The word marathon comes from the Greek word “marathon,” which means “long race.” It was used to describe the ancient Olympic Games, where athletes raced for about 21/2 hours.
The modern marathon started with an event called the “Great North Run” in England in 1981. A group of people wanted to create a new type of athletic competition that could be held on public roads.
In 1984, the organizers of the New York City Marathon decided to hold a race that would cover 26.2 miles (42 km) and included both men and women.
Since then, other cities have followed suit. There are now more than 500 marathons worldwide – including in Seattle!
Below we have the best marathons in Seattle, and everything you need to know about them – from where the races are held, to the terrain you’ll be facing.
Jack & Jill’s Downhill Half Marathon
This race is about as close to the Boston marathon as you’ll get without actually running there. There are hills, but nothing too steep.
You won’t need any training for this race. This race takes place in the mountains near Seattle and is a great trail run.
The first half of the race is cool and damp. Headlamps are needed to see the trail. Runners must remember to bring their flashlights.
Volunteers wait at the end of the tunnel for those who do not wish to continue.
The John Wayne Trail is a great trail for running. It’s a very scenic route along the coast. This trail is flat and easy to follow. At mile 8 there is a slight uphill climb. It’s a short but steep hill.
Don’t worry about this because it’s not too hard. Just make sure you bring a headlamp or flashlight because you’ll need it when you get into the tunnel.
The half-marathon is a point-to-point course that starts at the halfway point of the full marathon course. Runners begin at the bottom of the mountain, and then climb a one-mile road/trail.
Temperatures vary greatly throughout the year due to wind patterns. In the summer, the temperature averages around 76 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the average temperature is around 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seattle Sunrise Marathon
This event has gone hybrid! Virtual races offer an opportunity to participate in a race without leaving your house.
Participants receive a digital packet with 12 tools awesome for their virtual race! Medals are awarded after the run. Other virtual races include 5K, 10K, and half-marathon.
A virtual race isn’t really a race, but it still gives us the same feeling of finishing something. Participants receive a shirt before the run and a medal after the run.
We’ll also send them a digital packet with 12 tools awesome for their virtual race.
How It Works
1. Register for the marathon, half-marathon, 10k, or 5k.
2. Get a t-shirt, bib, finishers medal, and racecourse mailed.
3. Start at the same start line like everyone else and run a scenic course in your city, but run at your own time and pace.
4. Record your race time with any app. Compete against other participants.
Orca Half Marathon
With this race, you’ll be treated to stunning views of downtown Seattle, Blake Island, Vashon Island, Puget Sound. It’s pretty darned flat.
Ticking off the boxes is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. Participants get a nice feeling by choosing to plant a tree instead of wearing an unwanted or worn-out shirt.
Nuun is proud to serve you as you run your first 5K! They’ll see you there! This course is a fantastic point-to-point race.
There are two shortcuts and sections before the long out and back section. The runners actually will be running on roads, sidewalks, and even trails. Cars may block runners’ paths, but there will be plenty of room for them to pass.
Earth Day Run
Earth day run is happening on April 16th, 10 AM. Come down to Magnuson Park and plant a tree in your name.
You could also get a free native tree home. There will be 5 races in the 2022 race series, and this is the second race. This race starts at 9:30 AM on April 23rd. Join us for a run at this state park near Issaquah, WA, and a short drive from the city of Seattle.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle
The race has been held every year since 2015. Runners run around the lake for a half-marathon. There is a big hill at the end.
At the finish line, runners can enjoy the post-run festivities. Race organizers are responsible for ensuring the safety of runners during races.
When a runner gets lost, he/she should report this to race officials as soon as possible. If a runner needs assistance, he/she should ask someone nearby for help.
If there is no one around, he/she should try to make himself/herself comfortable. If the runner is injured, he/she should seek medical attention.
The winner, Joseph Darda, is an American runner from Fort Worth, TX. He won the race at 2:33:23. The second-place finisher, Katryna Williams, is a Canadian runner from Seattle.
She finished at 3:05:24. None. This is a challenging course. A challenging course is a race where you run around obstacles instead of running straight.
In this case, there are some obstacles, but they aren’t very difficult. You could probably do them without even thinking about it.
The Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon ranks as the fastest marathon in America and Washington. The course is fast and has an average temperature and humidity level.
Runners who run the marathon in 3 hours 22 minutes get a score of 100%. Runners who run the race in less than three hours get a score of 0%. Runners who run in under three hours get a score below 0.
Summer Spirit Run
The summer spirit run is an event where runners wear their favorite jerseys or shirts. There is a 5K, 10K, and 15K. Kids run a 400 m sprint before the main events.
There are lots of things to do at Magnuson Park this weekend. You can run or walk in the 5K race, the 10K race, or the 15K race. Or you can participate in the Duathlon race (a two-part race).
Amica Insurance, Seattle Marathon
The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon is an annual event held every November. It is the largest running race in Washington state.
This year, it takes place on November 22nd. You can register online, or you can sign up in person at the start line.
This marathon takes place rain or shine. There will be no refunds if there is a cancellation due to weather conditions. You must enter online before you register.
Seward Park Run
This event is open to families of all ages. All races are timed, and participants receive medals upon completion. There are various distances for children and adults, as well as a fun kid’s race.
This is an online event that provides training plans, access to real trainers, and other fun incentives for runs. Registration opens at 6 am on race morning.
Your bib number will be mailed to you after you complete your registration. You may not transfer your entry to another runner. All medical expenses are paid by the race organizers. No bandit runners allowed.
Washington Olympic Adventure
The east entrance trailhead is located on the west side of Highway 112, just ¼ mile past the Hwy 112 bridge over the Elwha River.
The parking lot accommodates 10 cars. The hike starts off very easily as you head up the hill towards the overlook. The scenery changes as you get closer to the top.
The view is amazing! You’ll see the river, mountains, and even a few glaciers.
After you’ve reached the overlook, you’ll start heading down the other side of the mountain. As you descend, you’ll notice more views of the lake and surrounding areas.
On your descent, you’ll pass by some old-growth forest before reaching the paved road. From there, you’ll cross over the road and continue into the next section.
This section takes you to the lake, then up a steep incline until you reach the high divide. Once you reach the high divide, you’ll start descending back down. At this point, you’ll still be surrounded by beautiful nature.
You’ll eventually make it back to the paved road. From here, you’ll begin heading back to your car. On your return trip, you’ll follow the same route as you went out.
It ends at the East Beach Trailhead, with a parking lot and Olympic Discovery Trail access.
Washington Mother’s Day Half Marathon
The Mother’s Day Half Marathon and 5K is an annual event celebrating mothers on Mother’s Day. This year’s race will be held in Sammamish, WA.
There will be a kid’s race as well. Participants receive chip timing, a finishers’ medal, and a t-shirt. The race starts and ends at Sammamish State Park.
How Many People Participate In Marathons?
In 2017, there were 2 million participants in marathons across the world. That includes 1 million Americans and 600,000 Europeans.
How Long Do Marathons Take To Finish?
It takes most marathon runners between four and six hours to complete the course. The average person finishes a marathon from 3:30 to 4:00 per mile.
Why Do Some People Choose To Run Marathons?
Running a marathon can be very rewarding. You will feel great after completing your race, and you may want to continue training for another one.
Some people enjoy the camaraderie of participating in a race together. Others just like the challenge of pushing themselves physically.
Running a marathon can also help you lose weight. After finishing a race, you will likely eat less food. Your body will use up its energy stores faster, so you won’t need to eat as much during the next few days.
How Fast Should I Go When I Am Running A Marathon?
If you want to run a marathon, you don’t necessarily need to set a goal of breaking any records.
However, if you really want to improve your performance, try to work toward a personal record. This means that you will strive to reach your best possible time.
There are several ways to measure how fast you are going during a marathon. One way is to count the number of seconds it takes for you to run a certain distance.
For example, if you run 5 miles in 10 minutes, this means that you run 50 meters every second. Another method is to use a watch that measures the distance you travel each minute.
If you run 5 miles in 20 minutes, this means that your pace was 6 mph or 9.6 kph.
You can also calculate your speed using a formula. To find out your average speed over a given distance, multiply the length of the route by your pace.
For example, if your total distance is 18 miles, and you completed the race at 7:10 per mile, your average speed is 8.7 mph.
Final Thoughts
Running a marathon is not easy. It requires lots of preparation and dedication. But once you have trained hard enough, you will see the benefits.
Running a marathon can make you healthier, happier, and more fit. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
- How Long Does It Take to Run 3 Miles? - April 21, 2022
- Houston Running Trails - April 21, 2022
- How To Wash Adidas Shoes - April 21, 2022
