Ghost of Seattle Marathon

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 :-)