With its stunning natural beauty, diverse terrain, and thriving running culture, this region is a mecca for distance runners looking for challenging courses and breathtaking scenery. From the rolling hills of Seattle to the scenic rivers and mountains of Central Washington, the Pacific Northwest offers a wealth of options for runners looking to push themselves to new heights.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best marathons in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a new challenge or a first-time marathoner looking for a supportive and welcoming community, there’s sure to be a race on this list that will pique your interest. So lace up your shoes, grab your hydration pack, and let’s hit the road!
Seattle Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, November 26th, 2023
No. of Participants: Approximately 10,000
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Seattle Marathon is a challenging race that takes runners on a hilly course through the city’s streets, offering stunning views of the skyline, waterfront, and surrounding mountains. The race starts and finishes at Seattle Center, passing through iconic neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Wallingford along the way.
The course’s toughest challenge comes at mile 17, where runners face the steep climb up Capitol Hill, known as “The Hill.” However, the scenic views and enthusiastic crowd support make the challenge worth it for many runners.
Eugene Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, April 28th, 2024
No. of Participants: Approximately 8,000
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Eugene Marathon is a fast and flat race that takes runners through the streets of Eugene, Oregon, home to many elite distance runners and track and field athletes. The course starts and finishes at historic Hayward Field, offering runners the chance to run on the same track as some of the sport’s greatest champions.
The course is known for its fast times and scenic views of the Willamette River and the surrounding hills. The race also offers a half marathon and a kids’ run, making it a fun and inclusive event for the whole family.
Appletree Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, June 18th, 2023
No. of Participants: Approximately 2,000
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Appletree Marathon takes place just across the border from Portland, in Vancouver, Washington, and offers runners a scenic course with views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. The race starts and finishes at Esther Short Park, taking runners through historic downtown Vancouver and along the Columbia River waterfront.
The course is known for its flat and fast terrain, making it a great option for runners looking to set a personal best time. The race also offers a half marathon, a 5K, and a kids’ run, making it a fun event for runners of all ages and abilities.
Bellingham Bay Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday, September 24th, 2023
No. of Participants: Approximately 4,000
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Bellingham Bay Marathon takes place in the beautiful city of Bellingham, Washington, and offers runners a challenging course with views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. The race starts and finishes at the iconic Bellwether Hotel, taking runners through downtown Bellingham and along the waterfront.
The course is known for its rolling hills and scenic views, including a stunning view of Mount Baker on a clear day. The race also offers a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K, making it a fun event for runners of all abilities.
Yakima River Canyon Marathon
Next Race Date: Saturday, April 1st, 2023
No. of Participants: Approximately 600
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Yakima River Canyon Marathon takes runners through the scenic Yakima River Canyon in Central Washington, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The race starts near the town of Ellensburg and finishes in the town of Selah, taking runners on a challenging course with several steep climbs and descents.
The course is known for its rugged beauty and the chance to run through the heart of Washington’s wine country. The race is limited to 600 participants, making it a small and intimate event that attracts serious runners looking for a unique and challenging experience.
Tunnel Light Marathon
Next Race Date: Saturday, June 3rd, 2023
No. of Participants: Approximately 1,500
Course Terrain: Trail / Flat
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The Tunnel Light Marathon takes runners through the Snoqualmie Tunnel in North Bend, Washington, offering a unique and beautiful experience for runners with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The race starts at Hyak and finishes in North Bend, taking runners on a flat and fast course through the tunnel and along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail.
The course is known for its flat and fast terrain, and the chance to run through one of the longest railway tunnels in the country. The race also offers a half marathon, making it a fun event for runners of all abilities.
Capital City Marathon (Olympia, WA)
Next Race Date: Sunday, May 15th, 2022
No. of Participants: Approximately 2,000
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Capital City Marathon in Olympia, WA, offers runners a challenging and scenic course through the city’s streets and neighborhoods, including the historic downtown and the beautiful Capitol Campus. The course has several challenging hills, including a steep climb at mile 22 known as “Bigelow Bash,” but the stunning views and enthusiastic crowd support make the challenge worth it for many runners.
The race is limited to 2,000 participants and also offers a half marathon and a 5K, making it a fun event for runners of all abilities. The Capital City Marathon is known for its supportive and inclusive community, and its commitment to promoting fitness and health in the Olympia area.
Portland Marathon
Next Race Date: N/A (the race was discontinued after the 2017 event)
No. of Participants: Approximately 8,000
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
The Portland Marathon was a beloved race that took runners on a scenic tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. The course was known for its challenging hills, but also for its beautiful views of the Willamette River, the St. Johns Bridge, and the historic neighborhoods of Northeast Portland.
The race was discontinued after the 2017 event due to financial and logistical challenges, but its legacy lives on in the memories of the thousands of runners who participated in it over the years.
Wrapping Up
The Pacific Northwest is a runner’s paradise, offering some of the most beautiful and challenging marathons in the country. From the rolling hills of Seattle to the rugged beauty of the Yakima River Canyon, there is something for every type of runner in this region.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a new challenge, or a first-time marathoner looking for a supportive and welcoming community, the marathons listed in this article are some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Each race offers its own unique features, from the fast and flat terrain of the Eugene Marathon to the stunning scenery of the Tunnel Light Marathon.
As a runner, there is no better way to experience the beauty and culture of the Pacific Northwest than by participating in one of these incredible marathons. So lace up your shoes, hit the road, and discover the beauty and challenge of running in the Pacific Northwest.
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