Beat the Blerch
Beat the Blerch: a flat, forested trail half with playful charm.
Race Date
Sep 12, 2026
Location
Carnation, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Location
- Carnation, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 10K, 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,670
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its tenth edition, Beat the Blerch in Carnation, Washington, draws around 420 finishers each year from 21 states—and about a fifth of them return. Created by The Oatmeal, this half-marathon lives up to its whimsical name with a course that’s as serene as it is straightforward.
The race starts and finishes at Tolt MacDonald Park, a scenic spot just 35 minutes outside Seattle. The route is a flat, out-and-back gravel trail winding through lush evergreen and mossy forests along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. With negligible elevation change, it’s a forgiving surface that invites a relaxed pace or a fast time. Wave starts of 150–200 runners keep the field comfortable.
After crossing the finish, runners can explore nearby strawberry farms and pumpkin patches—or simply enjoy the satisfaction of having beaten the Blerch. A finisher’s shirt commemorates the feat. The atmosphere is low-key and community-focused, perfect for runners seeking a peaceful, beautiful escape with a dash of humor.
Race-provided description
Beat The Blerch is a 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon created by The Oatmeal and inspired by this comic about running. Our Carnation, Washington race will take place in a quaint little town located about 35 minutes outside of Seattle. It begins at King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park, and it’s a beautiful flat, out-and-back course that winds its way through evergreen, mossy forests along the Snoqualmie valley trail. Near the starting line of the race are strawberry farms and pumpkin patches, which offer guided tours in case you’re still up for a bit of walking after the race.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
"I Beat the Blerch" Finisher's Shirt
Start Location
Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation, WA, 98014
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout7810 years running
~420 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
4 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 21 states
winner 1:08:37
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,670 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,670
Median time
2:19:10
Latest turnout
334
States
39
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Beat the Blerch?
The Beat the Blerch is held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Beat the Blerch take place?
It takes place in Carnation, Washington.
What distances does the Beat the Blerch offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 10K, 26.2 Miles.
Is the Beat the Blerch course flat and good for a PR?
The Beat the Blerch is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Beat the Blerch?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,670 runners who have completed the Beat the Blerch.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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