The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon, Seattle’s hometown marathon has become a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for runners and walkers in the Pacific Northwest.
The race began in 1970 when 38 friends from the University of
Washington decided to hold their own 26.2-mile running event. Fast forward 43
years and it has grown to a 3-day weekend event that includes a full marathon
run and walk, half marathon run and walk, 5K race and kids marathon. Add to
that a 2-day Health & Fitness Expo and summer 10K Race, which combined sees
more than 13,000 participants annually.
Even with so many fans, mention the Seattle Marathon to folks
across the nation who are unfamiliar with the race and you’ll inevitably be met
with the questions “Why November? Isn’t it always rainy in Seattle then?”
followed by “Isn’t it hilly?”
The answer to both, of course, is a qualified yes. It is often wet
and there are hills on the course. So what is it that keeps runners coming back
for more?
The Fall Date – Ask any runner what their race calendar looks like
and, more often than not, plans get pretty slim after September. Always held
the Sunday following Thanksgiving, the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon fits
nicely in the calendar after a summer packed with races and provides the
perfect motivation to keep moving during those cold and dark months of the
year. It also goes without saying that having a 13.1 or 26.2-mile race around
the corner allows you to pile on second helpings at Thanksgiving dinner
guilt-free.
The Rain – Though the number of rainy days in Seattle may be
higher than the average American city, the amount of rain that comes down is
hardly worth noting (more like extended drizzles really). Compare this to the frigid
temperatures or harsh conditions found elsewhere in the country during late
November and you’re looking at fairly ideal running conditions.
The Course – You’ve got to hand it to Race Director Louise Long,
for charting out 26.2 miles of race course with minimal hills and spectacular scenery
to boot. We’ll put it this way; combine a floating bridge, dozens of Olmstead
Brothers-inspired parks, Lake Washington, the Arboretum, and the Space Needle
and it’s easy to see that this course is jam packed with some of the best sights
Seattle has to offer.
The Organization – After 43 years, the race organizers of the
non-profit Seattle Marathon Association have got things down to a science. The
details are covered from each individual volunteer and medical team member to
every cone and honey bucket on the course, all while staying true to the
Seattle, hometown culture.
When it’s all said and done, our goal is to create a memorable
race experience that is fun for the entire family. We hope you’ll join us for
the 2014 Seattle Marathon Family of Events.
In the meantime, be a part of our community. Visit us online, or through your favorite social media platform. We love our runners and we're here for you!
- For more information and to register, visit www.seattlemarathon.org
- Facebook.com/SeattleMarathon
- Twitter.com/Seattlemarathon
- Plus.google.com/+SeattleMarathon
- Pinterest.com/seattlemarathon
- Instagram.com/seattlemarathon
