Overall Rating
Overall Rating (70 Reviews)
4.6
(70 Ratings)  (70 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.2
SCENERY
4.2
PRODUCTION
4.7
SWAG
4.6
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon features a seriously scenic course with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier as you pass over rivers and through meadows on a mix of pavement, gravel, and trails. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of a friendly Sasquatch on your way to the finish line! Course … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jul 14):
  2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
 
H (°F)  77  75  75  76  83
L (°F)  46  52  41  51  51
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Recent reviews

    cathyfloe FIRST-TIMER '22

    A lovely course. Hills, bridges, waterfalls, wild flowers, pavement and trail running. Perfect temperature. The last part is paved downhill which is a treat. A fun friendly vibe throughout. I … MORE

    A lovely course. Hills, bridges, waterfalls, wild flowers, pavement and trail running. Perfect temperature. The last part is paved downhill which is a treat. A fun friendly vibe throughout. I loved this race. And in particular I Loved the foldable cup that was provided. Truly brilliant. I kept it and use it all the time.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    jdeekin FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was a great half marathon. The uphill section at mile 6 was difficult. The downhill that followed was fast. They did a great job on awards and photos. I'm … MORE

    This was a great half marathon. The uphill section at mile 6 was difficult. The downhill that followed was fast. They did a great job on awards and photos. I’m always impressed by the quality that Vacation Races puts into their races.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jdeekin FIRST-TIMER '22

    The finish was all uphill, otherwise is was a great 5K race. This was mostly on pavement with a small uphill section on a dirt/gravel road. This was a nice … MORE

    The finish was all uphill, otherwise is was a great 5K race. This was mostly on pavement with a small uphill section on a dirt/gravel road. This was a nice mix of gradual uphill except the steeper finish.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    mmatheney FIRST-TIMER '22

    This course was a good blend of road and trail, incline and challenge for a first timer. The staff and set up was great. I really loved the energy of … MORE

    This course was a good blend of road and trail, incline and challenge for a first timer. The staff and set up was great. I really loved the energy of everyone and am looking forward to our next race!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Christa Hastings
    christazrunning4 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The course is slightly rugged, good amount of sun and shade (or rain cover if needed). If you come expecting to see the mountain on the course, please don’t be … MORE

    The course is slightly rugged, good amount of sun and shade (or rain cover if needed). If you come expecting to see the mountain on the course, please don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t show up, she can be bashful at times. Vacation Races put on an amazing race this year as they did last year, and I’ll keep going until I get to see the beauty of Rainier on the course.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    Kelsi323 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was my first Vacation Races half marathon and first half marathon out of Iowa. The race staff/volunteers were lively and helpful, and made the event so fun. The course … MORE

    This was my first Vacation Races half marathon and first half marathon out of Iowa. The race staff/volunteers were lively and helpful, and made the event so fun. The course was so beautiful and weather was perfect! I really enjoyed that they had water/food along the course and provided food and drink at the finish line. Also very impressed that the race announcer read off everyone’s name when they crossed the finish line! 10/10 experience. I can’t wait to complete another half marathon with Vacation Races and beat my PR. 😊

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Nicole_Henry Oct 16, 2022 at 10:23am

    Self identified turtle here, I’m considering this as my first race outside my home state of Florida, as well as my first vacation race. How did you do with the… MORE

    Self identified turtle here, I’m considering this as my first race outside my home state of Florida, as well as my first vacation race. How did you do with the hills? Do you regularly train for them? I just started running in February and Florida is pretty flat. LESS

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    jmterland FIRST-TIMER '22

    While this was not my personal best race, time-wise, I really enjoyed it. All the production aspects were smooth and I really appreciated the frequent aid stations, as I ended … MORE

    While this was not my personal best race, time-wise, I really enjoyed it. All the production aspects were smooth and I really appreciated the frequent aid stations, as I ended up needing the Porta-potties a couple of times and they were right there when I needed them. The weather was just right, the scenery was gorgeous!
    It would’ve been fun to see Mt Rainier during the race but the early morning cloud cover prevented that. It was clear and sunny later in the day, though, and we had great views when we drove through the park.
    I don’t know that I actually will do this race again, since it was kind of a major trip for my family, but I’m really glad I did and would highly recommend it.
    Also, I love the medal with the scene of Mt Rainier and wildflowers.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    aadden2001 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Second time running this course. Better overall race even though I was slower (by a smidge)smidgen. New hip was great. Hill at 3 and 6 didn't kill me this year!! MORE

    Second time running this course. Better overall race even though I was slower (by a smidge)smidgen. New hip was great. Hill at 3 and 6 didn’t kill me this year!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    djbhope FIRST-TIMER '22

    Great raffle prizes, high energy and coffee at the start. Released in waves to help thin everyone out. Begins and ends on the highway with lots of trail and gravel … MORE

    Great raffle prizes, high energy and coffee at the start. Released in waves to help thin everyone out. Begins and ends on the highway with lots of trail and gravel in between crossing the Nisqually River. It seems that you are running with your back towards Mount Rainier when not surrounded by trees, not sure why the route isn’t reversed. Plenty of aid stations and porta-potties. If you love nature, lush green ferns, and wildflowers, this race is for you. Love VR race guides, swag, and atmosphere. Weather was perfect!! I would recommend this “race-cation,” come up on Wednesday to visit the park and surrounding areas. Getting into the park after the race is a nightmare. Do the double, get extra swag.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '22

    The camping and bib pick up we organized well. The course was clearly marked. The scenery was beautiful the entire race. The course description did inform runners of hills at … MORE

    The camping and bib pick up we organized well. The course was clearly marked.

    The scenery was beautiful the entire race. The course description did inform runners of hills at a couple spot throughout the race, but there was quite a bit more than was communicated. Myself and several runners had conflicting race distances with our various gps devices. T”Of the people I spoke to the closest to the actual race distance was 13.87. It appears the actual race distance was at least .5-.75 miles longer than 13.1.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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    sydneylross FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was a well organized, beautiful part trail and part road race! While we couldn't see Rainier due to some cloud cover (I mean, it is Washington...), the views were … MORE

    This was a well organized, beautiful part trail and part road race! While we couldn’t see Rainier due to some cloud cover (I mean, it is Washington…), the views were beautiful through the forest. The course has some technical spots but nothing too crazy that would require trail shoes.

    There’s a tough mile long hill right at mile 6 up a gravel/grass path but then opens up to a downhill road for a mile break on your lungs. Find Sasquatch along the way and schedule the day at Mt. Rainier right after! There’s not much service in the area though, so make sure to download that playlist beforehand! You’ll thank yourself later.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
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    sriis21 FIRST-TIMER '22

    The Mt. Rainier half was a great race! The course was a great mix of flat and some rolling hills, the views were amazing and the weather in that region … MORE

    The Mt. Rainier half was a great race! The course was a great mix of flat and some rolling hills, the views were amazing and the weather in that region can’t be beat! Low humidity and blue skies! If you’re looking for a race where you can tie in some sightseeing in a national park this is the race to do!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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    aimz4560 FIRST-TIMER '22

    The views were amazing. There was quite a bit of uphill, but if you train well then it’s not too bad. Very beautiful and fun! I would run it again … MORE

    The views were amazing. There was quite a bit of uphill, but if you train well then it’s not too bad. Very beautiful and fun! I would run it again if I lived closer.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Edell REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Great medal, amazing recovery box, great people, well planned course. What more could you ask for??? The aid stations are well placed and well stocked, there were ample porta potties, … MORE

    Great medal, amazing recovery box, great people, well planned course. What more could you ask for??? The aid stations are well placed and well stocked, there were ample porta potties, beautiful place to race. I truly love their no waste policy. And Vacation Races does such a good job with all the little details.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Ann-Janee FIRST-TIMER '22

    Awesome aid stations, very well organized, beautiful scenery, helpful volunteers, cool race swag, and the cleanest port-a-potty’s I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend the Mount Rainier course to anyone and … MORE

    Awesome aid stations, very well organized, beautiful scenery, helpful volunteers, cool race swag, and the cleanest port-a-potty’s I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend the Mount Rainier course to anyone and everyone at all skill levels. This was my first half marathon and I was pleasantly surprised by how well I did. I am by no means a runner but, this was so much fun and I can’t wait to run another one. I would like to see them offer oranges at the finish line as well, instead of only throughout the course. All in all Vacation Races did an outstanding job with the Mount Rainier races.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    mjenn66 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Nice race event, well run and pretty area. Mix of different terrain. Dirt, grass, path, shoulder of the road. Some hills. More shoulder of the road running than I prefer, … MORE

    Nice race event, well run and pretty area. Mix of different terrain. Dirt, grass, path, shoulder of the road. Some hills. More shoulder of the road running than I prefer, esp with traffic so close and exhaust fumes, but still a decent course.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    RunShaylaRun FIRST-TIMER '22

    Wow, the race production was on point and very professional and well organized. I participated in the 5k, and I think the scenery would have been more beautiful if I … MORE

    Wow, the race production was on point and very professional and well organized. I participated in the 5k, and I think the scenery would have been more beautiful if I signed up for the half marathon. I would recommend this particular race as an overnighter, rent an A frame cabin in Ashford, WA and do the half marathon and 5k over the weekend. The finisher medal and t-shirt are super top notch, great quality and design. This company, Vacation Races, has racing events across the US, and the Globe. I would sign up for the Yellowstone Race because I heard nothing but good things from close friends.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    Acarter90 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race was beautiful! Gorgeous scenery running through the trees and over streams. Very well organized and details were communicated well. MORE

    This race was beautiful! Gorgeous scenery running through the trees and over streams. Very well organized and details were communicated well.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    aadden2001 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Just enough hills to not be totally winded. A bit of running on the shoulder of the highway, then breaks out for more space. Great course. Perfect for my first … MORE

    Just enough hills to not be totally winded. A bit of running on the shoulder of the highway, then breaks out for more space. Great course. Perfect for my first post hip replacement race!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    chbrakke FIRST-TIMER '22

    I was excited to participate in the Mount Rainier when I first learned about it and this was an incredible race in terms of the scenery and the course layout. … MORE

    I was excited to participate in the Mount Rainier when I first learned about it and this was an incredible race in terms of the scenery and the course layout. It does have a nice mixture of both trails and paved surfaces. This was the first race I have done that had non-paved trails and sparked a deeper interest in doing more trail running in the future. Not only were the views and natural beauty of the course awe inspiring, the organization, aid stations, staff and volunteers made this event top notch and highly recommend to other runners. I am already hoping they do it again next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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  1. Races
  2. Mount Rainier Half Marathon & 5K