Seattle Ghost Marathon
The Seattle Ghost Marathon has run on Thanksgiving weekend since 1985, with two flat certified loops along Lake Washington and a small local field.
Quick facts
- Flat two-loop lakefront course certified for Boston qualifying attempts.
- Thanksgiving Saturday race date, held on that weekend since 1985.
- Small local field, with aid roughly every three miles on each loop.
- Open streets and sidewalks along Lake Washington rather than full closures.
About the Seattle Ghost Marathon
The Seattle Ghost Marathon started in 1985, when the Seattle Marathon changed courses and left Thanksgiving Saturday open. NW Ultras, a nonprofit, has kept the date alive ever since, and the race now draws runners who want a quiet, flat, certified course while the city's bigger race runs the next day.
Course
Two 13.1-mile loops run along Lake Washington from the Ferdinand Street Boat Launch. Each loop circles Seward Park, then heads north through Leschi to a turnaround near Madrona before returning. The route uses streets and sidewalks, stays flat, and puts an aid station roughly every three miles.
Race-day weather
Late November in Seattle usually means temperatures in the 40s, gray skies, and a real chance of rain. Wind off the lake can add chill on the exposed shoreline miles, so layers that handle drizzle matter more than heat planning.
Past Seattle Ghost Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, November 28, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Seattle Ghost Marathon FAQ
When is the Seattle Ghost Marathon?
The 2026 Seattle Ghost Marathon is on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Is Seattle Ghost Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Seattle Ghost Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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