Washington’s Salish Sea Road Race Series

Looking for a new running challenge this year? Check out the Salish Sea Road Race Series, which was created to reward participants who finish three of its four events: Whidbey Island Marathon, Capital City Marathon, North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Bellingham Bay Marathon.

Not only do entrants receive 15% registration discounts when registering for more than one of these races, but participants who cross the finish line of ANY distance in three of the four events will automatically be entered to receive a commemorative medal, as well as Salish Sea Road Race Series apparel (previous years have included hats and beanies).

 

The 16th annual Whidbey Island Marathon features a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K kids fun run on Sunday, April 23. The weekend events takes place in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island within the Puget Sound, and the courses run through quiet farmland offering breathtaking ocean and mountain views. To register, visit runwhidbey.com.

The 36th annual Captial City Marathon on Sunday, May 21, includes a marathon, half marathon and 5-mile race, along with a free 1-mile kids run on Saturday, May 20.  The Capital City Marathon is the oldest in the South Sound and a Boston Qualifier. The course is made up of rolling hills, supported by more than 500 volunteers, and passes through downtown Olympia and along the shores of Budd Inlet. Take in the rural landscape of Boston Harbor and South Bay, as well as the friendly local neighborhoods and the majestic architecture on the Capitol Campus. Former Olympian Jeff Galloway will be back again this year. Visit capitalcitymarathon.org to register or learn more.

 

The 15th annual North Olympic Discovery Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 4, on the Olympic Discovery Trail between Sequim and Port Angeles, WA. Events include a marathon, half marathon 10K and 5K, and are all run point-to-point, except for the 5K. The course features stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and a 5-mile finish along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Voted “Most Scenic Course” in 2015 by Northwest Runner, this marathon should be on everyone’s bucket list. To sign up, visit nodm.com.

On Sunday, September 24, the 11th annual Bellingham Bay Marathon will start near Gooseberry Point on Lummi Nation and finish in downtown Bellingham – while the half marathon, 10K and 5K will all start and finish in downtown Bellingham. Each course features beautiful views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascade Mountains. BBM is one of the best-supported events around, with hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers on the courses and at the finish area. For more information or to register, visit bellinghambaymarathon.org.

The race directors of each of the above events have joined forces to provide the best road running (and walking) experiences Western Washington has to offer. Whether you’ve already got plans to run these favorite races or are looking for a unique challenge to tackle this year, the Salish Sea Series offers an additional incentive to reach the finish line.