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The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI

The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI

The Brooks Orca Half Marathon offers flat miles and stunning Seattle views along the coast.

Race Date

Sep 19, 2026

Location

Seattle, WA

Standout77

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
Seattle, Washington
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 8 Miles
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
9,612

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

The Brooks Orca Half Marathon, first run in 2015 and now in its 10th year, draws runners from across the nation, with recent editions seeing participants from 46 states. This point-to-point race unfolds along the shores of West Seattle, beginning at Lincoln Park and concluding at Don Armeni Boat Launch. Runners can expect a largely flat course, boasting stupendous views of downtown Seattle, Blake Island, and Vashon Island.

While the course features two small out-and-back sections early on and a longer one near the finish, the overall profile is designed for speed. With a median field size of approximately 2,948 finishers and a growing trend, the event offers a solid race-day atmosphere. Typical race-day weather hovers between 54–68°F, making for comfortable running conditions. The event also includes an 8-mile race and a virtual option, catering to a wider range of participants.

Race-provided description

The Brooks Orca Half is a half marathon along the shores of West Seattle, starting at Lincoln Park and finishing at Don Armeni Boat Launch. The half course is point to point, with two small out and back sections in the beginning and a longer one towards the end.  The 8-miler course is point to point, with two small out and back sections in the beginning.  See all of race details on our website here! VIRTUAL RACE INFO - We have 100 spots for virtual runners. Once they sell out there are no more available. You can run the distance all at once or break it up into chunks and run it on the date of your choosing. You will receive a shirt and medal that will be mailed after the in person race.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Start Time

7:20 AM

Giveaway

Participant Shirt

Start Location

1222 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

13.1 Miles8 Miles

Quality Score

Standout77
Methodology
Heritage20/20

10 years running

Size15/15

~2,948 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty13/20

13% returning runners

Course & details5/15

2 timing sources

National draw10/10

runners from 46 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:09:30

Weather5/10

typical high 68°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

54°

Afternoon (High)

68°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

73%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 9,612 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

9,612

Median time

2:10:49

Latest turnout

1,559

States

47

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:20p50 median ≈ 2:105:05

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI?

The The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 7:20 AM.

Where does the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI take place?

It takes place in Seattle, Washington.

What distances does the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 8 Miles.

Is the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI course flat and good for a PR?

The The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI is a ultra-flat, point to point course.

How many people run the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI?

HalfRuns has finish records for 9,612 runners who have completed the The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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