2027 Beat the Blerch
Beat the Blerch: a flat, forested trail half with playful charm.
Expected Race Date
~Sep 2027
Date not yet announced — this is when the race usually runs.
Location
Carnation, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- around September 2027 (expected)
- Location
- Carnation, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
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 Seattle - Race details
REGISTER TODAY (https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Carnation/BeatTheBlerch)
Event date SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 Event Location King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park (link (https://goo.gl/maps/M8Btw)) 31020 NE 40th Street Carnation, WA The race starts and finishes at Tolt McDonald Park, located at 31023 NE 40th St, Carnation WA 98014. Please do not drive to the park, unless you purchased a parking pass. More info on parking passes is below. The Course It begins at King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park, and it’s a beautiful flat, out-and-back gravel trail that winds its way through evergreen, mossy forests along the Snoqualmie valley trail. Please note that for both the half marathon and the 10K, participants will start in waves of about 150 to 200 people, spaced approximately 2-3 minutes apart. You may be asked for your approximate pace time in order to space out runners appropriately. 2026 COURSE MAP LINKS 5K Course Map (https://www.runningahead.com/maps/b5c7ac6
Logistics
Race Day
around September 2027 (expected)
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation, WA, 98014
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
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
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 Beat the Blerch?
The 2027 Beat the Blerch hasn't announced its next date yet, but it typically takes place around September 2027 (expected).
Where does the 2027 Beat the Blerch take place?
It takes place in Carnation, Washington.
What distances does the 2027 Beat the Blerch offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2027 Beat the Blerch course flat and good for a PR?
The 2027 Beat the Blerch is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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