Snoqualmie Valley Half
Carnation, WA
- Half Marathon, 10K
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Snoqualmie Valley Trail meanders through one of the area’s most beautiful agricultural areas, the Snoqualmie Valley Half showcases this natural gem. This race is flat and fast and the surface is smooth and non-technical and showcases old-growth forest and farmland. You’ll have a spectacular and fast finish in the … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 21):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 85 | 70 | 76 | 88 | 70 |
| L (°F) | 59 | 53 | 53 | 62 | 59 |
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Nice race, course length?
Fun course — be aware it’s slightly uphill for about two miles to the turnaround, and then downhill coming back. Race production was great — managing crowds, parking, food. The … MORE
Fun course — be aware it’s slightly uphill for about two miles to the turnaround, and then downhill coming back. Race production was great — managing crowds, parking, food. The 10K course turnaround, however, was misplaced (to accommodate a water station?). The first 3 mile markers matched my watch exactly, but the turnaround was well beyond where it should have been, adding another 30 seconds or so. Hopefully they realized it and fix it for next year.
Fairly flat, out and back
Orca always has well organized races. This course is nice because you have all the (gradual) uphill upfront, and then can coast on the way back. MORE
Orca always has well organized races. This course is nice because you have all the (gradual) uphill upfront, and then can coast on the way back.
Great First Half Marathon
This was my first ever half marathon and it was a great experience! There's lots of parking, smooth and easy check in, and plenty of amenities at the race start. … MORE
This was my first ever half marathon and it was a great experience! There’s lots of parking, smooth and easy check in, and plenty of amenities at the race start. The run itself takes place mostly on compacted trail – sooo much nicer than pavement, but still manageable with wearing road runners rather than trail runners – and is a straight forward out and back route. As you run through the beautiful trees, the course gains slowly and gradually – overall it feels pretty flat. Then the second half of the race has the gradual downhill, which was very welcome. The staff were all wonderful and encouraging, aid stations were well stocked, and the post-race festivities had lots of snacks and a beer garden. Would definitely recommend to any first timers!
Beautiful scenery,well organized
I would definitely recommend this race. It’s fairly flat so great potential for PR. The scenery is beautiful. It is well organized and finisher medal is great MORE
I would definitely recommend this race. It’s fairly flat so great potential for PR. The scenery is beautiful. It is well organized and finisher medal is great
Great race!
I really enjoyed this run along the trails, river and paths - lovely, relaxing scenery and felt flat or downhill the whole time, which is suspicious bc it’s an out … MORE
I really enjoyed this run along the trails, river and paths – lovely, relaxing scenery and felt flat or downhill the whole time, which is suspicious bc it’s an out and back. Orca Running always does a great job, super organized and fun finish line activities. I’ll be signing up again next year!
Easy course, good production
Well organized race along a scenic trail, it’s a slight uphill out and a slight downhill back. The first km is rather congested since the trail is narrow but I … MORE
Well organized race along a scenic trail, it’s a slight uphill out and a slight downhill back.
The first km is rather congested since the trail is narrow but I found things opened up after that.
I’ll be doing the half next time.
This is a beautiful non-asphalt course
The course is through forest with streams and beautiful trees. It is a non-asphalt based trail for most part which is good for the knees and prevents injuries. I loved … MORE
The course is through forest with streams and beautiful trees. It is a non-asphalt based trail for most part which is good for the knees and prevents injuries. I loved the calm river views and flat nature of the course.
Great course for a PR
Beautiful course on a super nice out and back trail. Much easier on the joints than running on pavement while still being sturdy and consistent like a road. Love the … MORE
Beautiful course on a super nice out and back trail. Much easier on the joints than running on pavement while still being sturdy and consistent like a road. Love the swag and finish line activities. I run this race every year.
Beautiful Snoqualmie Valley!!
I love this course! It takes you along a beautiful and wide trail, you get a view of the river before heading into the woods and climbing up to the … MORE
I love this course! It takes you along a beautiful and wide trail, you get a view of the river before heading into the woods and climbing up to the turn around. And then you get a gentle downhill! There were a lot of aid stations, plenty of water, and yummy chili after the race! There was even a band so we could sit in the grass and enjoy the music and the food!
It’s a wonderful location, it was a wonderful race, we got a super soft T-shirt, and a wood medal that was also a little planter box!
They make the second half easier
The first half is every so slightly uphill, but not too noticeable except that it improves the view. Since it is out-and-back the second half is downhill. It was notably … MORE
The first half is every so slightly uphill, but not too noticeable except that it improves the view. Since it is out-and-back the second half is downhill. It was notably faster going downhill even though by that time the weather was starting to warm up.
Great trail and amazing views!
This was my first half marathon and it was such a great experience! The course is slightly uphill for the first half, but it's so gradual that it mostly feels … MORE
This was my first half marathon and it was such a great experience! The course is slightly uphill for the first half, but it’s so gradual that it mostly feels flat. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail goes through beautiful wooded areas with plenty of shade and was so pleasant to run on. It’s a public and somewhat narrow path, so sometimes it got tricky when bicyclists were passing by, but as long as you stay aware of other people using the trail there shouldn’t be a problem. Everyone I interacted with, from staff to volunteers to other runners, was very cheerful and supportive. Thank you Orca Running for the best first half marathon I could have asked for!
Will do it again next year
Well organized, liked the focus on avoiding trash by not using papercups for the stations and the flower honey bee mix and flower pot as trophy. MORE
Well organized, liked the focus on avoiding trash by not using papercups for the stations and the flower honey bee mix and flower pot as trophy.
Scenic race, extra hot. Would run again!
The course is very beautiful and scenic. Challenging but not demanding. Long gradual uphill to turnaround wasn't punishing but you can feel it. I know it's a public trail so … MORE
The course is very beautiful and scenic. Challenging but not demanding. Long gradual uphill to turnaround wasn’t punishing but you can feel it. I know it’s a public trail so there were bikers and hikers that the race can’t control. A couple close calls with bikers perhaps could have been avoided with a little more on-course signage perhaps. Aid stations were good if not basic, but no complaints. My first time with a cupless race but no issues.
I would have preferred an earlier start time given the heat of summer upon us. It was really getting warm by the time I finished, and I was fast. I can imagine it was getting oppressive for people after me. I feel like 7:30am would have been perfect.
The finisher’s medal is gorgeous – one of the best I’ve ever earned. I love it!! The age group award wood token is unique and different that the customary pint glass. The race shirt is boring. The image is nice but small. A larger image and multiple colors rather than just plain white silk screening would have been appreciated. I know it’s not a huge deal but the shirt is my main complaint. I realize it’s nit picky, but it’s what I look forward to because I can wear it to show my achievement when around other runners. As far as race shirts go it’s two thumbs down.
Shirt complaints aside, I would definitely run this race again and would recommend it to others! Glad I made the trip over from Spokane to run.
Love this race! Even in the heat 💚
Fantastic race. I always love doing an Orca Running Race. They are so well organized and everyone is there for a great time. No matter what speed you are people … MORE
Fantastic race. I always love doing an Orca Running Race. They are so well organized and everyone is there for a great time. No matter what speed you are people are supportive and kind. Lots of great food and drink at the finish and the medal and shirt are both gorgeous. It’s my second time doing this race and I love it- my favorite part is that most of it takes place on a broad dirt road trail so it’s not as harsh on your knees as pavement 💚
Another awesome Orca race!
Orca Running always puts their heart and soul into their races and it shows. Easy to follow set up at the start line with getting bibs and lining up. Helpful … MORE
Orca Running always puts their heart and soul into their races and it shows. Easy to follow set up at the start line with getting bibs and lining up. Helpful and friendly staff and volunteers are welcoming and helped put me at ease. Plenty of port a potties!!! Great announcer getting people pumped up. Easy to follow course markers, well stocked aid stations, enthusiastic volunteers along the way, what else can I say?!? Oh yeah- finish line encouragement like no other and smiling faces and congratulations all around. Post race food was one point with potato chips, orange slices, bars and more!
Solid race
Great race in a beautiful part of the area. Even though it takes place in the middle of summer, much of the course is through tree covered trails which helps … MORE
Great race in a beautiful part of the area. Even though it takes place in the middle of summer, much of the course is through tree covered trails which helps to keep things a bit more comfortable. The course is fairly flat and while it’s considered a largely trail run a lot of the trail is fairly worn down and easy to run.
Orca Running is awesome with great communication and fantastic production. Love running their races!
Fun race with a beautiful medal! :)
Ran this race for the first time and loved it, despite the heat wave. The course was an out and back with the first half being slightly uphill and the … MORE
Ran this race for the first time and loved it, despite the heat wave. The course was an out and back with the first half being slightly uphill and the second half being slightly downhill which I really enjoyed. Parking is plentiful. Medal and T-shirt were both beautiful; Orca Running gives out some great swag. And the post race snacks were fantastic. Overall, loved this race and would totally come back!
Perfect race during heat wave
Orca running knocked it out of the park once again. This was the hottest race of the year, grateful that the course is flat and 90% of the course is … MORE
Orca running knocked it out of the park once again.
This was the hottest race of the year, grateful that the course is flat and 90% of the course is in the shade making the late start time 8:30am manageable.
Love that Orca running always provide great food other than bananas and granola bar after each race. They usually do tomato soup but today was chili!
The race is also cupless, making it more environmentally friendly.
No sponge buckets on a too hot day
Good shady course; cyclists are a bit aggressive. Very hot on this day: hi 70s/lo 80s. No ice or sponge buckets at aid stations. Despite warnings by race organizers, many … MORE
Good shady course; cyclists are a bit aggressive.
Very hot on this day: hi 70s/lo 80s. No ice or sponge buckets at aid stations. Despite warnings by race organizers, many were unprepared for heat and humidity effects.
Beautiful course
Great course!! Kinda wish it could start earlier as it’s always pretty warm. Views are amazing and staff are great! Orca is always cup less so remember to bring your … MORE
Great course!! Kinda wish it could start earlier as it’s always pretty warm. Views are amazing and staff are great! Orca is always cup less so remember to bring your hydration! Although they are prepared to give you a reusable cup to carry!