| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 77 | 89 | 85 | 78 | 77 |
| L (°F) | 57 | 65 | 61 | 60 | 60 |
All around fantastic event and race. Great scenery along the river, lots of support along the way, flat road with some trail/gravel options. It was my first half and I … MORE
All around fantastic event and race. Great scenery along the river, lots of support along the way, flat road with some trail/gravel options. It was my first half and I feel like I was spoiled! Will be racing with Orca Running again!
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Seamless experience -- I drove in from out of town the morning of the race and found it very easy to navigate parking, bib pickup, and bag check. Everyone was … MORE
Seamless experience — I drove in from out of town the morning of the race and found it very easy to navigate parking, bib pickup, and bag check. Everyone was very friendly. Course was serene, if a bit unvaried. The path was not as crowded as I thought it would be for the number of runners. Don’t expect many spectators. I admire the environmental awareness of Orca Running, even though I was not super excited about carrying my own water. Free photos are a nice touch.
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This is a great course for those looking for a flat and easy route. It’s a straight out and back so you can’t get lost. It’s a nice paved trail … MORE
This is a great course for those looking for a flat and easy route. It’s a straight out and back so you can’t get lost. It’s a nice paved trail with aid stations every few miles. I like the early start for a summer race because this tends to be the warm season for Washington. There is plenty of free parking at the start, lots of honey buckets so few lines, and the finish area is a park so there is a lot of space for friends and family to wait, and a great space for hanging out after. The trail is in direct sun most of the race so on a clear day it can get warm. Orca always has great swag and recovery food. Keep in mind they have cupless races so it’s good to have a way to carry water.
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I was visiting Seattle from VA and wanted to run a 5k-10k race. Out of the ones I found, this one looked to be scenic and who doesn’t love a … MORE
I was visiting Seattle from VA and wanted to run a 5k-10k race. Out of the ones I found, this one looked to be scenic and who doesn’t love a craft beer😂. Loved the trail, reminds me of the Capitol Trail in Richmond VA. Packet pickup was easy, finding the race and navigating was easy even with being from out of town. It was a perfect run for me while in vacation. I was disappointed that they ran out of reusable cups, but they did have paper cups and water at the finish and plenty of snacks. Even though the weather was a “heat advisory” for Seattle, I found the weather to be perfect for running a 5k since being from VA.
I did find the website hard to navigate, but I feel like that is the norm for a lot of races of this size
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I was initially told about the 5K distance of the race by a family member. I had run a few 5K's and was wanting to challenge myself to a half … MORE
I was initially told about the 5K distance of the race by a family member. I had run a few 5K’s and was wanting to challenge myself to a half marathon. I was told this was a fairly flat coarse and that it was all paved trails. Those things appealed to me and I decided to sign up. I’m so glad I did. It lived up to it’s reputation! It was a warm day and I struggled towards the end of the race due to the head but have station to fill water bottle along the course was helpful. I would definitely consider returning to this race again!
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Love this route! It's beautiful, partly shaded early in the morning. Very easy route, great for beginners! I love the t-shirts! The staff is very friendly as well and I … MORE
Love this route! It’s beautiful, partly shaded early in the morning. Very easy route, great for beginners! I love the t-shirts! The staff is very friendly as well and I love the selection of post-race snacks. I’ve always had a great experience running the Craft Classic. I would definitely recommend this race to my friends!
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The area was under an excessive heat warning and Orca made sure racers were well supported and had plenty of options in case they couldn’t complete the half. Well organized, … MORE
The area was under an excessive heat warning and Orca made sure racers were well supported and had plenty of options in case they couldn’t complete the half. Well organized, lots of communication, well supported, great course for a PR (except during excessive heat), beautiful area, awesome swag, quality beer / beer garden at the finish. Photographers (free photos), well marked course and official chip timing.
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Very organized and great support from Orca Running kept us feeling safe to run during the heat wave. Course is nice and flat with pretty scenery and bald eagle spottings, … MORE
Very organized and great support from Orca Running kept us feeling safe to run during the heat wave. Course is nice and flat with pretty scenery and bald eagle spottings, although the out-and-back can get a little boring on the way back and you have to stay alert for passing bikers on the trail. Overall, a really great race – plus what can beat a beer garden at the finish line!
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This is one of my favorite races. It's a great, flat out and back course along the Sammamish River trail. This year we had record breaking heat so I choose … MORE
This is one of my favorite races. It’s a great, flat out and back course along the Sammamish River trail. This year we had record breaking heat so I choose to walk it instead of run. The staff and volunteers did a great job of keeping us cool and keeping our spirits up for such a hot day in the PNW. I do several races with this company during the year and they never disappoint!
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Highly recommend this flat and fast course! Every Orca Running event I’ve done is SO well organized, and they did an awesome job keeping runners safe and hydrated during the … MORE
Highly recommend this flat and fast course! Every Orca Running event I’ve done is SO well organized, and they did an awesome job keeping runners safe and hydrated during the historic heat wave! Also – their medals, shirts, and other swag goes far outshines other races!
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This race was awesome - especially thanks to the amazing on course support. I was so worried that the race would be cancelled because of the crippling weather conditions that … MORE
This race was awesome – especially thanks to the amazing on course support. I was so worried that the race would be cancelled because of the crippling weather conditions that none of us were used to. However the Orca team really showed us that they truly cared about us by adding aid stations, water sprayers – I could really tell in the faces of the volunteers as they poured water on our heads and gave us handful of ice that they genuinely cared about us and wanted us to have a great and safe experience. The course was great, and I can’t wait to run it next year in normal temperatures! The swag was awesome as usual, with the medal that doubles as a bottle opener and a T shirt that is so pretty I wish I could wear it to work! I also love the extra swag of the wooden coaster, so that I can brag about my race accomplishments in many different ways. The beer tent at the end was also awesome, nothing better than a yummy meatball and cold local beer after finishing a half marathon. I cannot say enough good things about this race and the Orca team as a whole – thank you for putting together such a fun and safe race!
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This is a beautiful, flat course on a wide, paced trail! There was great course support, especially since we were having a heat wave. They sprayed runners down with water … MORE
This is a beautiful, flat course on a wide, paced trail! There was great course support, especially since we were having a heat wave. They sprayed runners down with water who requested it! That felt so good. The finish area had many places to hang out, good snacks and a beer garden. The swag is top notch like always!
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Excellent race. This was my second time running this race. Orca always puts on a great show. Plenty of aid stations, well marked course which is all on paved waking … MORE
Excellent race. This was my second time running this race. Orca always puts on a great show. Plenty of aid stations, well marked course which is all on paved waking trails. Lots of snacks at the end and a sweet beer garden too. Great race communication throughout registration up to race day. Highly recommend scenic and flat course.
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Orca put on another well organized run. It was the middle of an unprecedented heat wave, but they responded by adding an aid station to the 5k route, moving start … MORE
Orca put on another well organized run. It was the middle of an unprecedented heat wave, but they responded by adding an aid station to the 5k route, moving start times up to avoid midday as much as possible and ensuring all runners had access to hydration.
The swag was great, lots of post run snacks, easy to get to and park at, and super fun Orca staffers/volunteers to celebrate your insanity with you. The trail ran along the Sammamish river and is beautiful, nice and flat for 95%. Biggest issue was the heat and most of the course doesn’t have shade so it was hot and hard, but nothing you can do about that one.
I fully intend to run this one again! Loved the run itself, just not the circumstances I ran in.
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You will not be disappointed about 1 thing when your run an Orca race. Great communication with runners prior to race day. Always well organized, and they aren't, you don't … MORE
You will not be disappointed about 1 thing when your run an Orca race. Great communication with runners prior to race day. Always well organized, and they aren’t, you don’t know about it. The aid stations are fully stocked with everything you need including people happy to be there. The after party is one you never want to leave straight away. Should we talk swag!!!! Super soft shirt and a medal your want to hang up for all to see. Thanks for a great race experience.
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Great course, only about 9' total elevation gain over the course which is totally opposite what I've been running so far. Beautiful paved path along the Sammamish River in the … MORE
Great course, only about 9′ total elevation gain over the course which is totally opposite what I’ve been running so far. Beautiful paved path along the Sammamish River in the very nice City of Redmond, Washington. I had never been to Redmond before so it was great to experience this area for the first time during the run. This is thought of as a PR course and if not for the heat I maybe could have run my personal best time. I think my wife said it was about 85 degrees at one point during the run. To me it felt more like 1,000 lol, I would say the heat was absolutely the most challenging aspect of this run and it was both mentally and physically challenging. Overall I would say Awesome beautiful course great production sweet swag and personally one of my better performances of the summer, A+++
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Just outside of Seattle (~20 minutes), this is a flat, fast out and back. The race production was wonderful, especially the communication leading up to the race. The staff were … MORE
Just outside of Seattle (~20 minutes), this is a flat, fast out and back. The race production was wonderful, especially the communication leading up to the race. The staff were accommodating and prompt in their responses, swag was great (very soft T-shirt, cool Mesa and coaster). Very highly recommend!!!
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This race is very flat, and probably a PR course. There were a lot of aid stations along the way, and the event was run very well. We started right … MORE
This race is very flat, and probably a PR course. There were a lot of aid stations along the way, and the event was run very well. We started right on time and it was fun!
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This was my second time running this race. Super flat so a great course to PR. It was super hot this year, but that didn’t stop this race from being … MORE
This was my second time running this race. Super flat so a great course to PR. It was super hot this year, but that didn’t stop this race from being mindful of that and having lots of aid stations. It’s an out and back loop so the scenery can get a bit repetitive but as I mentioned it’s super flat. Also easy to find parking before race.
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Course was a flat out and back. Volunteers were very helpful and in all the right spots. Race started on time. Post race was awesome for variety of food and … MORE
Course was a flat out and back. Volunteers were very helpful and in all the right spots. Race started on time. Post race was awesome for variety of food and quality of swag. Would definitely do this race again.
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Ideal first experience
All around fantastic event and race. Great scenery along the river, lots of support along the way, flat road with some trail/gravel options. It was my first half and I … MORE
All around fantastic event and race. Great scenery along the river, lots of support along the way, flat road with some trail/gravel options. It was my first half and I feel like I was spoiled! Will be racing with Orca Running again!
Fast and flat
Seamless experience -- I drove in from out of town the morning of the race and found it very easy to navigate parking, bib pickup, and bag check. Everyone was … MORE
Seamless experience — I drove in from out of town the morning of the race and found it very easy to navigate parking, bib pickup, and bag check. Everyone was very friendly. Course was serene, if a bit unvaried. The path was not as crowded as I thought it would be for the number of runners. Don’t expect many spectators. I admire the environmental awareness of Orca Running, even though I was not super excited about carrying my own water. Free photos are a nice touch.
Flat, fast, and fun
This is a great course for those looking for a flat and easy route. It’s a straight out and back so you can’t get lost. It’s a nice paved trail … MORE
This is a great course for those looking for a flat and easy route. It’s a straight out and back so you can’t get lost. It’s a nice paved trail with aid stations every few miles. I like the early start for a summer race because this tends to be the warm season for Washington. There is plenty of free parking at the start, lots of honey buckets so few lines, and the finish area is a park so there is a lot of space for friends and family to wait, and a great space for hanging out after. The trail is in direct sun most of the race so on a clear day it can get warm. Orca always has great swag and recovery food. Keep in mind they have cupless races so it’s good to have a way to carry water.
First time running in Seattle
I was visiting Seattle from VA and wanted to run a 5k-10k race. Out of the ones I found, this one looked to be scenic and who doesn’t love a … MORE
I was visiting Seattle from VA and wanted to run a 5k-10k race. Out of the ones I found, this one looked to be scenic and who doesn’t love a craft beer😂. Loved the trail, reminds me of the Capitol Trail in Richmond VA. Packet pickup was easy, finding the race and navigating was easy even with being from out of town. It was a perfect run for me while in vacation. I was disappointed that they ran out of reusable cups, but they did have paper cups and water at the finish and plenty of snacks. Even though the weather was a “heat advisory” for Seattle, I found the weather to be perfect for running a 5k since being from VA.
I did find the website hard to navigate, but I feel like that is the norm for a lot of races of this size
Great race for my debut half marathon!
I was initially told about the 5K distance of the race by a family member. I had run a few 5K's and was wanting to challenge myself to a half … MORE
I was initially told about the 5K distance of the race by a family member. I had run a few 5K’s and was wanting to challenge myself to a half marathon. I was told this was a fairly flat coarse and that it was all paved trails. Those things appealed to me and I decided to sign up. I’m so glad I did. It lived up to it’s reputation! It was a warm day and I struggled towards the end of the race due to the head but have station to fill water bottle along the course was helpful. I would definitely consider returning to this race again!
Great Experience!
Love this route! It's beautiful, partly shaded early in the morning. Very easy route, great for beginners! I love the t-shirts! The staff is very friendly as well and I … MORE
Love this route! It’s beautiful, partly shaded early in the morning. Very easy route, great for beginners! I love the t-shirts! The staff is very friendly as well and I love the selection of post-race snacks. I’ve always had a great experience running the Craft Classic. I would definitely recommend this race to my friends!
Beautiful flat PR course
The area was under an excessive heat warning and Orca made sure racers were well supported and had plenty of options in case they couldn’t complete the half. Well organized, … MORE
The area was under an excessive heat warning and Orca made sure racers were well supported and had plenty of options in case they couldn’t complete the half. Well organized, lots of communication, well supported, great course for a PR (except during excessive heat), beautiful area, awesome swag, quality beer / beer garden at the finish. Photographers (free photos), well marked course and official chip timing.
Scenic and flat out-and-back
Very organized and great support from Orca Running kept us feeling safe to run during the heat wave. Course is nice and flat with pretty scenery and bald eagle spottings, … MORE
Very organized and great support from Orca Running kept us feeling safe to run during the heat wave. Course is nice and flat with pretty scenery and bald eagle spottings, although the out-and-back can get a little boring on the way back and you have to stay alert for passing bikers on the trail. Overall, a really great race – plus what can beat a beer garden at the finish line!
My favorite annual race
This is one of my favorite races. It's a great, flat out and back course along the Sammamish River trail. This year we had record breaking heat so I choose … MORE
This is one of my favorite races. It’s a great, flat out and back course along the Sammamish River trail. This year we had record breaking heat so I choose to walk it instead of run. The staff and volunteers did a great job of keeping us cool and keeping our spirits up for such a hot day in the PNW. I do several races with this company during the year and they never disappoint!
Flat and Fast!
Highly recommend this flat and fast course! Every Orca Running event I’ve done is SO well organized, and they did an awesome job keeping runners safe and hydrated during the … MORE
Highly recommend this flat and fast course! Every Orca Running event I’ve done is SO well organized, and they did an awesome job keeping runners safe and hydrated during the historic heat wave! Also – their medals, shirts, and other swag goes far outshines other races!
Incredible organization
This race was awesome - especially thanks to the amazing on course support. I was so worried that the race would be cancelled because of the crippling weather conditions that … MORE
This race was awesome – especially thanks to the amazing on course support. I was so worried that the race would be cancelled because of the crippling weather conditions that none of us were used to. However the Orca team really showed us that they truly cared about us by adding aid stations, water sprayers – I could really tell in the faces of the volunteers as they poured water on our heads and gave us handful of ice that they genuinely cared about us and wanted us to have a great and safe experience. The course was great, and I can’t wait to run it next year in normal temperatures! The swag was awesome as usual, with the medal that doubles as a bottle opener and a T shirt that is so pretty I wish I could wear it to work! I also love the extra swag of the wooden coaster, so that I can brag about my race accomplishments in many different ways. The beer tent at the end was also awesome, nothing better than a yummy meatball and cold local beer after finishing a half marathon. I cannot say enough good things about this race and the Orca team as a whole – thank you for putting together such a fun and safe race!
Another great race from Orca Running
This is a beautiful, flat course on a wide, paced trail! There was great course support, especially since we were having a heat wave. They sprayed runners down with water … MORE
This is a beautiful, flat course on a wide, paced trail! There was great course support, especially since we were having a heat wave. They sprayed runners down with water who requested it! That felt so good. The finish area had many places to hang out, good snacks and a beer garden. The swag is top notch like always!
Orca racing does it again
Excellent race. This was my second time running this race. Orca always puts on a great show. Plenty of aid stations, well marked course which is all on paved waking … MORE
Excellent race. This was my second time running this race. Orca always puts on a great show. Plenty of aid stations, well marked course which is all on paved waking trails. Lots of snacks at the end and a sweet beer garden too. Great race communication throughout registration up to race day. Highly recommend scenic and flat course.
Hot but well run and fun!
Orca put on another well organized run. It was the middle of an unprecedented heat wave, but they responded by adding an aid station to the 5k route, moving start … MORE
Orca put on another well organized run. It was the middle of an unprecedented heat wave, but they responded by adding an aid station to the 5k route, moving start times up to avoid midday as much as possible and ensuring all runners had access to hydration.
The swag was great, lots of post run snacks, easy to get to and park at, and super fun Orca staffers/volunteers to celebrate your insanity with you. The trail ran along the Sammamish river and is beautiful, nice and flat for 95%. Biggest issue was the heat and most of the course doesn’t have shade so it was hot and hard, but nothing you can do about that one.
I fully intend to run this one again! Loved the run itself, just not the circumstances I ran in.
Course support was epic
You will not be disappointed about 1 thing when your run an Orca race. Great communication with runners prior to race day. Always well organized, and they aren't, you don't … MORE
You will not be disappointed about 1 thing when your run an Orca race. Great communication with runners prior to race day. Always well organized, and they aren’t, you don’t know about it. The aid stations are fully stocked with everything you need including people happy to be there. The after party is one you never want to leave straight away. Should we talk swag!!!! Super soft shirt and a medal your want to hang up for all to see. Thanks for a great race experience.
Awesome!
Great course, only about 9' total elevation gain over the course which is totally opposite what I've been running so far. Beautiful paved path along the Sammamish River in the … MORE
Great course, only about 9′ total elevation gain over the course which is totally opposite what I’ve been running so far. Beautiful paved path along the Sammamish River in the very nice City of Redmond, Washington. I had never been to Redmond before so it was great to experience this area for the first time during the run. This is thought of as a PR course and if not for the heat I maybe could have run my personal best time. I think my wife said it was about 85 degrees at one point during the run. To me it felt more like 1,000 lol, I would say the heat was absolutely the most challenging aspect of this run and it was both mentally and physically challenging. Overall I would say Awesome beautiful course great production sweet swag and personally one of my better performances of the summer, A+++
Excellent!
Just outside of Seattle (~20 minutes), this is a flat, fast out and back. The race production was wonderful, especially the communication leading up to the race. The staff were … MORE
Just outside of Seattle (~20 minutes), this is a flat, fast out and back. The race production was wonderful, especially the communication leading up to the race. The staff were accommodating and prompt in their responses, swag was great (very soft T-shirt, cool Mesa and coaster). Very highly recommend!!!
Great flat race
This race is very flat, and probably a PR course. There were a lot of aid stations along the way, and the event was run very well. We started right … MORE
This race is very flat, and probably a PR course. There were a lot of aid stations along the way, and the event was run very well. We started right on time and it was fun!
Great PR course
This was my second time running this race. Super flat so a great course to PR. It was super hot this year, but that didn’t stop this race from being … MORE
This was my second time running this race. Super flat so a great course to PR. It was super hot this year, but that didn’t stop this race from being mindful of that and having lots of aid stations. It’s an out and back loop so the scenery can get a bit repetitive but as I mentioned it’s super flat. Also easy to find parking before race.
Best Post Race Recovery
Course was a flat out and back. Volunteers were very helpful and in all the right spots. Race started on time. Post race was awesome for variety of food and … MORE
Course was a flat out and back. Volunteers were very helpful and in all the right spots. Race started on time. Post race was awesome for variety of food and quality of swag. Would definitely do this race again.