San Juan Island Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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....)

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).

This was my first marathon and I had a blast. The race featured majestic views of the Olympic Mountains framed by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, sunshine and a cool sea breeze. The weather in June fluctuates between rain and sun though, so it may not be sunny every year. Lots of hills laced throughout the entire race, but the views at the top of each hill made it worth the hard work.

Well everyone will tell you about the flowers, great views of the water, well marked course, fun location, etc. I will give you my complaints. This is a good marathon... but you pay full price and get a marginal shirt and medal. I can call the medal "artsy," but the shirt is just a poor effort. For the price of the race I'd expect a better shirt... or a finisher's shirt. I may also expect better finish line food. Yes, there is a free pre-race meal (basically for all of the out-of-towners)... that's a nice touch, but it doesn't help after the race. The flowers were pretty. The berries are not even close to ripe this time of the year... too bad, stopping to pick berries would have been fun! The views of the water were very nice too! They used Gleukos as the fluid replacement. I liked that... no upset stomach like Gatorade or PowerAde. There was fruit on the course, as well as gummy bears and M&M's. Quite a bit for a small race like this. Volunteers were friendly, as expected.

I highly recommend this marathon for its scenery, but not for time if you're interested in qualifying for Boston. It was my 68th 26er, and for sheer beauty it was one of the best. Make room reservations early. Good luck and running, Don

This is billed as a scenic marathon, and it lives up to that and then some. All the islands off the coast of seattle are incredible. So naturally the scenery for the marathon is fantastic. But beyond that, the orginization is great, the responses from the folks running the race was quick and helpful (via the website for the race), the volunteers manning the water stations did a great job, the town itself supported the race and the B&B I stayed at was awesome. This is a small race, and that's a good thing. All the participants were friendly and the ambience is like something out of the past that you probably thought had long since ceased to exist. The people supporting the race and those in the race are all there to enjoy the run and the place. The course is hilly. But don't let that scare you away. It's still one of the coolest runs you'll ever go on. The weather is perfect, and that's what drew me to it after this years hot/humid freescale in austin. It was in the mid-50's and overcast. I loved it. I only gave it 2 stars on spectators because much of the course is run through the countryside of the island where few people are around. Again, this wasn't an issue to me though, because I was there to enjoy a beautiful running experience through some awesome surroundings, and that's exactly what I got. This is a vacation marathon if ever there was one.

I've run some beautiful marathons - Napa, Big Sur, Seattle, and Victoria, B.C., (and Boston--not pretty) - but this one really was as beautiful a course as any and deserves a run. You must stay on San Juan Island the night before, but it's worth a weekend visit anyway. I had a PR and enjoyed every minute.

I only ran the 1/2 marathon. It takes a commitment to run this. Have to ferry there the day before and spend the night as it is impossible to get there the day of. Friday Harbor is not an inexpensive place to stay either. That said, the course is scenic but hilly. The full marathon gets the best part of the island to run on. You don't come for a fast time. The island residents were very enthusiastic about having the event and were very friendly towards the runners. Felt very welcome. Not a whole lot of spectators, but with the rolling hills and ocean to look at, no real need for them. Only drawback is in awards. They promised awards for age group winners to be mailed. Repeated attempts to get mine fell upon deaf ears. No response. If they aren't going to give them out, don't announce how nice they are. Am unlikely to patronize this run again. My travel dollars will go to places where what's promised is delivered.

O.K., I only ran the 1/2 marathon, but much of the course was shared with the marathoners and, with 30 marathons under my shoes, I feel qualified to comment on a very noble effort for an inaugural event. Running in the San Juan Islands is a treat in and of itself. And the town of Friday Harbor is a terrific place to stage a race that should be incorporated into a memorable family vacation as well. The weather for the event was a light drizzle and pleasant temps, if not on the warmer side of normal for the Pacific Northwest. The volunteers were enthusiastic and well-coached. This is a small race and the spectators were minimal. But the scenery and rolling landscape was memorable. I highly recommend this event.