Ghost of Seattle Marathon - Race Reviews

I had a great experience running the marathon. As the 3rd marathon of 4 in 4 days for the Seattle Quadzilla, there were plenty of marathon maniacs with their positive laid back attitudes and love for running. (I am not one of these crazy people, but I did enjoy their company.) The course is a loop south plus an out and back north for the half marathon, done twice for the marathon. I didn't mind the repetition because the scenery was beautiful. However, much of the path (asphalt running path, not closed course) has cracks and tree roots causing the surface to be very uneven. I tripped more than once and caught myself before falling. Not ideal for a marathon. There were only two aid stations, that you run by 6 times, so most carry their own water. The stations, while few, were loaded with tons of yummy snack options and drinks- including Coke. I really enjoyed the variety. This was a small race (just over 100 marathoners), and not a closed course. It was easy for my spectating husband to follow me, so I got to see him a lot. The spectators at the finish were enthusiastic and the post race food was great (chili and hot dogs). Heavy (tho un interesting) medal and hoodie instead of shirt.

This is one of the friendliest and best run little races we've run. Organisers and all the other runners were fun and friendly. Terrific volunteers. Given the size of the run there are very few spectators except friends and family. (I gave spectators a four star rating only because anything less brings the average down and this race deserves a big star rating.) The scenic, flat, lakeside route makes up for it. Only complaint about the course is no mile markers. There are still a few Luddites without GPS! Amazing food at the finish - chili dogs, chicken soup and beer instead of the usual bagels and bananas. Best medal ever and a really cool shirt to top it off. Kudos to the organisers for a great job.

One of the nicest small marathons I've run. There's runners doing 1/2 full and 50k starting at 3 start times and everyone is friendly and supportive you dont even miss the crowds of spectators. There will be marathon maniacs (and half fanatics) everywhere - many of them running their 3rd marathon in 3 days (out of 4 they will run the Seattle the day after!) but they are the nicest people and don't care how many or few you have run or what your speed is. Post race food is better than most big marathons, portapotties at the start and they even do medals now.. Run on the shores of Lake WA and round the park... on a nice day it doesn't get any better. The only downside is that its all run on the sidewalk so there can be people in the way in a couple of spots its a popular running route though so they mostly know how to get out of the way :-)

I am a New Long Distance Runner to Marathons and the Ghost was my 3rd. When it comes to the water stations (Leschi one) It would have been best (Or more clearly marked) to have two arrows going either (Opposite) direction around the tent or have the tent with more room around it, so runners do not run into other runners when they stop to get water. I tried to get out of the way of a runner that was standing in the middle of the path as she turn away from the table and I nearly avoided running her over, causing me to jerk my body out of it's stride position and immediately causing my calf muscles to contract and cramp severely. More Fruit and Chocolate Milk would be awesome at the Finish (Just my personal request) All and all, I would like to run the 2013 Ghost as I am now familiar with the lay out - all staff was very kind and caring. 3:39 was my time - not bad for just starting to run long distances since the beginning of the year. A shout out to SWR (Seattle Walk and Run) Thank you for your coaching and training - RIP Paul, you are missed by all members - God Bless.