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Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K

Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K

Tacoma City Marathon offers a scenic point-to-point course across the Narrows Bridge with Puget Sound views.

Race Date

May 1, 2027

Location

Tacoma, WA

Runner Favorite92

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, May 1, 2027
Location
Tacoma, Washington
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.21 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 0.62 Miles
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
23,867

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantDestination WorthyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Party FinishGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Scenic RouteNet Downhill

The Experience

The Tacoma City Marathon and its accompanying races, including the Half Marathon, offer a compelling weekend of running against a stunning Pacific Northwest backdrop. Sunday's Marathon and Half Marathon are particularly noteworthy, featuring a point-to-point course that traverses the iconic Narrows Bridge.

Runners will be treated to panoramic views of the Puget Sound, with glimpses of the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. The course winds through the beautiful Point Defiance Park, known for its lush gardens and old-growth forests, before a dramatic descent towards the finish at Tacoma's Dune Peninsula Park. This waterfront destination provides a picturesque setting for the conclusion of the race.

With a history dating back to 2007 and typically drawing around 2,600 finishers, the event has cultivated a loyal following, with about 23% of participants returning. Runners from approximately 30 states make this a destination event, appreciating its USATF-certified course and the chance for a Boston Qualifier.

Race-provided description

Join us for the return of the Ghost of Tacoma on Saturday and the Tacoma City Marathon on Sunday with Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K, 10K and Kids 1K options also available. Run 3 races in 2 days! Kick off Saturday morning with the 5K or 10K (8:00 am start) and afterwards, run the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon or Half Marathon (9:00 am start). Kids 1K race will be on Saturday at 9:30 am. Then complete the weekend with the Tacoma City Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday. PLUS receive a $40 Discount on the Ghost of Tacoma if you register for the Sunday Marathon or Sunday Half Marathon. Discount will be automatically applied to your cart when you add both races (must be the same registrant for both races). Sunday’s Marathon and Half Marathon are point-to-point courses running across the iconic Narrows Bridge and finishing at Tacoma’s beautiful Dune Peninsula Park, the Northwest’s premier waterfront neighborhood. This picturesque entertainment and recreation hub is situated along Commencement Bay with panoramic views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Runners will enjoy a scenic, USATF-Certified and Boston Qualifying course that passes through Point Defiance Park, with over 700 acres of beautiful gardens and old growth forests. After exiting Pt. Defiance, the Marathon and Half Marathon runners will cross over the Wilson Way Bridge with a sweet half mile downhill to the Puget Sound and Dune Peninsula Park where the Half Marathon will finish. The Marathon will continue down the flat and fast waterfront with views of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound. The Marathon turnaround is along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade and the beautiful Museum of Glass.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, May 1, 2027

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Tech T-Shirt

Start Location

Dune Peninsula Park, Tacoma, WA, 98407

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+3.68 m

Separation

30.2%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.21 Miles3.1 Miles13.1 Miles0.62 Miles

USATF Certified Course

WA22004RMB · Tacoma City Half Marathon

Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite92
Methodology
Heritage20/20

18 years running

Size15/15

~2,634 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

23% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 30 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:37

Weather10/10

typical high 60°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

60°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

76%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 23,867 finishers actually crossed the line across 18 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

23,867

Median time

2:23:15

Latest turnout

1,326

States

50

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:105:50

Turnout by year

20172026

'17'18'19'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K?

The Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K is held on Saturday, May 1, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K take place?

It takes place in Tacoma, Washington.

What distances does the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.21 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 0.62 Miles.

Is the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K course flat and good for a PR?

The Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 23,867 runners who have completed the Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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