Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Seattle Marathon is a rolling, frequently wet course along Lake Washington in the Pacific Northwest city, crossing bridges and undulating terrain that make it tougher than a flat record course. Held near the end of November, it typically delivers cold, damp conditions that demand appropriate preparation but can also favor hard racing. The lake and mountain views are a scenic reward for hardy runners. It suits runners who want an honest, hilly late-season test and don't mind bracing Northwest weather over a fast personal best.
Course Insight
Seattle is a rolling late-November marathon along Lake Washington, with hills, bridge crossings and a strong chance of rain to contend with. Pace the climbs by effort and embrace the cool, damp air as a racing aid even when it dampens the views. The undulation never lets you fully settle. Lake and bridge sections are exposed. Run it as a strength effort and the rollers stay an ally.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (270m), tough late hills, lots of turns.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 270m
- Elevation loss
- 299m
- Highest point
- 53m
- Lowest point
- 5m
- Net elevation
- +1m
- Start
- 5th Avenue and Harrison Street
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Seattle Marathon was first held in 1970 and grew into a hilly, frequently wet late-year tour along Lake Washington with mountain views. Its undulating terrain and cold, damp conditions made it one of the tougher Northwest races. From its founding it became the region's established marathon. Held near year's end, it draws hardy runners to the Washington city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), Paine Field Everett (PAE)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the route and full hotels, Belltown for trendy central stays, and Capitol Hill for characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at Seattle Center; take the monorail, walk from downtown, or use light rail to a central stop, arriving early.