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Marathon Details - San Juan Island Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WA > Friday Harbor > San Juan Island Marathon

San Juan Island Marathon

Kings San Juan Island Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Friday Harbor, WA USA

June 15, 2024

http://www.sjimarathon.com

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Race Details

Scenic rurual run around San Juan Island

Contact Information

Name:	Paul Hopkins
Address:	P.O. Box 1184, Friday Harbor, Wa 98250
Phone Number:	360-472-0908
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (17)

Course 4.4

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.0

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Number of comments: 17 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

K. M. from VT (6/22/2018) "Amazing place to run!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was marathon # 57 for me and had to be one of the most beautiful courses I have run. Gave everything a 5 including 'spectators' as you have eagles flying overhead, deer wandering around you, orcas, and also run by a alpaca farm. Stayed at the host lodge and had a wonderful experience with everything.
M. S. from Southeast USA (8/1/2016) "Beautiful and well worth it!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran the marathon in 2016 and would rank this race as one of the top ten (of 85 for me) in terms of natural beauty. In some past years, runners saw whales along the course although I didn't get quite as lucky with nature. Regardless, the course was pretty the whole time. Some miles along the coast, some in the forest, and more than enough race support for the size of the race. I stayed at the host hotel which was also lovely and could not be closer to the finish. The race director and volunteers were all awesome and super supportive. Some of the best I've seen. While I did not take any, the post- race food also looked ample (I heard there was a burrito bar). We joined courses with the half marathon folks during the second half, but it was never overly crowded as it sometimes can be when courses merge. I am surprised this race didn't have more people- I traveled from the east coast for this, but would be tempted to return just for the fantastic people, course and beauty. This is a beautiful part of the country and the simplicity of this well-organized marathon allow the scenery to shine. While I concur the course was tough, the views made the hills worth the effort.
E. S. from Greater Seattle Area (7/20/2015) "Beautiful but hilly, less suport" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I only ran the half marathon but the course largely followed the same path. It was a beautiful course - through rolling countryside and even an alpaca farm! - but it was very hilly and I eavesdropped on the first few finishes (after the race) who said it was one of the hardest courses they had ever run. There was water and gatorade about every 2-3 miles and food at then end. However, in the weeks leading up to the race, I tried numerous times to contact the organizers for details about the course, etc. for my training (it was my first half) and no one responded which I was very frustrated by. No free t-shirt (you have to buy one) but you do get a medal at the end. One thing to note is that there are not many runners in the half (less than a hundred) and even less in the full (probably less than 20) so you're not running with a ton of support. Overall though, the run was a beautiful one and great for spending a lot of time with yourself and pushing yourself really hard on your own. I definitely had many pep-talks with myself and felt like I came out stronger.
S. C. from Oregon, USA (6/8/2011) "Must Experience NW Jewel !" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I've wanted to run this marathon since I first heard of it a few years ago from fellow runners. For 2011, the islands are ranked #3 by National Geographic as a world travel destination & #2 by NY Times in its Places To Go list. Fittingly, on the day of the race, all of us runners were accompanied by the most amazing island weather in the 70's and a course with scenery that left one breathless if the island hills hadnt already done that! Views of white-capped Olympia National Park & Victoria British Columbia in the distance, the island chain with kayakers, white-mast sail boats in the channels, beautiful coves, rolling pastures, & the list of sights was just endless. The volunteers were very friendly & supportive - although understandingly sparse! Highly recommended!
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (6/8/2009) "beer and burritos were great!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 San Juan Island Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Still a tough course, but not as difficult as some other local courses. They did have the flat section marked this year (it was about 25 meters, marked with "Flat section starts here," and "Flat section ends here" signs). There really aren't any other flat sections! Lots of food/water/Gatorade at the finish, and well stocked, friendly aid stations every 2 miles. The added beer and burrito after the race were great once the keg started working - a little difficult to find, but well worth it. I think the race directors did the best job they have done in the 3 years that I have run this. More marathoners should give this race a try.
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (6/22/2008) "Scenic course, difficulty overrated" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 After running the half marathon previously, the full marathon course was a surprise. The best parts of the course are missed if you only run the half. The view of Victoria on the west side of the island and the 10K loop on the east side were course highlights. Really only one big hill and one medium hill, both fairly short and early. The rest of the course is gently rolling. Certainly not as difficult as other local marathons. Very convenient to walk on to the ferry in Anacortes and then walk up to the start (about a half mile from the ferry terminal). The short-sleeve tech shirts have been great the last couple of years, far better than getting yet another long-sleeve one. It's not worth staying for the awards ceremony; however, it is worth staying for the later ferry that did not originate in Canada (the earlier ferry is packed and you have to go through customs when returning to Anacortes). A great, small marathon overall!
E. R. from New Jersey (6/20/2008) "This one is a no-brainer!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 33rd marathon, one of the most challenging courses I've ever run, but hands-down an experience I wouldn't trade for any other race in Washington. This is a very scenic, challenging course. San Juan island is a fantastic place to visit, and although it requires a couple of connections to get there, it's worth the trip. Think Martha's Vineyard meets Vermont meets the California coast. The race directors do a great job organizing the course, and the local drivers are very friendly towards the runners (the roads are not 100% closed). The finishers medal is a unique keepsake, and you get a nice tech shirt too. If you need 26 miles of cheerleaders, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love running, and you want your travels to take you to interesting places and see this beautiful country that we live in, then you should be looking for races like this!
D. M. from Washington (6/2/2008) "Beautiful" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This course was gorgeous, and was my first road run! It is obvious that many of the runners who commented below on the lack of spectators have never participated in trail runs. It is about the mental challenge and the will to continue, no matter how challenging the course seems. I loved this race for that very reason! I thought the volunteers at this race did an excellent job and were very friendly. I would definitely participate in it again!
M. S. from Seattle. (11/28/2007) "Great but needs more support." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I liked the course, but it was a lonely experience. I got the to the part where half marathon runners turned left and marathon runners turned right.... Suddenly I was on my own! Now I shared the road with deer and had eagles coming to take a look at me. This is different! What wasn't fun was the cars; although the locals drive with great care and caution, the roads were not actually closed at all. This was a bit worrying. Runner support was a bit spotty, there was little in the way of spectators for long stages, and there were some hilly parts where you really needed encouragement. Overall it's a different experience from normal. Getting out to the island is an obstacle due to the crowded ferry, and getting back you had to go through US Customs. What???? (With a hot, dry 2-hour wait. Grrrr....)
S. S. from Washington State (6/23/2007) "beautiful views but a bit unorganized" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The weather was gorgeous and course was idyllic (albeit hilly). Given the size of the island, I appreciated all the spectators' support. I was a bit disappointed because the country roads were not closed to traffic, and at the end of the race, I was offered a Dixie cup of water. I had to pay $1 for a bottle of water. Additionally, when I checked my time on-line, it was my clock time, not my actual time (that is, the posted time didn't subtract the time it took me to initially reach the start line).

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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K. M. from VT (6/22/2018) "Amazing place to run!" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was marathon # 57 for me and had to be one of the most beautiful courses I have run. Gave everything a 5 including 'spectators' as you have eagles flying overhead, deer wandering around you, orcas, and also run by a alpaca farm. Stayed at the host lodge and had a wonderful experience with everything.
M. S. from Southeast USA (8/1/2016) "Beautiful and well worth it!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran the marathon in 2016 and would rank this race as one of the top ten (of 85 for me) in terms of natural beauty. In some past years, runners saw whales along the course although I didn't get quite as lucky with nature. Regardless, the course was pretty the whole time. Some miles along the coast, some in the forest, and more than enough race support for the size of the race. I stayed at the host hotel which was also lovely and could not be closer to the finish. The race director and volunteers were all awesome and super supportive. Some of the best I've seen. While I did not take any, the post- race food also looked ample (I heard there was a burrito bar). We joined courses with the half marathon folks during the second half, but it was never overly crowded as it sometimes can be when courses merge. I am surprised this race didn't have more people- I traveled from the east coast for this, but would be tempted to return just for the fantastic people, course and beauty. This is a beautiful part of the country and the simplicity of this well-organized marathon allow the scenery to shine. While I concur the course was tough, the views made the hills worth the effort.
E. S. from Greater Seattle Area (7/20/2015) "Beautiful but hilly, less suport" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I only ran the half marathon but the course largely followed the same path. It was a beautiful course - through rolling countryside and even an alpaca farm! - but it was very hilly and I eavesdropped on the first few finishes (after the race) who said it was one of the hardest courses they had ever run. There was water and gatorade about every 2-3 miles and food at then end. However, in the weeks leading up to the race, I tried numerous times to contact the organizers for details about the course, etc. for my training (it was my first half) and no one responded which I was very frustrated by. No free t-shirt (you have to buy one) but you do get a medal at the end. One thing to note is that there are not many runners in the half (less than a hundred) and even less in the full (probably less than 20) so you're not running with a ton of support. Overall though, the run was a beautiful one and great for spending a lot of time with yourself and pushing yourself really hard on your own. I definitely had many pep-talks with myself and felt like I came out stronger.
S. C. from Oregon, USA (6/8/2011) "Must Experience NW Jewel !" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I've wanted to run this marathon since I first heard of it a few years ago from fellow runners. For 2011, the islands are ranked #3 by National Geographic as a world travel destination & #2 by NY Times in its Places To Go list. Fittingly, on the day of the race, all of us runners were accompanied by the most amazing island weather in the 70's and a course with scenery that left one breathless if the island hills hadnt already done that! Views of white-capped Olympia National Park & Victoria British Columbia in the distance, the island chain with kayakers, white-mast sail boats in the channels, beautiful coves, rolling pastures, & the list of sights was just endless. The volunteers were very friendly & supportive - although understandingly sparse! Highly recommended!
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (6/8/2009) "beer and burritos were great!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 San Juan Island Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Still a tough course, but not as difficult as some other local courses. They did have the flat section marked this year (it was about 25 meters, marked with "Flat section starts here," and "Flat section ends here" signs). There really aren't any other flat sections! Lots of food/water/Gatorade at the finish, and well stocked, friendly aid stations every 2 miles. The added beer and burrito after the race were great once the keg started working - a little difficult to find, but well worth it. I think the race directors did the best job they have done in the 3 years that I have run this. More marathoners should give this race a try.
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (6/22/2008) "Scenic course, difficulty overrated" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 After running the half marathon previously, the full marathon course was a surprise. The best parts of the course are missed if you only run the half. The view of Victoria on the west side of the island and the 10K loop on the east side were course highlights. Really only one big hill and one medium hill, both fairly short and early. The rest of the course is gently rolling. Certainly not as difficult as other local marathons. Very convenient to walk on to the ferry in Anacortes and then walk up to the start (about a half mile from the ferry terminal). The short-sleeve tech shirts have been great the last couple of years, far better than getting yet another long-sleeve one. It's not worth staying for the awards ceremony; however, it is worth staying for the later ferry that did not originate in Canada (the earlier ferry is packed and you have to go through customs when returning to Anacortes). A great, small marathon overall!
E. R. from New Jersey (6/20/2008) "This one is a no-brainer!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 33rd marathon, one of the most challenging courses I've ever run, but hands-down an experience I wouldn't trade for any other race in Washington. This is a very scenic, challenging course. San Juan island is a fantastic place to visit, and although it requires a couple of connections to get there, it's worth the trip. Think Martha's Vineyard meets Vermont meets the California coast. The race directors do a great job organizing the course, and the local drivers are very friendly towards the runners (the roads are not 100% closed). The finishers medal is a unique keepsake, and you get a nice tech shirt too. If you need 26 miles of cheerleaders, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love running, and you want your travels to take you to interesting places and see this beautiful country that we live in, then you should be looking for races like this!
D. M. from Washington (6/2/2008) "Beautiful" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This course was gorgeous, and was my first road run! It is obvious that many of the runners who commented below on the lack of spectators have never participated in trail runs. It is about the mental challenge and the will to continue, no matter how challenging the course seems. I loved this race for that very reason! I thought the volunteers at this race did an excellent job and were very friendly. I would definitely participate in it again!
M. S. from Seattle. (11/28/2007) "Great but needs more support." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I liked the course, but it was a lonely experience. I got the to the part where half marathon runners turned left and marathon runners turned right.... Suddenly I was on my own! Now I shared the road with deer and had eagles coming to take a look at me. This is different! What wasn't fun was the cars; although the locals drive with great care and caution, the roads were not actually closed at all. This was a bit worrying. Runner support was a bit spotty, there was little in the way of spectators for long stages, and there were some hilly parts where you really needed encouragement. Overall it's a different experience from normal. Getting out to the island is an obstacle due to the crowded ferry, and getting back you had to go through US Customs. What???? (With a hot, dry 2-hour wait. Grrrr....)
S. S. from Washington State (6/23/2007) "beautiful views but a bit unorganized" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 San Juan Island Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The weather was gorgeous and course was idyllic (albeit hilly). Given the size of the island, I appreciated all the spectators' support. I was a bit disappointed because the country roads were not closed to traffic, and at the end of the race, I was offered a Dixie cup of water. I had to pay $1 for a bottle of water. Additionally, when I checked my time on-line, it was my clock time, not my actual time (that is, the posted time didn't subtract the time it took me to initially reach the start line).

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Marathon Details - San Juan Island Marathon