Race: The Seattle Ghost Marathon
Runner: TRR Coach Michael Linscott
Race Date: 11/29/2025
Location: Seattle, Washington
Result: 4:27:41; 43rd place overall
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/16603367171/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Low key marathon: It felt like a long run, out on the trail, with a bunch of friends.
- Finish line atmosphere: Warm food: chili, hot dogs, soup, vegetarian options, and beer with a few space heaters to stay warm.
- Easy spectator access: Family and friends can follow along for moral support and photos.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- None of the streets, or driveways, are closed, so stay aware of cars and bikes.
- Lake Washington Blvd trail needs some work. Many roots have caused the asphalt trail to buckle and crack; at times it was tough to run on.
- Aid stations are minimal. Only water, electrolyte drinks and a few small snacks. Bring your own gels and any extra calories you would need.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
This is the course that “The” Seattle Marathon used to use. It started in 1985 when the Seattle Marathon changed courses and moved from Saturday to Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
It had been quite a while since I had run a marathon on roads; I enjoyed finding a pace that was challenging, then holding onto it for the whole 26.2 miles. I finished strong and didn’t beat myself up too much so I could run “The” Seattle Marathon the next day!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
A lot of marathons are “flat” but the Seattle Ghost Marathon is particularly so. No bridges, overpasses or any hills to speak of. So prepare your legs (and mind) for some very repetitive work.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
As a result of enjoying the morning and having fun out there, I forgot to stay ahead of my calories. With minimal aid stations (one at the start/finish that you pass by a few times, plus another small one) and not much to choose from at them, I didn’t eat enough. Next time, I would carry more calories on the run with me. And I would be more diligent about getting calories in.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is a very flat and fast certified Boston Marathon qualifier. But there is more than a mile of the Lake Washington Blvd Trail that is super bumpy from tree roots, making it tough to run on.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The Seattle Ghost Marathon starts at sunrise with a loop of Seward Park that sticks out into Lake Washington, giving way to some spectacular sunrise views. The rest of the course follows the trail along the lake and near some beautiful homes, showcasing great vistas across the lake to Mt. Rainier and the city of Bellevue.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
No! As far as marathons go, it is a very easy course. Only some very moderate vert, I think less than 300 feet of climbing for the whole Seattle Ghost Marathon. And with not many people running it, there is no congestion along the course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
For a very small and low key event, it is run very well. From e-mails to the marking of the course, the finish line and timing, it all ran perfect.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
No. The Seattle Ghost Marathon isn’t very competitive, it’s more of a fun challenge. If you want competition, the Seattle Marathon is the next day and it can be pretty competitive.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
While the website is pretty minimal, it is easy enough to find. And it doesn’t sell out or anything. A local couple put the race on and it’s all not-for-profit.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very basic aid stations. The electrolyte drink was something I hadn’t ever had before, and it didn’t work for me. There are no gels at the aid stations, just some basic “real food” options like chips and gummy bears.
Weather and typical race conditions
The end of November can be pretty rough with rain and such. This year, it was just cold enough that I needed some lightweight gloves despite running in a short sleeved tee. I’d advise runners to always bring rain gear and layers just in case it gets rainy. The Seattle Ghost Marathon starts at 7 am, so it’s just getting daylight when you start, but not dark enough to need a headlamp.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special. You pass the start/finish three times and you can have a drop bag there if you want to grab or drop extra layers or whatever.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The Seattle Ghost Marathon is super friendly for family, especially because it runs alongside a very accessible road. Your friends can meet you at basically any point along the course (or at one of the many parks the course goes past). One benefit of the course not being “closed”, is that family and friends can walk along the path and meet you as you come by.
How’s the Swag?
There was a cool design on a basic hoodie, alongside a nice and unique little medal with a built in bottle opener. Not bad for the low cost of the race.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5! If you are looking for a low key, friendly, marathon, and you’re okay with not a ton of aid or closed streets, the Seattle Ghost Marathon is a fantastic race!
Learn more about the Seattle Ghost Marathon on the official race website here.
Michael Linscott is a coach with Team RunRun based in North Bend, Oregon. Michael works with a wide range of athletes: from new runners following a “couch to 5K” plan, to experienced ultramarathoners preparing for a gnarly 100 miler, and everyone in between.