Race: The Seattle Marathon
Runner: TRR Coach Michael Linscott
Race Date: 11/30/2025
Location: Seattle, Washington
Result: 4:54:55, 1892 out of 2541
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/16613752479/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- A big marathon experience without the big hassle: 8,000 runners at the start, but pretty much stress-free navigation as Seattle is easy to get around, especially on a quiet Sunday in November.
- Aid stations and volunteers: There are 13 aid stations along the course with lots of helpful volunteers.
- 26.2 miles meandering around Seattle: The course changed (again), allowing us to see Cap Hill, Interlaken Park, the Arboretum, the Montlake Bridge, University of Washington, Gas Works Park, the Burke Gilman Trail, Magnolia, and even the Olympic Sculpture Park! It felt like a long run, on a sightseeing trail, with a bunch of friends.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
This year had to change at the last minute, and not for the better. We had to run down some odd streets and trails to get the full 26.2 miles. This included some dirt trails behind the University of Washington (UW), a strange out-and-back that was super narrow for the amount of people on the course, another out-and-back across a parking lot… Odd.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Putting together a 26.2 mile course can’t be all amazing. However, parts of this year’s course – running behind a railroad yard, along a back bay where boats are serviced, some interesting loops on the UW campus – were super weird for me.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I decided to do back-to-back marathons this year: the Seattle Ghost Marathon on Saturday, and then this on the Sunday. So I was happy (and a little relieved) to get to the start line healthy and ready to go! I took my time out there, soaking in all the interesting parts of Seattle that the course meandered through.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Seattle on a Sunday morning is pretty quiet. One benefit is that you can find quite a bit of parking very close to the start line.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
The few steep hills caught me off guard. Having trained on flat ground, this left me unsure how to pace them, spiking my heart rate and making recovery tough after each one. I’d certainly recommend putting some short, steep hills into your training.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It is a pretty standard “city marathon”: enjoy the tour of Seattle and be ready for a few hills.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The course connects some of the best parts of Seattle: the Arboretum, UW, Gas Works Park. Those are beautiful. But some of the miles to connect those together, as you’ll find in all big cities, can be a bit more plain or even boring, like behind the rail road depot.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The Seattle Marathon has almost 1,000 feet of climbing over the course of the 26.2 miles, and some of those hills are surprisingly steep. So be ready for that. Otherwise it is a pretty easy course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Except for the changing of the course a few days before the race, everything is very well done. From pre-race emails, to the announcer at the start line getting everyone situated, tons of well stocked aid stations, mile markers every mile, and a great post-race area: all well done!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
For being a pretty small marathon, the Seattle Marathon can be pretty competitive. This year, the male winner finished in 2:17:09. That’s fast!
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.
There aren’t any special requirements to get in. But if you like saving money, sign up as early as possible to get the best price. Right after this year’s race, entry to the 2026 Seattle Marathon cost about $100, but closer to the race it’s over $215!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Mostly just water and Gatorade at the (numerous) aid stations: a safe bet for runners. A couple of times there would be some HUMA gels being handed out, but those felt more like an after-thought.
Weather and typical race conditions
Seattle in late November can be miserable, or like this year, gorgeous, 60°F and sunny. Always bring layers you don’t mind losing to stay warm in the start corral.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Some light-weight gloves were helpful for me. And some cushioned shoes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are not a lot of spots for family to watch from: a few spots near the Arboretum or the UW campus. But with all the closed roads, it makes for getting to numerous spots along the course difficult.
How’s the Swag?
Pretty good. A decent long sleeved shirt and a hefty finisher medal!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5. If you live near Seattle, it is worth it. Or maybe if you want a November marathon and a fun tour of Seattle on foot. But is the Seattle Marathon amazing? No.
Learn more about the Seattle 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.