In the Seattle area you can count on these two popular races; one is run in November and the other is run in December.
The Seattle Marathon is run every year on the last Sunday of November (right after Thanksgiving). The certified course is 26.2 miles for the marathon and 13.1 miles for the half marathon. There is also a 5K race and a kids' 1.2 mile run the day before the Seattle Marathon for those not interested in a holiday long-distance event.
Those that participate in the full or half marathon will be treated to a rolling course with breathtaking views of downtown and Lake Washington.
The Seattle Marathon began in 1970 when a small group of friends from the University of Washington (UW) held their own event. That first year there were 38 participants with 31 finishing the full marathon. Today the Seattle Marathon is one of the largest events on the West Coast and it's ranked by Runners World magazine as "One of the top 20 marathons in the United States."
Seattle Jingle Bell Run & Walk
There are over 2.2 million people living with arthritis in the Pacific Northwest. Every year in December funds are raised to benefit the Arthritis Foundation through the Jingle Bell Run & Walk. It consists of a 5K Run, 5K Walk, and a 1K Children's Run with the Elves.
Funds raised provide needed resources for arthritis research, programs, and services to prevent, control and cure the disease.
The first Jingle Bell Run & Walk happened in 1984. Since then 10,000 individuals have gathered at Westlake Center for the race and walk. And today, Seattle is home to the largest Jingle Bell Run & Walk in the nation.