UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon

UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon takes place in Seattle, Washington, on Sunday, November 29, 2026, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The program offers a marathon (26.2 miles) starting at 7:30 a.m., a half marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 7:00 a.m., and walk divisions for both distances. The event began in 1970 as a small gathering of University of Washington runners and has grown into one of the largest marathons and half marathons in the Pacific Northwest, drawing thousands of participants each year. The course is certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Starting from the Museum of Pop Culture, the marathon crosses downtown Seattle, taking in its bridges, neighborhoods, and waterfronts.

As a certified road course, the marathon suits anyone chasing a BQ or a personal best, while the half is a solid goal for a first long-distance race or a season-ending effort. Both competitive runners and recreational runners share the course, and the walk divisions open the day to non-runners. For the marathon, plan a 16- to 18-week build with a weekly long run; a 12-week block with long runs up to 10 or 11 miles will prepare you for the half.