UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The UW Medicine Seattle Marathon has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s signature fall races, held each November and drawing local and international runners to Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods. Originally established several decades ago as a community road race, the event has grown into a major marathon and half-marathon that celebrates Seattle’s active culture and waterfront beauty. The race is known for its reliable organization and strong local support, including medical partnership with UW Medicine, and serves as a qualifying course for the Boston Marathon (USATF-certified). The course showcases some of Seattle’s most scenic and varied terrain: runners pass iconic waterfront views of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline, roll through historic neighborhoods and parks, and experience stretches along bike paths and arterial boulevards that highlight the city’s mix of urban and natural scenery. Expect challenging but fair elevation changes, plentiful aid stations and crowd support, and a finish area buzzing with music, local food, and family-friendly festivities. With typically cool late-November weather that’s ideal for distance running, this race offers a welcoming, energetic atmosphere for first-time marathoners and seasoned racers aiming for fast times or Boston-qualifying performances.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
UW Medicine named title sponsor in five-year agreement through 2027
Mar 23, 2023UW Medicine was announced as the title sponsor of the Seattle Marathon under a five-year agreement running through 2027; the university has staffed aid stations on the course for years and expanded the partnership to support the event’s health initiatives. The announcement was made in a UW Medicine press release describing the long-standing relationship between the race (founded 1970) and the University of Washington. ([newsroom.uw.edu](https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/uw-medicine-becomes-title-sponsor-seattle-marathon?utm_source=openai))
2026 race date, start times and Health & Fitness Expo confirmed
Dec 17, 2025The 2026 UW Medicine Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026 with the full marathon starting at 7:30 AM and the half marathon at 7:00 AM; the race’s Health & Fitness Expo is set for Friday–Saturday, November 27–28, 2026. The Race Roster event listing includes the full-course description and confirms the event is being promoted as Seattle’s original hometown marathon (running since 1970). ([raceroster.com](https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112954/2026-uw-medicine-seattle-marathon-and-half-marathon?utm_source=openai))
Registration windows and early‑bird deadline set for 2026 edition
Dec 17, 2025Race Roster shows registration for the 2026 event is open with tiered pricing and an early‑bird/last-day-for-early-bird deadline of March 31, 2026 (promotions such as a Valentine’s sale and other seasonal pricing windows are listed). Runners should note in-person packet pickup and expo dates are posted on the event page, so registering early secures preferred pricing and finisher-item pre-orders. ([raceroster.com](https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112954/2026-uw-medicine-seattle-marathon-and-half-marathon?utm_source=openai))
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Seward Park
Scenic start area on a peninsula in Lake Washington with forested trails and lake views
Lake Washington Boulevard
A long lakeside stretch offering rolling hills and expansive waterfront vistas
University of Washington (UW) Campus
Runners pass through the historic campus with views of collegiate buildings and cherry trees
Husky Stadium
Iconic UW football stadium adjacent to the course, providing a lively spectator zone
Gas Works Park
Former gas plant turned park with unique industrial structures and panoramic views of Lake Union and the city skyline
Pike Place Market
Historic waterfront market where runners pass near shops, vendors, and the famous fish toss
Seattle Center / Space Needle
The course approaches the cultural heart of the city with views of the Space Needle and museums
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Seattle, WA, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 16 years old on race day to run the marathon
- Must be at least 14 years old on race day to run the half marathon
- All participants must complete and sign the online waiver/participant agreement at registration
- Runners must register and pick up their race bib in person or designate an authorized packet pickup proxy per event rules
- Participants should have adequate training and medical clearance if they have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns
- Race has a marathon course cutoff time (finish line closed) of 6.5 hours; runners beyond the cutoff may be removed from course support
- Bib transfers are not permitted; participants must run under the name on their registration
- Participants must comply with race rules and directions from race officials and medical personnel
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the appropriate division and contact race organizers in advance to confirm accommodation
Required Documents
- Photo ID (required for packet pickup)
- Proof of time (for seeded corral or qualifying time verification)
- Signed waiver/registration confirmation
- Proof of age (if requested for age-group verification)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Group/Team Registration
- Virtual Race
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds for volunteer or participant-initiated cancellations
Deferral to the 2027 race allowed until 2026-11-01 for a $25 processing fee
Bib transfers to another runner permitted until 2026-11-01 for a $10 transfer fee and name change
If the event is canceled by organizers, entrants will be offered either a full refund (minus payment processing fees) or automatic deferral to the next event
The course is USATF-certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifying course.
Runners will enjoy scenic Seattle views including Elliott Bay and potential glimpses of Mount Rainier on clear days, along with several notable uphill sections in neighborhoods like Queen Anne and Capitol Hill.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and there is a post-race festival with food and a beer garden for participants and spectators.
Race weekend includes a pre-race packet pickup and expo, awards for overall and age-group winners, and plentiful aid stations approximately every 1.5–2 miles offering water, sports drink, and gels; participants are encouraged to use public transit or park-and-ride options due to limited downtown parking.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.