Next race
Sunday, 29 November 2026
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Net downhill · 249 m gain
249 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 4,000 finishers
Course & terrain
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 net downhill 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.
Net downhill · 249 m gain — approx. 56 m above sea level
↑ 249 m · ↓ 276 m · net −27 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
18 km / 11 mi
King County International Airport - Boeing Field (BFI)
9 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Seattle.
The Victoria Marathon attracts approximately 3,500 finishers each October on Vancouver Island's scenic capital course. Runners pass the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Dallas Road waterfront with views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. October's mild island autumn and rolling coastal terrain make it one of Canada's most charming marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
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.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Maine Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each October on an urban and coastal road in Portland, United States. Its New England foliage timing is a major part of the event's appeal. The route passes Casco Bay inlets, wooded neighborhood roads, and harbor-facing sections near the peninsula. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Portland Marathon draws approximately 4,000 finishers on an urban road in Portland, United States. The course starts and finishes at Waterfront Park. The route crosses the Willamette River, passes Powell's Books, and follows the Springwater Corridor. Mostly flat with minor bridge climbs.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
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
The Whitefish Marathon draws approximately 257 finishers each May on a scenic road in Whitefish, United States. Montana's second-largest marathon field fills Whitefish each May with a hilly certified course in the Flathead Valley. The course loops through Whitefish neighborhoods, forest roads, and Flathead Valley scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
