Capital City Marathon

Very well organized race, rolling hills with their own version of heartbreak hill around 22 I think. Decently scenic course (if you like woods/forest/occasional water mixed with more urban at the beginning and end). Lots of turns but well marked and volunteers at every turn to point you where to go. As mentioned in another review, half marathon started 45 minutes later which was nice for a less congested start. Aid stations about every two miles which made planning very easy. Good post race food (pizza, fruit, etc.). Not a lot of crowds early, but two or three house parties after mile 20 were pretty cool. Most of the roads are minimally closed/controlled before getting back into Olympia proper. Nice smaller race if you need a Washington marathon.

I was pleasantly surprised by this marathon! The race management did a fantastic job and I believe they must all be runners as they executed on the things that runners care about. The expo was a nice size in a park so folks could spread out. Race start and finish festivities were at the same park. I don't always opt for the pre-marathon pasta dinner but did for this one and am glad I did. The only feedback I could offer is that I eat later and the dinner was scheduled to end at 7 but they were shutting food down at 6:30. Thankfully I got there 'early' (for me) and was able to get some of the scraps. The catering staff was very nice and the setting was interesting and beautiful as they had it at a legislative building, so I understand why they couldn't have the event for more than 2 hours. COURSE: My mistake but I found myself surprised by the hills. But this being said, it was my fault, and the course was very pretty. The hills were genuinely rolling so they weren't terrible, but they were definitely there. Also relating to the course, they started the half marathon people 45 minutes later which helped spread people out. Great approach! I ran into some of them during the last few miles but this timing made the marathon feel like the main event and I enjoyed not running those first few miles with fresh-legged half marathoners. Nothing against them, but it makes it more of a mental game to slow down and stick to your 26.2 pace. I wish more marathons came up with a strategy like this. SWAG: For some reason, the last few marathons I've done have had some sad shirts and things. Not the case here! Great shirt. Really nice job on the shirt and the medal was also nice. Post-race food was nice and varied - salty, sweet, and things in between. Aid stations on course were all well stocked and at the right increments (approx every 2 miles). Lots of wonderful volunteers all weekend! This was a pleasant run, and the race management did a great job. This race has been running for 35 years and it's easy to see why- I am sure they will keep going for many more years and I hope to return. It was nice traveling to a marathon and town that gets things right!

This was my first Capital City Marathon and I enjoyed it. The scenery surpassed my expectations, as did the wonderfully supportive volunteers and community members who came to cheer. It is a small marathon, mostly on rolling country roads, but the people who came out and fellow runners were awesome. The course is challenging, beautiful and very well organized.