Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Elizabeth K.
Atlanta, GA

  (06-28-2010)

"I have been signed up for this race since January and was so excited to "see seattle"....little did I know most of my race would be spent on the highway on concrete. The first 1/2 was really pretty, great crowd, etc. When it was time for the marathoners and 1/2 marathoners to split-it wasn't so great. Not being from Seattle i didn't really know the roads we would be running on...It was pretty much all highway for an additional 13 miles--which meant areas without crowd support and very little scenery. I had to run through tunnels. Seattle is a really cool city and I wish we would have run through the town. I hope that the Competitor series can get the course changed.
The crowd was good when it was available-but like i mentioned previously-it was very hard to have anyone watch you b/c of the way the course was laid out.
Not a huge fan of cytomax and that is the drink of choice and also wish they provided GU's that did not contain caffeine. only other negative is the photography-wish they had more along the course.
I am a huge fan of the Rock n Roll series and I will be running 3 other events before the year is up. I think they have a great expo, are very organized, great music and a great medal :)
If the course would change I would run it again-or maybe do the 1/2...but there are plenty of other races out there that would have a better course."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Janna T.
Bonney Lake, WA

  (03-24-2010)

"Awesome fans, awesome race, great energy!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Dave A.
Las Vegas, NV

  (12-07-2009)

"Fun run. My first half marathon. Beautiful country to run in. Running through the tunnel was really weird too. The echos of the band in the tunnel were really strange. The cheerleaders were abundant and enthusiastic. Unfortunately the bands had the volume pretty low so you didn't get the distraction or emotional pump you'd hope for. The finish in downtown Seattle is a little hillier than you'd think so save a little gas for the end. Traffic is pretty bad getting to the start in Tukwilla so give yourself a LOT of time. But man what a beautiful place to run, and the people are all cool up there."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

naomi n.
san mateo, CA

  (10-18-2009)

"Despite the terrible logistical issues of busing everyone to the starting line (mile+ long backup off the freeway), the course was beautiful and certainly made up for it.

The course started off with 2 or 3 hills in the first 4 miles, but after that it was smooth sailings. The course ran along Lake Washington. Beautiful homes and scenes on the lake. The residents that lived in the area came out to the street and cheered us on.

Very exciting heading into the city, down the freeway ramps and seeing Qwest and Safeco Fields.

However, having a band in the tunnel at the 10-mile marker was not a good idea. At all.

The Finish Line was well organized, as well the meet and greet areas.

Would definitely run this race again!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Sarah M.
Marysville, WA

  (08-22-2009)

"My dream came true! I successfully completed a marathon and the Rock n Roll Seattle race was the race for me baby!!! The minute I crossed the starting line I knew I was going to complete with the slow and steady mentality! The sky was blue, the scenary was spectacular, people were out cheering us on and the course was just right. I guess the only thing I could have used a port-a-potty around mile 9 with NO ONE in line. Hydration sure dues catch up with you fast! I had such a great experience doing this marathon that I already signed up for another marathon in October. I'm officially ADDICTED! I've also have set a new goal...complete all Rock n Roll races! Oh, yeah! :)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jimmi C.
Lake Stevens, WA

  (08-19-2009)

"An almost perfect course through some of the best of Seattle, only downgraded to 4 stars because of fugly out-and-backs (Aurora Bridge, you know I'm talking about you!). For the inaugural year, I'd say that it was pretty darn good . . . Seattle knows how to run a big race. I heard lots of complaints in the Honey Bucket line, but really, there were walls of potties and 20,000 runners that have to go all at once . . . never a pretty picture."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Christina N.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-13-2009)

"I would only do this race again if a friend wanted to run it and asked for company. I'd love the excuse to go back to Seattle.

It was scenic, but almost completely on concrete. I'm not a fan of running on the freeway miles 10-13 or so. My feet and the backs of my knees HURT terribly after the race.

Great views, even a bald eagle perched in a tree, but too much concrete!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Ashley C.
Menlo Park, CA

  (08-11-2009)

"Course was scenic and unique (ran on highways at times and through a tunnel). Probably the best route given Seattle\'s brutal terrain. Transportation to the starting line needs to be worked out, but that was the only major logistical issue. A few mile markers were off (e.g., 10, 12), but that\'s not crucial and easy to remedy."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Mark B.
Seattle, WA

  (07-23-2009)

"This was my first time running in a big race like the Rock n Roll Seattle. I anticipated that it would be slightly chaotic, particularly because this was the inaugural event, but it was not. Everything from the pre race transportation to the finish line festival and everything in-between was very well done. It exceeded my expectations on all levels and I am planning to run the full marathon in 2010."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Aaron B.
Seattle, WA

  (07-23-2009)

"I don’t think I need to say anything about the first half of The Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon (it was beautiful and well done).

Organizationally, this may have been one of the best races I’ve ever done, registration was smooth, getting to the start line was smooth, bag check – smooth. The water stations were well peopled by volunteers & the beverages were tasty and plentiful.

The part that needs to change for next year: the course for the second half of the marathon. I understand that logistically out and back cuts down on road closures and the numbers of police and volunteers needed, but Highway 99 is a terrible stretch for out and back. Being able to see a turn around five miles away is disheartening. I’d rather do 10 miles of rolling populated hills than 10 miles of flat out and back industrial zones.

I’ll probably do this race next year regardless of if they change the course or not, only because it is in my back yard. If I had a long journey to get to this race…I’d probably go elsewhere.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Carmen K.
Saskatoon, CA

  (07-23-2009)

"This was my first Rock N Roll half marathon, and I thought it was fantastic! Organization was top-notch, right from the package pickup to the food stations at the end. The course was beautiful along Lake Washington but felt a bit industrial in other parts. The medal was full color and quite heavy - my nicest one to date! Thanks Seattle for hosting a great race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Anne R.
Geneseo, IL

  (07-17-2009)

"For a first time 1/2 marathon (at least a big one), I really enjoyed it."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Rebecca M.
Bay Area, CA

  (07-15-2009)

"Good variety in gear at the expo but as usual was very expensive. I loved that they gave out technical shirts. First half was beautiful, saw a bald eagle! second half had way too many out and backs (3), too much freeway running, didnt care for the tunnels either. The last out back (passing the finish line then coming back) was the absolute worst. I had a good time & PR'd though, probably would not do it again."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Thomas T.
Newcastle, WA

  (07-13-2009)

"By all measures for an inaugural race, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon was a spectacular debut--Seattle's largest-ever marathon was sold out. The race-day weather was sunny and the atmosphere was festive. You could tell everyone was really pumped at the Start and looking forward to this race. Some 25,000 marathon and half-marathon runners converged at the Start in Tukwila and finished in downtown Seattle at Qwest Field. Marathon and half-marathon runners covered the first 9 miles of the course together before the full marathoners split off near the floating bridge on the shore of Lake Washington, which offered scenic views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.
In keeping with the signature of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, 70 local bands provided live music, ranging from reggae and rock to alternative, at every mile along the half and full marathon courses. It was an incredible experience. Even if it included the eerie sounds that came from bands playing inside the Mount Baker Tunnel as runners raced across the Interstate 90 floating bridge. The event was capped off with a post-race evening concert headlined by the three time Grammy winning guitarist Keb’ Mo’. The only major complain--the organization for the wave start needs to be significantly improved. Expo, post-race food, etc were just fine/adequate. What do people want? A parade to go with your marathon experience? :)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Andrew B.
Foster City, CA

  (07-07-2009)

"All right, the shuttle part has been covered, and the band in the tunnel at mile 12 might has well have been a jet engine.

The good: The first half of the race was beautiful. Views of the lake, Mt. Ranier, the city skyline.

The bad: The staggered starting times for corrals. I'm a novice marathoner and average 5-6 hours. Since I didn't cross the line for an HOUR after the starting gun, by mile 21 I could see the clean up crews behind me! And by the time I crossed the finish, the marathon village was breaking down and the volunteers were grabbing drinks and leaving!

The second half of the race really lacked in scenery. And who really enjoys running in mid-70s heat on the top level of a split level concrete highway?!? Miles of nothing but pain and heat.

I haven't completely ruled out another run at it, but not without DRASTIC changes to that last half and speeding up the start time."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

M P.
Overland Park, KS

  (07-06-2009)

"This was my first marathon, so I don't really have anything to compare it to except the halves I have done in the past. Our shuttle from the hotel left at 4 a.m. which was way earlier than I have ever gotten to a race. It made for a long wait until the race actually started at 7. Since I started in corral 25, we didn't start running until close to 8:00. The half marathoners and the marathoners ran together for much of the half marathon course. We ran along gorgeous Puget Sound for a pretty good distance, and at the halfway point I was feeling great. Miles 18-26 were pretty hilly. Some of the downtown parts of the course didn't allow for spectators since we were crossing overpasses and running on highways. That part was a bit disappointing, because at that point in the race I really could have used some encouragement. I ended up with a walk/run combo that propelled me to the finish. Thank goodness for the great placement of the water stations and port-o-potties. It was a hot day, so the cold water and Cytomax were a good combination to alleviate hydration problems. By the time I finished the race, though, it had been a very long day. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Rob G.
Seattle, WA

  (07-03-2009)

"Maybe it was just because it was my first ever half marathon, but I thought this was a great race.

I really enjoyed the course, especially the run along Lake Washington between Seward Park and I-90 and the downhill around mile 12 kind of saved my bacon!

I thought all other aspects of the organization were just fine - I work downtown so had no issues making the expo, BUT, I do take the point of other reviewers who found that harder, especially those from out of town, and I think it should be made more accessible next year.

I had no issues picking up a shuttle outside Qwest Field, although I did get there at 5am.

As for the finish line stuff - all I was thinking about was that I was still standing and broke 2 hrs. The 'old' bananas tasted pretty good!

I'll definitely be back next year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Beth Z.
San Diego, CA

  (07-03-2009)

"What a beautiful Seattle day for this event! I loved the first half that took us through a peaceful park on the Sound. We were nice and isolated on highways during the run, but it would have been nice to have had more spectator locations during some of the long stretches. Also, it was a cruel, cruel trick to make us run a couple miles PAST the finish line and then back. Do they not realize how much willpower it takes to not do a U-turn after 23 miles? I also thought it was hillier than expected, but perhaps my coaches downplayed the terrain to put our minds at ease.

A PR for me on a beautiful day. Nice."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

sue n.
seattle, WA

  (07-03-2009)

"I had a very good experience with this race. I thought it was very well organized. Key was to be early. Picked up stuff at Expo on Thursday, and got to shuttles early, so no problems there. Lots of portopottys, food, liquids, etc throughout the race. Bands were diverting as were cheerleaders. Race course was interesting and pretty along the lake. I thought it all stacked up very well, and I had a personal best. I'd do it again."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Scott I.
New York, NY

  (07-01-2009)

"Scenic, hilly and full of energy. All the words I use to describe Seattle in any light, I use to describe this marathon. Starting in Tukwila The marathon from the back point of the starting field took around 45 minutes to get up to the front. Once you got around mile 4 you were running towards beautiful Lake Washington. There was a bald eagle in the tree and the upcoming I-90 Floating Bridge that we would run on. This course was hilly but scenic, hard but fair. The beautiful day we had almost made it seem like you were out for a leisurely run with 25,000 of your closest friends.

Crossing the finish line in front of Qwest Field and you see that finish line raise your arms up high let our a scream of joy and soak it in. Once you cross you even hear your name called out on the PA system and that makes your chest stick out a little bit more with pride no matter your time or your place.

Then quickly look for the MGD garden and have a nice cold one to celebrate your run.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Seth N.
Scottsdale, AZ

  (07-01-2009)

"As with other Rock 'n' Roll marathon/half marathons, this event went off without a hitch! Great course, great support. Instead of boring cotton t-shirt, racers got a technical tee. Am definitely planning on doing this one again this year. Great work on shuttling runners to the start line too!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

suzanne f.
lake oswego, OR

  (07-01-2009)

"Pros- great route and weather; great volunteers along route and frequent drink stations
Cons- No transportation back to start - and almost no available cabs- this put a damper on the event. Finally called a cab and left an hour later and with traffic, took another hour to get back to start line- and $45.00!!;had to be dropped off 2 hours early because of road closures;1 additional hour before we actually got to gate; musical groups too far apart, too few and many were mediocre at best;ran out of gu for walkers"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Robyn W.
Redmond, WA

  (06-30-2009)

"The point-to-point shuttle bus situation has been a problem in Seattle for multiple years now, and this was no exception. Next year, I will be at the shuttles when they first start leaving.

The band in the I90 tunnel sounded terrible through no fault of their own - way too much echoing.

Plenty of water and other aid along the course, correcting a mistake made at Seafair last year.

Mostly good crowds cheering, but it would have been nice to have the course go through more spectator friendly areas - marathoners especially could have used this!

The expo hours were TERRIBLE considering seatle traffic. I had to take a day off work to go. 6PM and 7PM are not reasonable closing times."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Robert P.
Bainbridge Island, WA

  (06-29-2009)

"I didn't have a favorite race until now. RnR Seattle absolutely rocked.
Great race day organization and course support. The start area was especially well organized with a line of porta-potties along all 36 corrals.
The weather was perfect. The scenery was eye-popping beautiful. Loved the bands. The marathon course was tough. The 1+ mile climb to the Aurora Bridge left me with leg cramps for the rest of the race. The finish area was laid out well. Nice finisher's medal. A great race.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Suzy H.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-29-2009)

"The inaugural RnR Seattle Marathon was a great event, but definitely slipped up on certain "inaugural" year difficulties. For one, because it started 10+ miles outside of the city, participants needed to be bussed to the starting line. There was only one pick-up location in the city, causing lines to be literally 5-6 blocks long even 2 hours before the race start time! Also traffic leading to the race site was impossible because many people decided to drive themselves. Needless to say I heard of many people starting upwards of 30 minutes after the gun went off! In all fairness, they have a wonderful chip system so everyone had a fair time.
Some positives on the race: (1)A point to point course offers you a wider range of viewing pleasures including Mt. Rainer, Lake Washington, the Space Needle, downtown Seattle, etc. (2)The volunteers and bands were awesome! (3)The refreshments were very well done, every aid station was set up on both sides of the road to accommodate crowds, and I never had a problem grabbing water or cytomax. (4)
Some negatives: (1)The marathon course adds in 2 extra miles within the half marathon course, but then meets back up, causing marathoners to have to weave around much slower half marathoners, right at a time where the course narrows to one lane. (2)The finish line is at Qwest field, but marathoners are forced to run by twice before actually heading into a finish! This was brutal especially at mile 23 where marathoners are forced to go out and back up a hill before returning to the finish. (3)The finish line festivities were pitiful! Dry bagels and old bananas were the only food. MGD 64 had a sponsor tent but were diligently checking IDs which, of course, no participant had on them after running 26.2 miles!
Overall, I had a great experience in my first RnR event, and would happily look for another one in the future. Seattle is a great town and this race will probably see much improvements from the issues they faced in the first year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Bekki B.
Bremerton, WA

  (06-29-2009)

"It was superbly organized and there were plenty of refreshments and entertainment to keep runners going. Downside was a paltry goody bag that consisted of a bag of dog treats and a bunch of brochures and ads for stuff. Also, I think they should have had more port-o-potties. I was really irked by the unused bank of "VIP" potties at the startline guarded by a race official who would not let desperate runners use them."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Megan M.
Killeen, TX

  (06-28-2009)

"The expo was at ridiculous hours! During normal business hours on a Friday and Thursday? Really?"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009