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Jun 27, 2026
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The Seattle Marathon is a scenic loop course that showcases the Emerald City's iconic neighborhoods and waterfront. Runners pass through downtown Seattle, along Elliott Bay and the Ballard Locks, through Green Lake, and enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains. The course is relatively fast with manageable rolling hills, making it popular for runners seeking PRs.
Cool and wet typical of Pacific Northwest autumn. Rain is common; dressing in layers and waterproof gear is recommended. Occasional breaks in clouds offer views of the Olympics and Cascades.
The Race
Seattle
Founded in 1969, the Seattle Marathon has been a fixture of the Seattle sporting calendar for over 5 decades. What started as a modest local race has grown into an event that draws runners from around the world to United States's roads.
The course record of 02:06:52, set by Elijah Kipchoge in 2019, speaks to what the Seattle Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
The Seattle Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Seattle and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.
For thousands of runners each year, the Seattle Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
Macklemore
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02:06:52
Elijah Kipchoge (2019)
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