Prepare yourself for a running event like no other. Romance. Kitsch. Sweat. My Better Half Marathon is a celebration of running, romance and rom-coms. There are 4 categories: Bromance (two guy friends), Besties (two girl friends), Lovers (romantically involved) and Lonely Hearts (self-explanatory). Lover’s registration is for couples of all …
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Prepare yourself for a running event like no other. Romance. Kitsch. Sweat. My Better Half Marathon is a celebration of running, romance and rom-coms. There are 4 categories: Bromance (two guy friends), Besties (two girl friends), Lovers (romantically involved) and Lonely Hearts (self-explanatory).
Lover’s registration is for couples of all kinds! Bestie’s registration is for two girlfriends, mom and daughter, or anyone you call your bestie. Bromance registration is for two dudes who probably don’t want to admit that they’re inseparable. Lonely Heart’s registration is for those currently enjoying being single or looking for love.
Relay option is for 2 people who as a team will complete the 13.1 miles in a relay style fashion (only available for the Half Marathon).
The course is pretty simple and is a loop around Seward Park. 5K participants will just do Loop A and be done. 10K participants will do Loop A and then Loop B and be done. Half marathon participants will do Loop A once, then the 5 mile Loop C twice. If participating in the relay it’s up to you to decide in which manner you’d like to run the three loops.
Your entry comes with long sleeve running hoody, finisher medal, a hot post race meal, free race photos, and more!
The My Better Half Marathon supports Rebuilding Seattle Together… because it’s hard to be in love with someone when you don’t have a place to call home!
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My Better Half!
Orca Running always has well run races. This is no exception. It was a cold crisp day for the race. A slight uphill about 1/2 mile from the start then … MORE
Orca Running always has well run races. This is no exception. It was a cold crisp day for the race. A slight uphill about 1/2 mile from the start then back down and pretty flat the rest of the way. Beautiful scenery as you run along Lake Washington. Only thing that I didn’t like was the condition of the sidewalk. Lots of roots pushing up the pavement. Nothing to be done about this though, just something to watch for as you are running. They had a nice hot bowl of oatmeal at the finish with plenty of things to add in; i.e. walnuts, chocolate chips, blueberries, etc. I’ve run this before at other distances but this was the first time for the half marathon distance for me.
Majestical scenery and easy course!
Love the start and finish views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. The views along Lake Washington, getting peak views of the Olympic Mountains and local scenery. My friend and … MORE
Love the start and finish views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. The views along Lake Washington, getting peak views of the Olympic Mountains and local scenery. My friend and I were both dealing with knee issues so the old root pushed up trail/sidewalk areas were a bit challenging. The hill inside the park during the first loop isn’t too horrible and easily walkable. I’d like to see them push traffic going up on the left side and going down on the right so everyone going down can easily make a left onto the loop trail again. This will help minimize congestion and crossing traffic especially as the fast runners are coming down when the bulk of all race distance participants go up. The Tunnel of Love was a fun portion of the run! Orca Running always does such a great job with their races and good quality shirts and the medal was so adorable!!
Beautiful Sunday morning! Amazing
This run is beautiful and fun! Ya run along the water with just picture perfect weather for February! The swag is great from the shirt to the medal they think … MORE
This run is beautiful and fun! Ya run along the water with just picture perfect weather for February! The swag is great from the shirt to the medal they think of everything to make this race fun for all! Big small and every one in between! With different distances offered everyone can run and have a great day! And well let’s not forget about after run grub!!! They knock its out of the ball park every year! I’ve done this run since 2019 and have driven as far away as Sequim to participate and can say from start to finish it’s one of my top three favorite races!
Beautiful Scenery, Fun People
The course is mostly flat, though there is a decent hill within the first mile of the first loop. It doesn't get done again on any subsequent loops. Orca Running … MORE
The course is mostly flat, though there is a decent hill within the first mile of the first loop. It doesn’t get done again on any subsequent loops.
Orca Running put on a fun event with plenty of fun people and serious competitors. The loop is gorgeous looking out at the water on the right side and forest on the left. There is an aid station three miles into the loop with a fun group of volunteers and an inflatable tunnel to run through.
If you’re a walker, as my friend and I are, the course stays open for four hours and we have done both the half and the 10k walking.
They are a zero cup race, so remember to bring your own cups or carry your own hydration.
Just as lovely as last year!
This race is well staffed. There are lots of chemical toilets and amenities at the aid station. The course is clearly marked. The location is gorgeous; Seward is my favorite … MORE
This race is well staffed. There are lots of chemical toilets and amenities at the aid station. The course is clearly marked. The location is gorgeous; Seward is my favorite place to run. Will run again next year!
Gorgeous scenery for your entire journey
Very flat course with stunning views the entire way! Many well stocked aid stations and Tunnel of love with chocolate and candy! Many photographers along the course at no charge … MORE
Very flat course with stunning views the entire way!
Many well stocked aid stations and Tunnel of love with chocolate and candy!
Many photographers along the course at no charge to you.
Finish line has a unique and brilliant hot oatmeal bar with many toppings to chose from. Great finish line food! I was lucky and had a glorious sunny day. It’s February so very chilly so bring lots of clothing. They have a free clothing check. Well organized which is on par for Orca events. The medals were really cute. There is a spot to put a photo from your race into the medal. There was a long sleeved shirt with the half marathon entry. I wish the shirt was red or pink for Valentine’s day. The medal was though! The graphics on the shirt were large and kind of tacky. No big deal, I have way too many shirts anyway. The shirt would be the only improvement for this race. Well worth going to, we thoroughly had a great time and would go again.
Loops but at least they’re pretty
This was the first year they did two loops rather than three loops of the park and it was a great improvement. There were two laps with an out and … MORE
This was the first year they did two loops rather than three loops of the park and it was a great improvement. There were two laps with an out and back along Lake Washington. There is one big hill a half mile in but the rest is relatively flat. It is all paved trail and sidewalk but there are a few narrow spots that make it hard to pass people. The course ended up short by .10 but that could be due to loose tangents. The swag and food at the end is great and I appreciate race day pick up so I don’t have to make an extra trip to get my bib. There is a fun tunnel of love that is fun to run with your love, friends, or alone!
Great view, tough terrain
This race had uneven paved trails in the longest straight away part of the course. The scenery was great, but I felt like I had to keep looking at the … MORE
This race had uneven paved trails in the longest straight away part of the course. The scenery was great, but I felt like I had to keep looking at the ground as to not trip on roots that had broken through the pavement. The course was also quite narrow at parts, so it made passing difficult when there were runners going both directions after the turn around point.
Our first (but not last) Better Half 10k
I've ran two Orca half marathons before, but never any of the shorter distances. This race was such a great way for my husband and I to run together! It … MORE
I’ve ran two Orca half marathons before, but never any of the shorter distances. This race was such a great way for my husband and I to run together! It was chilly, but they prepared us well via email ahead of time. Upon arrival, there were WAY more people than I had expected, but everything was seamless. The vendors were great, gear check was handy, and the course was beautiful. I loved running along the water and the route was well marked and staffed. I loved the theme of the race, but I didn’t feel the pressure of a race – for us it was more of a leisurely way to start our running year! The end was my favorite – the oatmeal was exactly what I needed. We didn’t get a picture in the booth because the line was SO long (that was the only bummer). I do, however, look forward seeing the course photos! I’m a slow runner, but I PRd and was very pleased with the whole experience. We can’t wait to sign up for more!
Awesome
Best race to kick off Orcas race season. Perfect views. Perfect after race grub (yummy oatmeal)! Orca never disappoints. Great medal. Ample photo ops. MORE
Best race to kick off Orcas race season. Perfect views. Perfect after race grub (yummy oatmeal)! Orca never disappoints. Great medal. Ample photo ops.
Fantastic run!
I had a great time on a rough day. Nearly everything went wrong for me on the morning of the 2022 My Better Half Marathon. My alarm didn't go off. … MORE
I had a great time on a rough day. Nearly everything went wrong for me on the morning of the 2022 My Better Half Marathon. My alarm didn’t go off. I was late. I got lost. My socks got holes in them after 11 miles. I had many more mini-disasters that I don’t care to mention. Even so, I had a fantastic time! The course was beautiful and I loved the swag. It was challenging, but satisfying.
The views are stunning and I can’t wait to do it again next year! I’ll just set a few more back-up alarms.
Love love the course!
The aid stations & crew were awesome! It was great to have volunteers cheer us on along the route with such a scenic view! The route was well marked and … MORE
The aid stations & crew were awesome! It was great to have volunteers cheer us on along the route with such a scenic view! The route was well marked and we couldn’t ask for better weather. I loved running with my friends I’m the sunshine!
Amazing Day!
The race was really well put on. It was an amazingly beautiful course and was well marked. All good vibes!! Great race director, team, and volunteers. The tunnel of love … MORE
The race was really well put on. It was an amazingly beautiful course and was well marked. All good vibes!! Great race director, team, and volunteers. The tunnel of love aid station was cute and fun. This was my first in person race and I will definitely be doing it again!
When I finished my half, instead of getting my medal, I was told it would be mailed to me; one of their boxes got lost in transit. I emailed to express my disappointment and I got a kind and quick email back apologizing. I do think they should have held medals for the 5k instead of the half, though (not that a 5k isn’t an accomplishment!).
If you’re like me and need the potty deets: For the half it was a three lap course. There were plenty of race-provided porta potties at the finish, one park porta potty at mi 2 of the first lap/ mi 1.5 of laps 2 and 3, and a park 3-stall restroom 1 mi from there (and a little off course). I had to wait at both the single porta potty and the restroom, which was a bummer, coulda used a couple more mid-course.
Overall, highly recommend and a huge thank you to the Orca team!
Great first experience!
What a fun run! This was my first 10k. Seward park is absolutely gorgeous. The paths were all paved and clearly marked. All of the volunteers were incredibly friendly and … MORE
What a fun run! This was my first 10k. Seward park is absolutely gorgeous. The paths were all paved and clearly marked. All of the volunteers were incredibly friendly and supportive. The amenities were plentiful. It was great to have the oatmeal bar at the end. I love the medal and the shirt. Thank you, Orca Runnin!
A fantastic race!
Everything about this race was great! It was well organized, the swag was fantastic, the views and route were excellent! I will definitely be back. MORE
Everything about this race was great! It was well organized, the swag was fantastic, the views and route were excellent! I will definitely be back.
I had a great experience
The view from Seward Park was gorgeous, I live in Tacoma so I see Mount Rainier all the time, but this view was spectacular. The parking lot fills up quickly … MORE
The view from Seward Park was gorgeous, I live in Tacoma so I see Mount Rainier all the time, but this view was spectacular. The parking lot fills up quickly so either arrive early or be prepared to park on the street. Orca running was incredibly organized, picking up my bib, gear, and checking in took less than 10 minutes. The course was clearly marked with lots of volunteers to help! I had an amazing experience, even though there were a few hills!