An online promotional about this marathon says the Capital Building is one of the Sites you will see during the marathon. In fact it should say 'the only site' you will see. The marathon is very, very rural, and with a field of 500 you need to be a self motivator. You only run in /near downtown Olympia at the very beginning and very end. The rest is through rural pasture land and a few sporadic residential neighborhoods. Intermitently rolling in places, but definitly a quick course if you are looking for time. The Long Sleeve Mock Finsihers Shirt, Beautiful Medal, and huge abundance of food was very welcome.
Only diluted energy drinks all race even at 20 miles and beyond-if you use gu or power gel, bananas etc, bring your own. Overall highly reccomend.

(Run in '01). Course slightly hillier because of re-route caused by earthquake damage. Course misses some of area's best scenery in order to avoid big hills. You run through a fair number of neighborhoods and commercial areas. Hills, though not ridiculous, might make one re-consider this for a PR attempt. Reasonable organization. Staff handled my chip-timing snafu very well; no yelling or blaming. Start/finish in a city park, which is across street or within 3 bl. of 2 motels. Fellow runners friendly.

Of the 15 marathons I ran between 1981 and 1987, Capital City has been my Favorite ! You have a beautiful course and our Motel was only a short walking distance to the starting Line. I set my PR of 3:02:32 at this Marathon (1985). The next two marathons I trained for I was hoping for a sub 3 hour marathon but overtrained on both occasions and got sick. And here it is the year 2001 and both my daughter (28) and myself (57) would like to run Olympia again in May. I note that you have changed the month to May from July. I remember the weather was very warm in July 1985 but I believe the marathon started at 7am so it was just perfect. My daughter is a dedicated marathoner and hopes for a sub 3:10. Anyways we look forward to visiting your beautiful city once again and running your well organized event. I cannot remember the name of the Motel we stayed in but it was very close and nice with outdoor swimming pool. Cheers for now.