Capital City Marathon
Capital City Marathon: a rolling BQ course in Olympia with a festive, volunteer-run finish.
Race Date
May 16, 2026
Location
Olympia, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Location
- Olympia, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 21,643
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
Now in its 27th year, the Capital City Marathon draws around 1,600 runners to Olympia, Washington, for a Boston-qualifying half marathon that weaves through the state capital’s tree-lined streets. The course, USATF-certified and point-to-point, features rolling hills—enough to keep it interesting but not punishing—and is known for enthusiastic volunteers stationed at every turn.
The race is a labor of love for the all-volunteer Capital City Marathon Association, and that grassroots energy shows in the post-race party, where finishers are greeted with food, live music, and massages. About a quarter of the field returns year after year, a testament to the warm, community-driven atmosphere. The half marathon offers a hoodie as swag, and the full marathon and 5-mile options round out the event.
Race-provided description
Welcome to Capital City Marathon, one of the best marathons in the Northwest. Located in fun and friendly Olympia, Washington, we feature a beautiful course with rolling hills, enthusiastic volunteers, a festive post-race event with food, music, massage and swag. We are a Boston Marathon qualifier with a loyal following of marathon veterans, newcomers and everyone in between.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Start Time
7:45 AM
Giveaway
2026 Hoodie
Start Location
Sylvester Park, 615 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA, 98501
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.05 m
Separation
0.5%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
WA25006RMB · Capital City Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7927 years running
~1,621 finishers a year
shrinking
26% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:11:02
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 21,643 finishers actually crossed the line across 27 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
21,643
Median time
2:16:11
Latest turnout
1,067
States
48
Turnout by year
2017–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Capital City Marathon?
The Capital City Marathon is held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, starting at 7:45 AM.
Where does the Capital City Marathon take place?
It takes place in Olympia, Washington.
What distances does the Capital City Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5 Miles.
Is the Capital City Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Capital City Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Capital City Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 21,643 runners who have completed the Capital City Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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