2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K
Seattle Ghost Half: A flat, fast, and intimate lake-loop run that's a PR magnet.
Race Date
Nov 28, 2026
Location
Seattle, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Location
- Seattle, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 50K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Seattle Ghost Half-Marathon is a quiet gem of Pacific Northwest racing. Held each Thanksgiving weekend since 1985, this 41st edition draws a modest but loyal crowd—around 130 finishers in recent years, with a small but dedicated core of repeat runners (about 6% return). The course is a flat, fast loop along the shores of Lake Washington, winding through Seward Park and the leafy neighborhoods of Leschi.
Certified and famously PR-friendly, the negligible elevation gain and paved surface make it a favorite for Boston qualifiers. Aid stations appear every 3.1 miles, and the atmosphere is low-key and community-driven. The finish brings a cozy hoodie (not a tech tee) and a warm post-race party with heaters and food.
Run by the nonprofit NW Ultras, proceeds support local rowing and ultrarunning. For those seeking a stress-free, well-organized race with serious speed potential, this is a hidden gem.
Race-provided description
November 28, 2026, will be the 41st running of the Seattle Ghost Marathon. It started in 1985 when the Seattle Marathon changed courses and moved from Saturday to Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. The course is a very flat and fast certified Boston Marathon qualifier. The marathon is comprised of two 13.1-mile loops run on streets and sidewalks along scenic Lake Washington in Seattle, WA. The race start/finish is at the Ferdinand St Boat Launch (47.557338, -122.262188) 5018 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, WA 98118. It runs south with a clockwise loop of scenic Seward Park and back north to the start/finish area. It continues north along Lake Washington through Leschi. The north turnaround is just past the Madrona Drive intersection (47.613496, -122.281265) then you run south back to the start/finish. There are aid stations every 3.1 miles on each loop. The race is managed and supported by the non-profit NW Ultras which has been the driving force behind the event since 2004. Green Lake Crew has supported the event since 2013. The race is limited to 450 total participants regardless of which event they run. Packet pickup is on race day. No dogs are strollers are permitted on the course due to the sidewalk sections. See more details on www.nwultras.com
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Hoodie
Start Location
5018 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, WA, 98118
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Forest
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick5917 years running
~114 finishers a year
growing or steady
6% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:21:12
typical high 47°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
47°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
87%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K?
The 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K is held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K take place?
It takes place in Seattle, Washington.
What distances does the 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 50K.
Is the 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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