Marathons in Washington are a great chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon while running past beautiful natural wonders such as Crystal Creek, mossy forests, Deception Pass State Park, and much more.
Marathons and Trail Runs
Marathons in Washington are an important tradition for local residents, as well as Americans and visitors from other countries. They are legendary events that motivate, intrigue, and unite every runner as they pass through some of the favorite locations in the state.
1. Glacier Peak Institute
Aug 14, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 12K trail run
Darrington, WA
The Glacier Peak Institute half-marathon and marathon will be held on Sunday, August 14th, 2022. The run is a loop, starting at the White Chuck Boat Launch parking lot, then up across Forest Service Road 23 to the upper Crystal Creek trailhead, down across the White Chuck Bench Trail, and down Forest Service Road 22 to the boat launch. The Marathon route consists of two loops.
12K Event
The race will be held on Sunday, August 14th, 2022. This Washington run will be a point-to-point with parking near the lower road at the White Chuck Boat Launch. Athletes will be shuttled to the upper road and run back down to the boat launch.
AID STATIONS
Along the 12k route, there won’t be any aid stations, but one will be available at the finish line. Along the half and full marathon courses, there will be aid stations at 6m, 13m, 19m, and the finish line.
2. Tunnel Vision Marathon
Aug 14, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M run
North Bend, WA
Tunnel Vision Marathon is a 5-star marathon route. Whether new to marathons or an experienced runner, you can set your new personal record and qualify for the Boston Marathon. In 2019 over 590 people (40%!!!) qualified for Boston on this route.
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon (June 12, 2022 – 7 am) Tunnel Vision (August 14, 2022 – 7 am) Tunnel Light (September 18, 2022 – 8 am)
Each runner will get a spectacular marathon race day experience! Race entry includes:
- Designed finisher medal
- Finisher shirt
- Finisher bag
- Race day shuttle back to start line parking
- Boston Marathon qualification chance
- A 2 mile run through a tunnel
- Over 20 miles of steady downhill
Each race begins at the Hyak Lot at Snoqualmie Pass, and the Finish Line is just east of North Bend.
3. Jump off Joe Marathon
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K trail run
Kennewick, WA
The 7th annual Jump off Joe marathon, half marathon, and 10k are hosted by The Nomad Trail Runners of Eastern Washington.
This Washington marathon is mostly on gravel roads on and around Jump off Joe Mountain near Kennewick, WA. This event is more trail run than a typical flat road marathon. You can find aid stations every 3 to 5 miles.
All three events share the same start/finish line near the intersection of Owens Road and Hwy 397. The route will be marked with signage, flagging tape, and flour arrows.
This is not a certified route, and it is not a flat route. There will be some hills along the way. The views are scenic, and the downhills are blasted.
The 2022 race is a fundraiser for the Tri-Cities Pet Over-Population Prevention (POPP).
Jump off Joe t-shirts are for sale at a special, race-day-only price.
4. Fidalgo Trail Run
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5M trail run
Oak Harbor, WA
Fidalgo Trail Run is one of the most beautiful and spectacular races. This event takes place in Deception Pass State Park – the most scenic park in Washington – and goes through the forestlands, along the water, and over the Deception Pass Bridge.
This is a cool Washington marathon for the whole family. The course starts and finishes at Bowman’s Bay. While your family enjoys the relaxing beaches and water atmosphere, you can run a 5-mile, half, or full marathon!
The half and full marathon runners will cross over the Deception Pass Bridge. The bridge has scenic views of Puget Sound with a height of about 180ft and will remain open to traffic during the race.
Deception Pass State Park is a popular place, and you will likely meet other walkers.
Aid stations are available throughout the course with volunteers. You can find tasty food and treats at the finish line.
Woodland Speeders Kid’s Race
As part of the new Woodland Speeders program, free races are offered for kids. Parents can run with their kids. The course is a little bit challenging. It is a nice singletrack trail with an elevation gain of 500′ and is 1.7 miles long.
10K and 5K Events, Half and Full Marathons
Running a fast 10K can be just as challenging as running a half marathon or even a full marathon. To cover the distance quickly, you need to be able to run at a high intensity for a long time. Try the best 5k runs in Washington and set a personal best.
5. Mud Mountain Dam Marathon
Start Buckley, WA
Finish Orting, WA
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
The Mud Mountain Dam Marathon route starts at Mud Mountain Dam Park (elevation 1,319′), located in the forest next to the iconic White River. Starting with a 7-mile rolling downhill run through the Mud Mountain neighborhoods, you will head towards the White River crossing. After that, the route connects to the fast gradual downhill of the Foothill Rail Trail for the next 16 miles, passes through farmlands and forests, then along the Carbon River, and finishes in front of the Historic McMillin Bridge (elevation 128′).
The Half Marathon distance starts in the beautiful town of South Prairie (elevation 467′) and gradually goes downhill on the Foothill Rail Trail. You will pass through farmlands and forests, run along the Carbon River, and finish with the Marathon in front of the Historic McMillin Bridge (elevation 128′).
The 5K distance will be an out-and-back with a loop through the neighborhood at High Cedars Golf Club. One of the best 5k runs in Washington starts and finishes in front of the McMillin Foothill’s Trail Bridge.
6. Snohomish River Run
Oct 15, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Oct 16, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Snohomish, WA
This event is full of fun and running. The Snohomish River Run 5k and 10k will be held on Saturday, October 15th, and the half and full marathon will be held on Sunday, October 16th.
All athletes will get a race shirt and finisher medal. Full marathon runners will also get a Finisher Jacket.
You can also participate in challenge events by completing one event each day. Challenge participants will get a Challenge Medal and race awards from each completed event.
You will have 2 hours to complete the 5K and 10K. A full marathoner will have 5 hours to finish the route, and a half marathoner will have 4.5 hours.
7. Beat the Blerch
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Carnation, WA
Beat The Blerch is a 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon founded by The Oatmeal and inspired by comics about running.
This Washington race will take place in a beautiful little town about half an hour outside Seattle.
The course starts at King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park, and it’s a nice flat, out-and-back route that winds through mossy forests along the Snoqualmie valley trail. You’ll find strawberry farms and pumpkin patches, which offer guided tours near the start line of the marathon.
The half marathon and the 10K both start in waves of about 150 to 200 runners, spaced approximately 2-3 minutes apart.
8. Spokane Marathon
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K run | 26.2M relay
Spokane, WA
Spokane Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.
All distances have a start line in downtown Spokane, near the corner of Washington and Main. You can find Water Aid Stations with Gel and Porta Potties on the course.
The Marathon, half marathon, and 10K courses are USATF certified.
While there will be volunteers and police assisting with traffic management, this is not a closed course. Cars will be on the road.
Courses close at 1 pm.
This is not just one of the best marathons in Washington. It is one of the best marathons in the US, and chip timing will be provided by Negative Split Timing. You must wear your bib on your front so that it is visible. You can see results at atltiming.com, live, and after the race.
