Seattle, Washington, United States
The Seattle Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Seattle, United States. The course starts at the University of Washington and finishes at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. The route crosses the I-90 bridge to Mercer Island and returns via the Lake Washington Boulevard. Mostly flat with a climb on the I-90 bridge.
Seattle Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Seattle Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 22 November 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 249 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Seattle Marathon is a point-to-point course from the University of Washington to Seattle Center near the Space Needle, crossing the I-90 bridge to Mercer Island and returning via Lake Washington Boulevard. Lake Washington Boulevard offers the easiest running along the water, while the I-90 bridge crossing and the rolling Mercer Island miles are the tougher mid-race work. Crowds gather at the UW start, along Lake Washington Boulevard, and at Seattle Center near the Space Needle finish.
The Seattle Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 249 metres of climbing and 276 metres of descent, with a net descent of 27 metres from start to finish.
The Seattle Marathon uses open registration at seattlemarathon.org with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the November race typically opens in spring. The hilly late-autumn course draws strong Pacific Northwest participation and early registration secures lower tier pricing.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Seattle.
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The Vancouver Marathon attracts approximately 4,500 finishers each May through one of the world's most scenic city courses. Runners pass Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge approach, Kitsilano Beach, and the UBC campus with mountain-and-ocean views throughout. May's mild Pacific Northwest spring makes it Canada's premier destination marathon.
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The Eugene Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each April in Track Town USA, finishing at the historic Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The course passes Pre's Trail, the Willamette River, and the city's running-obsessed neighbourhoods. April spring weather and the Hayward Field finish make it a pilgrimage for American running fans.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
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