The Capital City Marathon, now in its 36th year, is the oldest marathon in the South Sound. The Boston Qualifier boasts rolling hills, enthusiastic support, and gorgeous surroundings – from Olympia’s vibrant downtown core, to the shores of Budd Inlet, to the rural landscape of Boston Harbor and South Bay, to fun and friendly local neighborhoods, to the majestic architecture on the Capitol Campus. Joan Benoit ran part of the current course in 1984, when she won the first women’s Olympic Marathon Trials.
Five reasons the Capital City Marathon stands out from other races:
1. Goldilocks would love it. “It’s just the right size. You won’t be packed in like cattle, but you won’t get terribly lonely either.” – Ron
2. A beautiful course where history was made. “Running across Henderson Inlet feels like it’s just me, the herons and sometimes the eagles and otters. And when you get back into town, you cross the footsteps of Joan Benoit, on her way to winning the first U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trial.” – J. Vleck
3. Spectators can follow you around the course. “The course is spectator-friendly so it’s easy for family and friends to meet you at various places” all over the course. – Debbie
4. Pacers who live and train on the course. “The pace team has vast experience and is awesome to run with.” – Andy
5. CCM supports up-and-coming runners. This 100 percent volunteer effort “returns all of its support to local high school cross country teams whose members will be the next generation of distance runners.” – Jan
Register today for the May 21 marathon, half-marathon or 5-mile race. Kids in the eighth grade and younger may participate in a free 1.2-mile Kids Run the day before. http://www.capitalcitymarathon.org/registration.html