Washington’s best-rated marathons run from Bellingham Bay to Tacoma, Vancouver and Whidbey Island, with several in and around Seattle. Here are the ones runners rate highest.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon – Seattle
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon is just one of the races in the Rock ‘n’ Roll series with over 30 cities participating annually. The marathon offers live bands and a party like atmosphere from start to finish, with post-race festivities and concert at the finish line. The marathon is held in June so you can expect mild to warm temperatures. Click here to read more about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon.
Image Source: The Running Adventures of Michael Lam
The Course
The course meanders through downtown Seattle on paved roadways, highways, and tunnels, with scenic views of Lake Washington and Seward Park. The course offers hilly and very flat variability with an extremely challenging peak at the 25 mile mark; a 270 ft rise over less than half a mile. The full marathon course has a time limit of 6 hours.
Image Source: Rock’n’Roll Seattle Marathon
Reviews
“Organization was great all around. Everyone was extremely helpful. The expo was big, and there were free samples to be found everywhere. It was like trick-or-treating for adults. The huge Brooks exhibit was really fun. The race shirt is attractive, and the finisher’s medal is a keeper. The start line is next to the iconic Space Needle, and the race begins with a run through downtown Seattle. The course is enjoyable despite a few hills and a couple of miles in an industrial part of town. After sharing the road with half marathoners for the first 10K, the marathoners get a separate race lane for the final 20 miles of the course. I loved all the bands and cheer squads.” – M.S., Marathonguide.com Review
“Course was beautiful, and I was warned about hills since I’m from flat ol’ North Dakota, so I can’t complain. The medics who helped me after were so kind and nice, they patched me right up and always made sure I was okay, A+++++ to them.” – Erica Belverstone, Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & ½ Marathon Facebook Page
Whidbey Island Marathon – Oak Harbor
This vacation spot is home to one of the 13 Bakers Dozen series of marathons which raises much needed funds for local charities, children’s programs, high school programs, and health and fitness encouragement. The Whidbey Island Marathon is held in April meaning typically sunny, mild days. Click here to read more about the Whidbey Island Marathon.
The Course
The hilly, scenic course starts in Deception Pass State Park and skirts the waterfront right before finishing at the Oak Harbor waterfront, with a celebration in the Windjammer Park. The greatest elevation change is 397 ft at the 18 mile mark, which is just one of four peaks, making this a challenging and hilly race. The marathon offers free shuttle buses from the nearby parking lot to the start line, and water and porta-potty stations every 1 ½-2 miles on the course. The full marathon course has a limit of 6 hours.
Image Source: Whidbey Island Marathon
Reviews
“The marathon was great! Great support at the starting line, along the route and the finish! Beautiful scenery! And enjoyed the post-race treats, music, park benches, and rollers!” – Amy Yeh, Whidbey Island Marathon Facebook Page
“As a first time marathoner, I was very nervous leading up to the race! But it turned out to be an amazing experience. The course was beautiful and the organization was exceptional. I will never forget this race! The hills weren’t too bad, the one at mile 17 is the trickiest. Looking at the elevation charts, I thought it would be all downhill and easy after around mile 18, but there were a few short uphill segments that were challenging to me, particularly the tiny little hill at mile 24. Usually it would be no problem, but any small hill is a challenge at mile 24! All in all, it was a challenging but wonderful race and I had a blast!” – K.E., Marathonguide.com Review
Green River Marathon – Kent
The Green River Marathon is a completely free event hosted by volunteers and donations from the event organizers. Extra donations are appreciated with all funds going to the Northwest Harvest, which is a state wide charity providing hunger relief. The marathon is typically held in June so you can expect mild to warm temperatures. Click here to read more about the Green River Marathon.
The Course
The course is very flat with two minor peaks towards the end of the run offering views of Seattle as you pass by. As this is a free event, dedicated restroom facilities are limited but additional rest rooms are found in the many parks along the way.
Image Source: Green River Marathon
Reviews
“Thanks for putting on such a great event with awesome volunteers. Can’t believe I finished second overall and broke 3:20. Thanks for making my weekend!” – Scott Sebelsky, Green River Marathon Facebook Page
“This was a great low key no frills marathon. i don’t have anything negative to say about it. Good organization, plenty of fluid stations, friendly volunteers, sufficient number of portapotties in the parks along the course and a well marked course made this a wonderful run.” – Bob Kidder, Marathonguide.com Review
Vancouver USA Marathon – Vancouver
This walking and running community event is the only marathon to also offer a summer brewfest! The Vancouver USA Marathon is a three day community event offering markets, the summer brewfest (offering tasting and pints of local and national brews), the marathon, and other festivities. The Vancouver USA Marathon is always held on Fathers’ Day and is a strong advocate for health and well being, and also offers a marathon just for kids. Click here to read more about the Vancouver USA Marathon.
The Course
The Vancouver USA Marathon starts and finishes in the beautiful Esther Short Park and offers a course through rural, historic and downtown areas of Vancouver. You will be treated to amazing views of the Columbia River and the course is relatively flat for the most part, but does offer four peaks with the two largest at the 15 and 20 mile mark. The full marathon course has a time limit of 7 hours.
Image Source: Vancouver USA Marathon
Reviews
“Its a great small -town race. Starts and finishes in the city center park. Course is pretty flat, nice, typical city marathon. Weather was perfect (but my summers in MS are hot hot, so I’m biased.) The selling point has to be the BEER BEER BEER at the finish! Literally about 250 beers on tap. My wife and I stayed at the Hilton (literally ten feet from the start /finish line.) and spent our post race time enjoying the BEER FEST! It was quite unique, and a race experience that gets a huge Thumbs Up.“ – Patrick Weldon, Marathonguide.com Review
“Super organized, with the participant’s needs at the forefront. Great energy, nice course through some lovely parts of historic Vancouver. Great shirts, great medals (which seem to get bigger every year, I think they’re the size of a teacup saucer now,) excellent course support with water, electrolyte drink (bring your own gels) and cheerful folks at every stop.” – Squeak Matterson, Running Favourites Review
Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon – North Bend
Located east of Seattle, the Jack & Jill Marathon offers a fast, gentle, downhill course. The marathon is one of the most scenic in Washington State and is typically held in July, so you can expect mild to warm temperatures with cool and damp conditions in the tunnel portion of the marathon. Click here to read more about the Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon.
The Course
The marathon starts at the picturesque Snoqualmie Tunnel for a gentle downhill course with a net elevation drop of 2,024 ft. The course follows the John Wayne Trail on compacted dirt/gravel tracks and then onto the Snoqualmie Trail to the finish line. A headlamp or flashlight is required in the Snoqualmie Tunnel portion, however plentiful volunteers will offer to hold your light for the remainder of the trail.
Image Source: Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon
Reviews
“I can’t believe how good this course felt. It was so gradual it never felt like I was running downhill. It just felt like I was having a REALLY FAST long run day” – Dave, Jack and Jill Marathon Website
“It was a beautiful run but sure didn’t feel like a downhill…lol…but my thighs tell me different” – Kaitlyn Marks, Jack & Jill’s Downhill Marathon Facebook Page
Skagit Flats Marathon – Burlington
The Skagit Flats Marathon offers the flattest Boston qualifier in all of Washington State. This is a charity event with a portion of the proceeds being donated to local high school sporting programs and the Skagit Search and Rescue. The marathon is typically held in September so you can expect mild temperatures. Click here to read more about the Skagit Flats Half Marathon.
The Course
This is a fast and flat course ideal for beating your personal best time. The course is primarily rural and transects through the Skagit Valley. Starting at the Burlington Edison High School, the marathon travels along rural but paved roadways and is a turnaround courses which finishes back at the high school. There are 8 manned water stations and 7 aid and restroom stations along the course. The full marathon course has a time limit of 6 hours.
Image Source: Skagit Flats Marathon
Reviews
“Great smaller race put on by runners. With over 25 marathons done, big and small, this one stands out as what running is about, just getting out there and running. Flat course, no crowds, pacers, water stations, marked, a peaceful, showers in high school, and nice medal. Fun finish on the track and many great post race restaurants in Bellingham.” – K.J., Marathonguide.com Review
“Thank-you to everyone involved in today’s race. You made this the best little long race ever. And a special shout-out to the lady who took my paper jacket, and the awesome aid station lady who helped me loosen my zip laces and the Search and Rescue at the finish line with the chairs and ice bags. The smiles and positive energy was amazing. Thanks for getting me to Boston.” – Jackie Davidson, Skagit Flats Marathon and Half Marathon Facebook Page
Bellingham Bay Marathon – Bellingham
The Bellingham Bay Marathon offers a scenic point to point course and a festival at the finish line which includes live music, food, and a beer garden. The marathon is usually held in September so you can expect mild to warm temperatures. Click here to read more about the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon.
The Course
This course offers a spectacular scenic route around Bellingham Bay with the start line near the Lummi Marine Park. The course has plentiful water, restroom, and aid stations along the route and offers a free shuttle bus service for the participants. The course is hilly, with a relatively flat section between the 9 and 14 mile marks and a major hill between the 14 and 18 mile mark.
Image Source: Bellingham Bay Marathon
Reviews
“This is one of my favorite races and I’ll be back next year. The course is beautiful with lots of scenery to take in. The spectators are awesome and there is plenty of water stations along the way. I want to thank all of the volunteers and the Police for their sense of humor and enthusiasm on a Sunday morning!” – Peggy Reynolds, Bellingham Bay Marathon Facebook Page
“Loved the start at the Lummi Nation School. The chant done by the tribal members had to be the coolest pre-race thing I had ever seen/heard. Course is spectacular, but definitely not a flat course. Some uphill rolling in the first 7 – 8 miles, then flat, then a couple of significant hills” – N.S., Marathonguide.com Review
Tri-Cities Marathon – Richland
The Tri-Cities Marathon is offers a scenic course through the heart of Washington’s Wine Country and provides some amazing views of the Columbia River. The race is held in October so you can expect mild to warm temperatures with a chance of light rain. Click here to read more about the Tri-Cities Marathon.
The Course
The course is flat and fast and takes you through the three cities of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco. The course is centered on the Columbia River, starting and finishing in the City of Richland whilst transecting the river four times over three bridges; the I-182, Blue, and Cable Bridges. This marathon has a 5 hour time limit.
Image Source: Tri-Cities Marathon
Reviews
“This is a great smaller race. Well organized, a race director who cares and answers email questions promptly, and solid communication via emails and fb updates as the race approaches. Felt like a small group of friends gathering before the gun. Mostly flat course except bridge crossings. Expect a little (or a lot) of wind. Not a PB for me but close, and the awards were awesome beer glasses. Loved it.” – B.O., Marathonguide.com Review
“This is a wonderful smaller marathon and half along the Columbia River. The Marathon route includes going up and over the I-182 bridge once after mile 1 and again after mile 24. Getting up to it is about a 100 foot climb, tough after 24 miles.” – D.T., Marathonguide.com Review
Seattle Marathon – Seattle
Starting in 1970, the Seattle Marathon has grown into one of the ten largest marathons in the US. The marathon is open to walkers, runners, wheelchair, and hank crank participants. The marathon is held in November so you can expect cooler temperatures, with potentially freezing conditions early in the morning. Click here to read more about the Seattle Marathon.
The Course
The course is relatively hilly but offers scenic views of Downtown Seattle and Lake Washington. The course is fully paved and travels through downtown Seattle, over the Lake Washington floating bridge and around the beautiful Seward Park. The full marathon has 15 aid stations and several designated cheer squad locations.
Image Source: Seattle Marathon
Reviews
“Great course and lots of fun people who run it! Lots of volunteers cheering you on but not many spectators. Lots of hills – so train for them and you’ll be fine.” – Rachel Roland, Seattle Marathon Facebook Page
“Great job by the organizing committee, from the package pickup to the finish, the weather was cold with a brisk wind, but the recovery area is indoors and very warm, with lots of food etc. The course is not too tough, a few short hills after about 20 miles. I will be back.” – Roger Macmillan, Marathonguide.com Review