This picturesque marathon takes you across the Narrows Bridge, through wooded Point Defiance Park, and along the beautiful Tacoma Waterfront, featuring a mostly fast and paved course with minimal hills.

Capital City Marathon
Set in Olympia, this USATF certified Boston qualifier boasts a varied course through country roads, neighborhoods, and scenic lake views. A post-event celebration with food, music, and massages adds to the fun.

June

Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon
A Boston qualifier located in Spokane, the Windermere Marathon features a 200-foot elevation drop, winding through neighborhoods and along the Spokane River.

Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon and Half Marathon
Start at Seattle Center and run through various neighborhoods; expect a hilly course with moderate elevation gains, live music, and post-race festivities.

North Olympic Discovery Marathon
A USAFT certified Boston qualifier, this race runs from Sequim to Port Angeles along mixed-surface trails.

Winthrop Marathon
This scenic, USATF certified course features mostly downhill stretches with impressive rural vistas.

San Juan Island Marathon
Run amidst the natural beauty of the San Juans, with a challenging hilly course and stunning views throughout.

Taylor Mountain Marathon Trail Run
This whole-course trail run takes place between Issaquah and Renton, less than 45 minutes from Seattle, offering options for a 50K, half marathon, and five-mile course.

August

Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon
The event offers a marathon, 5 mile, 10 mile, or half marathon, designed for a picturesque experience through the flat, forested trails of Redmond Watershed Preserve.

September

Vancouver USA Marathon
This exciting marathon weekend includes brewery events, making it perfect for beer enthusiasts, with a course often along the picturesque Columbia River.

Lake Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon
Enjoy stunning views as the course travels close to Lake Chelan, featuring a mostly flat route with slight inclines, linking the communities of Chelan and Manson.

Bellingham Bay Marathon
Starting at Gooseberry Point and finishing downtown Bellingham, this Boston qualifier features a scenic course complemented by views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.

Leavenworth Marathon
A picturesque race that starts downtown and weaves through Icicle Canyon, alongside the Wenatchee River, with unparalleled views and proximity to local German cuisine.

October

Poulsbo Marathon
Start at North Kitsap High School, this USATF certified Boston qualifier offers a course of gradual hills and paved roads, plus a half marathon, 10 mile, and relay options.

Ft. Steilacoom Marathon Trail Run
Hosted at Ft. Steilacoom Park in Steilacoom, this marathon provides fast, level trails and options for 5 mile, 10 mile, half marathon, and 50K distanced races.

Tri-Cities Marathon
Travel to Eastern Washington for this USATF certified Boston qualifier, crossing the Columbia River four times while enjoying riverside views the entire distance.

Spokane Marathon
Experience a visually stunning course that leads out of downtown Spokane, meandering through neighborhoods and alongside rural surroundings filled with fall foliage.

Walla Walla Marathon
This event features a two-loop course, mostly paved with gentle changes in elevation, starting and finishing at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla.

November

Bellingham Trail Marathon
For those seeking a challenging workout, this marathon offers tough climbs, totaling about 5,000 feet, starting at Padden Park Trail and incorporating multiple trails.

Wattle Waddle
Burn off your Thanksgiving meal with this festive race that takes you through Gas Works Park in Seattle, along the paved, flat Burke-Gilman Trail.

December

Seattle Marathon
As the largest marathon in the Northwest and among the largest in the country, the Seattle Marathon typically hosts around 15,000 participants. This course starts in hilly downtown Seattle and offers scenic views along Lake Washington, crossing over via the I-90 floating bridge and through Seward Park, while serving as a USATF and RRCA certified Boston qualifier.

Ghost of Seattle Marathon
With a participant cap, securing a spot is essential for this marathon that follows Lake Washington, providing views along a mostly flat, USATF certified Boston qualifying course.