The Spokane Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifying race, is one of the most scenic courses in the country. It takes the runners out of downtown Spokane through the historic Browne’s Addition where they run under a canopy of fall foliage. After that they run a few miles along the course …
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The Spokane Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifying race, is one of the most scenic courses in the country. It takes the runners out of downtown Spokane through the historic Browne’s Addition where they run under a canopy of fall foliage. After that they run a few miles along the course of the famous Lilac Bloomsday run. Next, they run along the Centennial Trail, high above the Spokane River, eye level with the many birds that make the tall trees their homes. The course then meanders through the beautiful campuses of Spokane Falls Community College and Fort Wright Mukogawa. Then it is back out onto the Centennial Trail to again follow the Spokane River to the Seven-Mile Bridge. At this point (just past the 14-mile mark), the runners begin their trek back towards downtown Spokane on a quiet, paved road on the opposite side of the river. This course has several challenging hills along the way, and the runners meet the most famous one, Doomsday Hill, just after the 22-mile mark.
The runners then turn into the West Central neighborhood, passing many stately homes, as they run along Summit Blvd. The course then joins another part of the Centennial Trail with breathtaking views of the Spokane River and more stunning fall foliage. They pass through the trendy Kendall Yards neighborhood, and in the final mile, they run under the Monroe Street bridge where they have a front-row view of the Spokane Falls. Then there is one final, small climb up Lincoln Street (which might not feel so small in the 26th mile), and a couple of quick turns past the historic Flour Mill. Then they run into Riverfront Park, and the finish is less than 100 meters into Riverfront Park.
It’s an accomplishment to run Doomsday Hill. Can you do it at mile 22? The Spokane Marathon is the oldest marathon in the area. It is a non-profit race sponsored by the all-volunteer Bloomsday Road Runners Club with the proceeds going to Spokane area high school cross country programs.
The race features:
– Post-Race Party in Riverfront Park
– Free pizza for all participants
– Free finisher photos by Referee Photo
– Unique, Substantial medals
– Hooded sweatshirts for marathon participants and gender specific technical shirts for the marathon relay, ½ marathon, and 10K
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Nice scenery !
It was a very small race (only about 170 marathoners) I did it for my WA state as 50 States. Best part of it for me was a course -big … MORE
It was a very small race (only about 170 marathoners)
I did it for my WA state as 50 States. Best part of it for me was a course -big part of it on the Centennial Trail among the beautiful Spokane River, but it’s rolling hills (some runners don’t like it). Good portion of the course going on the road with traffic (not much traffic), but still need to be very careful because it’s very narrow shoulder in some parts of the road for running.
Weather was perfect with some beautiful fall scenery!
Production – very simple – they din’t even had an arch on starting line, only on finish . Aid stations runs mostly by students have only water , gatorade and Hammer gels.
Medal was nice! Marathoners got blue sweatshirts (I don’t like color at all), shorter races got cute (in my opinion) long sleeve tech shirts .
Overall it was fine for me, it fitted my schedule. Spokane town is nice , beautiful water front! The Coeur d’ Alene’s, ID is very close too.
We were able to visit 2 states!
harder than you think
Lot of up and down sections. Hill training is a must for this one. a good portion of the race follows views of the Spokane River. I had good weather … MORE
Lot of up and down sections. Hill training is a must for this one. a good portion of the race follows views of the Spokane River. I had good weather at this one and having a hydration vest wasn’t necessary but it was nice to have between aid stations..
beautiful course along the river!
This was my first 1/2 marathon ever & absolutely loved the beautiful course along the Spokane River. Fall weather & colors made this race particularly lovely. The Doomsday Hill ~mile … MORE
This was my first 1/2 marathon ever & absolutely loved the beautiful course along the Spokane River. Fall weather & colors made this race particularly lovely. The Doomsday Hill ~mile 10 was brutal but I did it! Would totally recommend this 1/2 marathon to others.
Pretty challenging not well organized
Plan for hills, lots of up and down. Lovely views and great weather. Plenty of aid stations but the options are limited, only Gatorade, water and hammer gel. Maps were … MORE
Plan for hills, lots of up and down. Lovely views and great weather. Plenty of aid stations but the options are limited, only Gatorade, water and hammer gel. Maps were not correct even at the event. My family had no idea where the start or finish were due to incorrect information.
Scenic and hilly
This was a very beautiful race, with a pretty decent elevation gain. Well organized, plenty of aid stations. Did not stick around for the after party. MORE
This was a very beautiful race, with a pretty decent elevation gain. Well organized, plenty of aid stations. Did not stick around for the after party.