When signing up for this marathon I was aware that the hills on the course were going to be engaging, at the very least. I trained for hills - incorporating … MORE
When signing up for this marathon I was aware that the hills on the course were going to be engaging, at the very least. I trained for hills – incorporating them in my tempo runs, strength workouts, and anywhere I could run up a hill, I did! I am glad I did, because there are definitely hills on the course. With that said, the first half of the race was my favorite. The race goes over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. There are beautiful views on both sides, as you run over the bridge. At about mile 9 you enter the Point Defiance Park and run through lush greenery and old growth forests. Around mile 13, the half marathoners peeled off and the marathoners continued along the waterfront, turning around mile 20 and making our way back to the finish. Overall, the race was great! Super nice volunteers and organizers!
My suggestions for anyone interested in running this would be:
– train for hills – the ups and downs
– carry your own water and nutrition
– have fun!
Please login to reply to this review.
Tacoma Marathon
When signing up for this marathon I was aware that the hills on the course were going to be engaging, at the very least. I trained for hills - incorporating … MORE
When signing up for this marathon I was aware that the hills on the course were going to be engaging, at the very least. I trained for hills – incorporating them in my tempo runs, strength workouts, and anywhere I could run up a hill, I did! I am glad I did, because there are definitely hills on the course. With that said, the first half of the race was my favorite. The race goes over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. There are beautiful views on both sides, as you run over the bridge. At about mile 9 you enter the Point Defiance Park and run through lush greenery and old growth forests. Around mile 13, the half marathoners peeled off and the marathoners continued along the waterfront, turning around mile 20 and making our way back to the finish. Overall, the race was great! Super nice volunteers and organizers!
My suggestions for anyone interested in running this would be:
– train for hills – the ups and downs
– carry your own water and nutrition
– have fun!
Beautiful point to point!
This is the best Seattle area marathon in a city setting. Much better route than the actual Seattle Marathon with beautiful views in Tacoma. Really love the point-to-point route. It … MORE
This is the best Seattle area marathon in a city setting. Much better route than the actual Seattle Marathon with beautiful views in Tacoma. Really love the point-to-point route. It was pouring rain at the start but slowly turned to sun after 13 miles. The first 13 miles had a lot of hills and the downhills are a bit of quad pounding, it was challenging but also a fun course. The finish area was fun, festive, and right on the water. Quite beautiful. The aid stations were every 3+ miles and it would have been nice if there were a few more aid stations. I’ll run this one again!
Experience all Tacoma has to offer
I have lived in Tacoma 4 years and have never walked/ran across the narrows bridge, that was an incredible experience! After the narrows, there was a large hill followed up … MORE
I have lived in Tacoma 4 years and have never walked/ran across the narrows bridge, that was an incredible experience! After the narrows, there was a large hill followed up by running through a series of neighborhoods and more hills before coming into point defiance. the first aid station was not until mile 7 or so which was difficult. It was great running through point defiance park and point Ruston.
I really enjoyed the race overall and am glad it was my first marathon, hills and all!
A hilly course
This was a small race but very pleasant. The start and finish line is in a pleasant shopping restaurant area on the waterfront. Parts of the course are run with … MORE
This was a small race but very pleasant. The start and finish line is in a pleasant shopping restaurant area on the waterfront. Parts of the course are run with Mt. Ranier in the background.
No nutrition support
There were no bananas or bagels seen anywhere. only water and calorie-free juice. If you want people to bring their own carbs please advertise that on your sign-up page and … MORE
There were no bananas or bagels seen anywhere. only water and calorie-free juice. If you want people to bring their own carbs please advertise that on your sign-up page and in your preparation instructions.
Well organized, not too large a race
I thought this was the perfect size race. There were plenty of runners to include pacers for 10 minute increments, but the field was never elbow-to-elbow once we were over … MORE
I thought this was the perfect size race. There were plenty of runners to include pacers for 10 minute increments, but the field was never elbow-to-elbow once we were over the start line. The biggest downside to that the start and finish are miles apart, so runners are shuttled to the starting line. This is okay for the marathoners who start about an hour after the shuttles stop. However, the Half Marathoners have a long, minimum 2 hour wait for the race to begin. Thankfully, they offer bagels, peanut butter, bananas, and coffee while waiting! And bag check (school busses) don’t leave until shortly before the start of the Half, so you can wear plenty of warm clothing until it’s just about time to run. The course itself has some hills and few spectators, though residents come out to clap as you run through neighborhoods. Volunteers handing out water and Nuun were plentiful. Overall, a good race aside from the early start with a long wait.