Orca Half Marathon
Seattle, WA
- Half Marathon, 8 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Part of the Orca Running family of races, the Orca Half is a half marathon along the shores of West Seattle, starting at Lincoln Park and finishing at Don Armeni Boat Launch. The Orca Half benefits the Whale Trail, a Seattle-based non profit dedicated to inspiring appreciation and stewardship of … MORE
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Fun Race! Awesome People!
Awesome races! The organizers are amazing! Starting in Lincoln Park and going along Alki gives amazing views with little street traffic to dodge. There are a bunch of snacks at … MORE
Awesome races! The organizers are amazing! Starting in Lincoln Park and going along Alki gives amazing views with little street traffic to dodge. There are a bunch of snacks at the end of the finish line. Will definitely do the Blowhole Challenge again next year!
It was a blast
My first time running a marathon. My 2 cents- wear good running shoes and get a good massage after race. You'll be proud of yourself after the race and you … MORE
My first time running a marathon. My 2 cents- wear good running shoes and get a good massage after race. You’ll be proud of yourself after the race and you deserve good food
Awesome race!
It was a smooth race. There were quite a few u-turns and a bit of an incline. Water was spaced out really well. Definitely worth participating! MORE
It was a smooth race. There were quite a few u-turns and a bit of an incline. Water was spaced out really well. Definitely worth participating!
Fun Race
This race is a BEAUTIFUL run along the sound and with the Seattle skyline in view. On a clear day you’d see the Olympic mountain range too. 11/10 for view. … MORE
This race is a BEAUTIFUL run along the sound and with the Seattle skyline in view. On a clear day you’d see the Olympic mountain range too. 11/10 for view. I struggled on the concrete and my body hurt (I’m used to running on a gravel trail most of the time) so just be aware and have appropriate cushioning and itll be fine!
Don’t trust what you read online
Orca half is Ocra Running’s namesake and it’s typically advertised as being one of the most beautiful flat race and sold out quickly—in fact, it’s so popular, this year they … MORE
Orca half is Ocra Running’s namesake and it’s typically advertised as being one of the most beautiful flat race and sold out quickly—in fact, it’s so popular, this year they decided to have the race on both Saturday and Sunday.
However, upon race day, I encountered some elevation, so not as flat as they advertised. There are three out and backs, and typically these aren’t a problem, but the last out and back, you run pass the finish line for another 4 miles. The course wasn’t hard, but I know I mentally struggled running pass the finish line and was searching for the turn around point. They definitely could have done a better job with this. Parts of the race is pretty, the first 3ish miles you’re on an easy trail covered with trees, and the most you’re running through neighborhoods that’ll make you feel poor. Most likely won’t do this one again.
Fantastic race with beautiful scenery!
This is a great half marathon to run. It's located in West Seattle, pretty flat trail, with much of it along the water for some great motivating views. The whole … MORE
This is a great half marathon to run. It’s located in West Seattle, pretty flat trail, with much of it along the water for some great motivating views. The whole logistics of race day went very smoothly. Enjoyed the snacks and the race party at the end too!
One of my favorite PNW races!
The Orca Half is one of my favorite races each year. I love that it's point to point, the course has a lot of variety: trail/woods, wealthy beach homes, Alki … MORE
The Orca Half is one of my favorite races each year. I love that it’s point to point, the course has a lot of variety: trail/woods, wealthy beach homes, Alki Beach, and even an industrial area. Yes, you run past the finish line at about mile 9 but the amount of spectators cheering is really fun. The finish line area always has a good amount of sponsor booths even with it being about a 1,000 person race, and Orca Running always serves up a plethora of post race snacks. I already can’t wait for 2025!
Fun one! 🤩
Very well organized. The route along Alki is always scenic even on a dreary, drizzly September day. The weather was perfect for running! And the T-shirts are cuter than they … MORE
Very well organized. The route along Alki is always scenic even on a dreary, drizzly September day. The weather was perfect for running! And the T-shirts are cuter than they need to be. I’m glad my friend talked me into doing this one. Feels so good to get back out there again after a long hiatus!
Great Race!
Point A to Point B race. Shuttle from the finish line is the best way to run a point A to point b and the shuttle was timely. Logistically the … MORE
Point A to Point B race. Shuttle from the finish line is the best way to run a point A to point b and the shuttle was timely. Logistically the route is well thought of and the signs are easy to follow. I like having a few miles as a trail run before switching to the road. Keeps it interesting and makes the race go by faster. The weather in 2024 had a bit of mist in the morning but cleared up and turned out to be a perfect day for a long run.
Fine, but not catering to performance
It's a relatively flat course, which can be hard to find around Seattle. I did run a PR. But, I found it to be understaffed, poorly marked, and not well … MORE
It’s a relatively flat course, which can be hard to find around Seattle. I did run a PR. But, I found it to be understaffed, poorly marked, and not well supported. I led the whole race, and on the several out and back sections had to yell to make known to other runners that I was coming the other way. There were looooong sections without any course markings where I just crossed my fingers I was still going the right way. I get the no cups thing, but asking racers to stop and fill vessels or carry water isn’t conducive to performance. I was also misgendered by several volunteers who I think meant well, but didn’t consider that I might be nonbinary (I am).
Overpriced, underdelivered
First of all, beautiful course. Somewhat challenging, but the elevation gain was minimal, but it is at the beginning, so prepare for that. Did not like the three out and … MORE
First of all, beautiful course. Somewhat challenging, but the elevation gain was minimal, but it is at the beginning, so prepare for that. Did not like the three out and back portions of this run. Open course, so had to weave in and out and avoid bicyclists.
Regarding race logistics, it’s a bit of a nightmare. Very small parking lot adjacent to a boat ramp. So congested and very limited parking. 20 plus minute shuttle from finish line to start line. Aid stations had gu, which was nice. Cupless racing in a non-trail race, is not nice.
Swag was lame. Triblend cotton shirt that doesn’t even indicate that you ran a half marathon. Medal was tiny. Cute touch that a local artist made it, though. Festival was also very underwhelming.
Bibs mailed, which was also nice. If I signed up in May, why was the bib sent the Wednesday before the race? Overall, likely won’t run an orca race again.
Beautiful, Awesome Late Summer Race
This race was so cool! First off, it was the most beautiful course - water views, forested park trails, and a breezy cruise through West Seattle neighborhoods. The back half … MORE
This race was so cool! First off, it was the most beautiful course – water views, forested park trails, and a breezy cruise through West Seattle neighborhoods. The back half of the course was all along the water, and afforded an excellent view of downtown and the Space Needle across Elliott Bay. Aid stations were plentiful, and featured energy gels at every stop(which I haven’t seen in previous races). Being a smaller race, there was plenty of room to run and breathe. ALSO I PR’D! Was thrilled to see a “PR Bell” near the finish line, which I rang loudly and gleefully. As a bonus the medal was absolutely gorgeous. I wore it for the whole rest of race day.
Well organized and beautiful race.
This is a fun race running through west Seattle. You start in beautiful Lincoln park and end running along the Alki trail. Race is well organized and the volunteers were … MORE
This is a fun race running through west Seattle. You start in beautiful Lincoln park and end running along the Alki trail.
Race is well organized and the volunteers were excellent
Can't beat the scenery
Early miles wind through a beautiful park and along the Puget Sound. How can you beat that? (Well, I didn't see any whales - I guess that's how) It's a … MORE
Early miles wind through a beautiful park and along the Puget Sound. How can you beat that? (Well, I didn’t see any whales – I guess that’s how)
It’s a small race so don’t expect the amenities of a large course. Course was well enough marked but open to pedestrian and car traffic throughout so expect to be dodging lots of non-runners.
Race morning logistics got a bit tough with limited parking and a very….slow…school…..bus, so I ended up getting it pretty close getting to the start line. Plan on being at least 30 mins earlier than you think you should be.
No traffic control for various parking lots and side streets, I nearly got run over once by a driver not paying attention, and had to stop and wait for a pickup towing a boat to cross the course near the finish.
Expo was underwhelming, although visiting the flagship REI store is always a pleasure. What a place!
Great race! But too crowded...
I have run over 50 races, and have never run in West Seattle before! How exciting! Most of the course was crowded. But I heard that next year will be … MORE
I have run over 50 races, and have never run in West Seattle before! How exciting!
Most of the course was crowded. But I heard that next year will be 2 days instead of 1, so hopefully that will solve the over-crowding.
The hardest part of the race was running PAST the finish line (while previous waves were already finishing) and still having 4 miles to go! That was a mind trip and I was not ready for it.
The race shirt and medal are always top of the line with Orca! The shirts are so soft.
(Last things! Be aware, especially if your wave is a little later, you will be parking far far away, I had to walk a mile to get to the shuttles. But the shuttles were super fast, I was very impressed I only had to wait a few minutes before loading up). I got there an hour and 15 minutes before my wave time, and barely made it to the start 30 seconds before my wave left. Part of that is because I got lost after the shuttles dropped us off.
Note for Orca…. we need better guidance after the shuttles drop us off! The email instruction showed a straight line arrow from the parking lot to the start, but there was no trail that went along that arrow! There was no one there to tell us where to go, so I (and others) took the closest trail from that arrow, the trail in the middle, and I ended up walking about 1.5 miles before I got to the start, even though the email said .5 miles…
Worse race course and coordination ever!
I’ve ran quite a few half marathons and this by far was the worst. The only positive thing I can think to say is that the scenery was pretty. A … MORE
I’ve ran quite a few half marathons and this by far was the worst. The only positive thing I can think to say is that the scenery was pretty. A bus driver dumped us off in a parking lot and there was no signage or a coordinator to tell us where to go. We followed a of group of people who ended up getting lost trying to find the starting line. We walked around in trees for over a mile and a half. The course started in the trails with the trees, which was OK, but it wasn’t marked. Then the last 10 miles were on sidewalks. Not your normal quality, sidewalks, but ancient sidewalks that were broken, jagged, and in terrible shape. Every block had tree limbs or bushes protruding on the Credi. Sidewalks to where you had to play dodge with the greenery. Runners had to cross major roads and of course you had to cross the street at every block. After 10 miles that got a little old. There was no running on the road. There was no expo, and the finish line was extremely underwhelming. I would not participate in this race again, nor would I suggest anyone run this race. It was extremely disappointing.
Beautiful course and great people
The start line logistics are time consuming, but it’s a wonderful race and I would absolutely do it again! The medal is my favorite ever and the staff do a … MORE
The start line logistics are time consuming, but it’s a wonderful race and I would absolutely do it again! The medal is my favorite ever and the staff do a great job making everything run so smoothly.
First-Timer- great introduction!
This course is a great start for first-timers and those who want a great scenery! The meet and greet to the final finish was superb!! This was my fit 13.1 … MORE
This course is a great start for first-timers and those who want a great scenery! The meet and greet to the final finish was superb!!
This was my fit 13.1 marathon and I am on a high. The course showcased hills, inclined, downhill, dirt, rocks, uneven sidewalks. Overall a great challenge.
The participants were pleasant and encouraging. The people hiring the event – wow- what great support and excellent attitudes! I will recommend this to friends and will book my next event very soon!
Amazing vibes, would run again!
The race starts at Lincoln Park and has two out and backs before 3 miles which can be a little crowded due to runners going in both directions. There's also … MORE
The race starts at Lincoln Park and has two out and backs before 3 miles which can be a little crowded due to runners going in both directions. There’s also a hill around mile 2 which can be somewhat challenging but you are rewarded with a nice downhill so it’s easy to make up time. Miles 4-8 are through nice residential neighborhoods and alongside water so there’s a lot to look around and be distracted by. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were so helpful and cheered a lot as you passed by. Around mile 8/9 you pass by the finish line for an out and back which can be a bit disheartening especially as some part of the out and back is not scenic at all, beside roads with cars zooming past and somewhat of an industrial area. The last mile is so good though as you are on the way back and there’s lots of people cheering as you run past. All in all, loved the vibes and would totally run again even despite the course challenges.
Great race course for newer 1/2 marathon
Enjoyed the scenery. Elevation gains were only rough in the beginning but nothing that I couldn't conquer. I enjoyed the mid point of the race was a gradual down hill. … MORE
Enjoyed the scenery. Elevation gains were only rough in the beginning but nothing that I couldn’t conquer. I enjoyed the mid point of the race was a gradual down hill. Only part I’m not a fan of is the out and back section at the end. It’s cruel to run by the finish line and still have almost 4 miles to go.