Running Races in Seattle
Seattle runners do not let a little rain stop them. The Emerald City has one of the most committed running communities in the country, with group runs happening year round through neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont, and along the Burke Gilman Trail. The race calendar stays active despite the drizzle, and fall racing here offers some of the most beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery you will find anywhere.
Best Months
June to October
State
Washington
Top Race
Seattle Marathon
Total Races
5+ featured
Major Races in Seattle
Seattle Marathon
Marathon/HalfThe original Seattle distance race. Course through downtown and along the lake.
Rock n Roll Seattle
Half Marathon/5KLive music every mile. Flat lakeside course.
Hot Chocolate Seattle
15K/5KSpring race with hot chocolate and fondue at the finish.
Tunnel Light Marathon
Marathon/HalfRun through a decommissioned train tunnel in the Cascades. Unique experience.
Seafair Summer Run
10KPart of the Seafair festival. Run along Lake Washington.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Rolling hills throughout the city. Some steep climbs in Queen Anne and Capitol Hill. Flat options along the waterfront and Burke Gilman Trail.
Racing Between the Rain
The biggest Seattle race weekends cluster into the drier stretch of the year, but even a June or July race here can start under a light drizzle that clears by the second mile. That is why the Rock n Roll Seattle field is known for shedding throwaway layers in the first mile rather than carrying them the whole course.
The Seattle Marathon Thanksgiving weekend date makes it one of the last marathons on the calendar each year for runners chasing a final fall time, and its course through downtown and along the water avoids the steepest neighborhood climbs that a route through Capitol Hill would include.
A Race Calendar Built Around the Water
Several of the biggest Seattle events, including the Seafair Summer Run and parts of the Rock n Roll course, run along Lake Washington rather than Puget Sound, which keeps them flatter than races that venture into the hillier core neighborhoods.
The St. Patricks Day Dash at Seattle Center has run every March since 1985, drawing a field of about 17,000 runners for a single 5K distance, which makes it one of the longest running annual races in the city and an early marker of the spring season ahead of the wetter, hillier races later in the year.
Race Day Tips for Seattle
A lightweight rain jacket is essential for any Seattle race, even in summer.
Do not overdress. Seattle rain is usually light drizzle, not downpour. You will warm up.
The hills in Seattle are no joke. Queen Anne and Capitol Hill can surprise you mid race.
Most races start near downtown. Light rail and buses are the best way to get there.
This page covers the 5 races in Seattle we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Sharpening your speed before race day matters as much as picking the right course. If your training block calls for measured intervals, find a running track near you in Seattle for accurate splits away from traffic and stoplights.
Running Clubs in Seattle
Club Northwest
Competitive running club with a deep history in the PNW running scene.
Seattle Running Club
Inclusive club with weekly runs from various neighborhoods.
West Seattle Runner
Community group from the west side with group runs and social events.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in Seattle or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your Seattle Runs Into a Game
Seattle neighborhoods are spread out and unique. Use Motera to explore and capture territory from Ballard to Beacon Hill, one rainy run at a time.
MoteraExplore Seattle Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for Seattle with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in Seattle GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Can you run in Seattle in the rain?
Absolutely. Seattle runners are built for it. The rain is usually light and temperatures stay mild (40 to 55F in winter). A lightweight water resistant layer is all you need.
What is the biggest race in Seattle?
The Rock n Roll Seattle Half Marathon is the largest by participation with about 15,000 runners. The Seattle Marathon in November is the most historic.
Are there trail races near Seattle?
Yes. The Cascades and Olympic Mountains offer incredible trail racing. Tunnel Light Marathon, Tiger Mountain Trail Run, and Cougar Mountain races are all within an hour of the city.
When is the best weather for running in Seattle?
July through September offers the best weather with warm, dry days. June can still be rainy (locals call it Juneuary). October is beautiful but cooling down.
What is the Burke Gilman Trail?
The Burke Gilman Trail is a 27 mile paved trail running from Ballard to Bothell along Lake Washington. It is the most popular running route in Seattle.
