Like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, wine and cheese, Netflix and your couch, we are better together! The race features three distances (5K, 10K and half marathon) and a half marathon relay so everyone can find a distance that suits them. As Orca Running’s first race of the …
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Like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, wine and cheese, Netflix and your couch, we are better together! The race features three distances (5K, 10K and half marathon) and a half marathon relay so everyone can find a distance that suits them. As Orca Running’s first race of the year, we like to make this one a little more fun, with an extensive and delicious post-race food selection, a large heated tent, nice race shirts. Walkers are welcome.
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 best friends), Lovers (romantically involved) and Lonely Hearts (self-explanatory). Celebrate love in all of its forms!
Lover’s registration is for couples of all kinds! Bestie’s registration is for two girlfriends, mom and daughter, guy and gal, 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.
The My Better Half Marathon supports Rebuilding Seattle Together.
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Great Race to Run
As usual, the medal was beautiful and the oatmeal and toppings after the race, plus fruit, were excellent. The fact that the only hill is right at the beginning is … MORE
As usual, the medal was beautiful and the oatmeal and toppings after the race, plus fruit, were excellent. The fact that the only hill is right at the beginning is another plus. Orca organizes some great runs. I wish more were on Sunday. I find the distance that is required to be done out and back, is rather long and it would be nice if maybe there could be a third run around the park instead of such a long out-and-back to be done twice.
It can be fairly cold but the scenery is beautiful and it is well organizzed with good, prompt responses to emails online.
Perfect with your sole mate
We did the half marathon relay as a repeat runner. The weather was amazing, so it added to the view. It was chilly, but you got to see the sunrise … MORE
We did the half marathon relay as a repeat runner. The weather was amazing, so it added to the view. It was chilly, but you got to see the sunrise along the water. The course is flat besides a short uphill, and it can get narrow at times especially when you’re trying to pass other runners as well as avoiding other park goers. Course is clearly marked but can get confusing if you’re not paying attention to the signs that direct where you need to go depending on your distance. Highly recommend!
Love My Better Half!
Highly recommend!!! This is my second time running this race and the organizers are so organized and efficient. They also have the best medals. MORE
Highly recommend!!! This is my second time running this race and the organizers are so organized and efficient. They also have the best medals.
Flat, double loop
Ive done this race twice. The double loop is a mental challenge, but you do get more chances to see people who leaned into theme with creative costumes. I like … MORE
Ive done this race twice. The double loop is a mental challenge, but you do get more chances to see people who leaned into theme with creative costumes. I like that it’s an opportunity in February – something to motivate me to keep running thru the short winter days
Hard but beautiful!
As a repeat runner, this race has me coming back year after year. It is a challenging course but it is beautiful! It is always REALLY chilly but it is … MORE
As a repeat runner, this race has me coming back year after year. It is a challenging course but it is beautiful! It is always REALLY chilly but it is so refreshing to see water at almost any point on the course! The aid stations are wonderful!
Such a FUN race!
The My Better Half is such a fun and festive race! Loved seeing all the festive Valentine's Day themed outfits on so many runners. Running in the park and along … MORE
The My Better Half is such a fun and festive race! Loved seeing all the festive Valentine’s Day themed outfits on so many runners. Running in the park and along the water was so beautiful. The medal is GORGEOUS. The quarter-zip shirt given to runners fits so nicely and is really lightweight! The finish line has so many fun vendors and a hot oatmeal bar with so many delicious toppings. Totally recommend this race!
I'd run this again!
My favorite parts of this event were the quality production value, the smart-looking quarter-zip race shirt, the major enthusiasm of the Orca Running staff and volunteers, and the beautiful views … MORE
My favorite parts of this event were the quality production value, the smart-looking quarter-zip race shirt, the major enthusiasm of the Orca Running staff and volunteers, and the beautiful views from the course along Lake Washington. Also, the “tunnel of love” was a fun feature. Runners should know that close-by parking can be limited in Seward Park and the surrounding neighborhood, so arriving early, carpooling, or taking public transit can make for a smoother race-day experience. I wound up taking the bus and light rail to the race, and even though I had to hit the road pretty early, not having to worry about parking make for smoother, simpler logistics.
With my better half
Loved this race! Since SP is not quite a 5k there is some out-and-back action. Everyone is so awesome and encouraging. Super fun! The way is paved and away from … MORE
Loved this race! Since SP is not quite a 5k there is some out-and-back action. Everyone is so awesome and encouraging. Super fun! The way is paved and away from the street. The view is fabulous!
Fun Race!
Really enjoyable race with a lot of good planning and helpful volunteers. Having the REI people there with a lot of seating areas and small gas campfires was really great … MORE
Really enjoyable race with a lot of good planning and helpful volunteers. Having the REI people there with a lot of seating areas and small gas campfires was really great especially because I was the 2nd part of the relay.
I wish more people did the relay than just the half marathon because I originally assumed that was the whole point.
Do the relay!
I absolutely love the concept of doing a half marathon relay and working together as a team! The route was beautiful, but rainy today. Easy to follow routes. First loop … MORE
I absolutely love the concept of doing a half marathon relay and working together as a team! The route was beautiful, but rainy today. Easy to follow routes. First loop does have a small but steep hill, but what goes up must come down. Most of the run is pretty flat. This is a great fun race to do with a partner of any sort. Highly recommend.
Flat, beautiful course!
-Easy to locate start/finish -Course is very flat with 1 hill at the start -I found that a lot of the pavement and sidewalks were a little rough, raised and … MORE
-Easy to locate start/finish
-Course is very flat with 1 hill at the start
-I found that a lot of the pavement and sidewalks were a little rough, raised and bumpy. Just need to be mindful of foot placement.
-it was a VERY rainy day, but the scenery was still beautiful. Tall evergreen trees canopying over you, constant water views and if it’s a clear day you’ll get a picturesque mt. Rainer view!
-loved the REI sponsorship and delicious hot oatmeal bar after.
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!