West Seattle Flat Ass Half Marathon – Natasha

Race: West Seattle Flat Ass Half Marathon

Runner: Natasha

Date: 7/23/17

Location: West Seattle (Seattle, WA)

Results – 2:48:47

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

1. The course is in West Seattle by the water so it’s really pretty
2. The weather was great and the course is flat!
3. Small race – about a 100 people which made it feel relaxed and everyone was really friendly

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Have to climb through Lincoln Park to get back to your car. Ouch!

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

None

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

1. I was rested and energized at the start
2. I started on pace and maintained it for the first 7 miles; despite slowing down in the middle I picked it up in the last mile to finish strong and beat my earlier PR.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

They have one self-service aid station and one manned aid station on the course. Of course the aid station at the beginning and end of the run is great with snacks and various drinks but if you get thirsty often carry extra water.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

1. Hydrate more prior to the race
2. Strengthen core

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

In summer the course can be crowded with tourists since you eventually land up on Alki so if you choose to do a race longer than the ½ because they have full, 25K and 50K options as well get there early!

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Super pretty. Apparently you could spot bald eagles and whales but we didn’t see any.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

It is flat so not a tough course

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

All the information was up on their Facebook page. They shared a map of the shelter where the race began. Mike (race director) was awesome

Competition – is there a strong field?

I think so because a lot of the runners had run or do run other marathons and ultras in the area and seemed to be using this as a training run/community run.

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.

It is a small race and for us in Seattle and surrounding areas it is very local so you just drive/bike/walk/bus over to start the run.

Aid Stations

They have one self-service aid station and one manned aid station on the course. Of course the aid station at the beginning and end of the run is great with snacks and various drinks but if you get thirsty often carry extra water.

Weather and typical race conditions –

It was in the 60s and overcast so lovely for running.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy

I might carry more water. I had just two water bottles in my belt.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Might be tough to be a spectator apart from at the start/finish.

Awards – None that I am aware of. We all got participation medals with orca pods on them!

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

1. It’s a nice course, it’s a small race and it’s in our collective backyard so yeah run it! Proceeds from the registration go to different charitable efforts.
2. They hold this race twice a year: February and July.