The Seattle Marathon 2025 brought thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers together on Sunday, November 30, marking the 55th running of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic endurance events. The race, held under crisp late-autumn skies, showcased the city’s scenic beauty and strong running culture while supporting local charities and community initiatives.
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Overview of the 2025 Seattle Marathon
The 2025 edition of the Seattle Marathon featured a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and wheelchair division. The event began early Sunday morning at 5th Avenue and Harrison Street, near Seattle Center, and finished just steps away at the Seattle Center Armory, completing a loop that took runners along some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
This year’s conditions were cool and ideal for distance running, with morning temperatures around 45°F, light cloud cover, and minimal wind. The comfortable weather contributed to several standout performances and personal bests among the nearly 8,000 participants who crossed the finish line.
Top Results: Marathon Winners and Finish Times
The men’s marathon winner was Nick Hauger of Seattle, who finished with a time of 2:21:38, leading from start to finish in commanding fashion. The women’s marathon champion, Kaitlin Goodman of Portland, crossed the line in 2:42:15, maintaining a steady pace throughout the rolling hills of the course.
In the wheelchair marathon, David Randall of Spokane took first place with a strong time of 1:53:07.
2025 Seattle Marathon – Top Finishers
| Division | Winner | Hometown | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Marathon | Nick Hauger | Seattle, WA | 2:21:38 |
| Women’s Marathon | Kaitlin Goodman | Portland, OR | 2:42:15 |
| Wheelchair Division | David Randall | Spokane, WA | 1:53:07 |
| Men’s Half Marathon | Tim Gallagher | Bellevue, WA | 1:07:54 |
| Women’s Half Marathon | Laura Hamilton | Vancouver, BC | 1:19:26 |
Each division winner received a trophy, cash prize, and recognition at the post-race awards ceremony held inside the Seattle Center Pavilion.
The Course and Its Highlights
The Seattle Marathon course remains one of the most visually engaging in the Pacific Northwest. It begins downtown, winds south along Lake Washington Boulevard, and loops through the Arboretum before returning toward the Space Needle for a grand finish.
Runners experience a mix of urban energy and natural beauty throughout the 26.2-mile route. Key features include:
- Mile 5–8: Panoramic lake views along Lake Washington Boulevard.
- Mile 12–15: A challenging elevation gain through the Washington Park Arboretum.
- Mile 20: A final push past the University Bridge toward downtown.
- Finish Line: A lively crowd welcomes runners back to Seattle Center.
The total elevation gain for the marathon is approximately 850 feet, providing a moderate challenge while remaining accessible for experienced and recreational runners alike.
Half Marathon and 10K Participation
The half marathon continues to be the most popular race in the event lineup, drawing more than 4,200 runners this year. The shorter 10K attracted 1,100 participants, many of them first-time racers or families joining the event’s community celebration.
Both shorter distances share parts of the main marathon route, allowing participants to enjoy similar views and crowd support without the full endurance distance. The half marathon began at 7:00 a.m., shortly before the full marathon start at 7:30 a.m., ensuring a smooth flow for all divisions.
Charity and Community Impact
The Seattle Marathon Association once again partnered with local nonprofits to direct proceeds toward charitable causes. This year’s primary beneficiaries included:
- Northwest Harvest, which supports statewide hunger relief programs.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, benefiting pediatric care and research.
- Girls on the Run Puget Sound, empowering young girls through fitness and mentorship.
Preliminary figures show that the 2025 event raised over $400,000 combined through direct donations and charity registrations. Dozens of corporate sponsors, including Brooks Running, Amazon, and Starbucks, also contributed funding, volunteers, and event-day support.
Volunteer and Spectator Turnout
Nearly 1,200 volunteers staffed the race, from hydration stations to route management and finish-line assistance. Spectator turnout was estimated at over 10,000 people, many gathering around the downtown start line and the scenic lakeside sections of the route.
Local high school bands and community groups performed along the course, adding energy and motivation for runners throughout the morning. Crowds near the Seattle Center finish line provided enthusiastic cheers as runners completed their final strides beneath the Space Needle.
Safety and Race Operations
Event organizers reported no major medical emergencies or disruptions during the 2025 race. Medical tents staffed by Swedish Health professionals treated minor issues, including dehydration and muscle cramps, but overall conditions were smooth.
Traffic management across downtown and South Lake Union operated efficiently, with Seattle Police and Department of Transportation crews coordinating temporary road closures from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All major routes reopened by mid-afternoon, minimizing impact on city commuters and residents.
Economic Boost for Seattle
The Seattle Marathon traditionally delivers a notable economic boost for the city, and 2025 proved no different. Tourism analysts estimate the event generated more than $6 million in local spending, including hotel bookings, dining, and retail. Many participants traveled from out of state or Canada to compete, taking advantage of the weekend to explore the city’s landmarks and waterfront attractions.
Downtown hotels near Seattle Center reported near-full occupancy for the weekend, benefiting from marathon-related tourism. Restaurants and coffee shops throughout the city center saw heavy foot traffic as runners and spectators celebrated after the event.
Sustainability Efforts
Organizers continued to expand sustainability measures in 2025, making the Seattle Marathon one of the most environmentally responsible races in the U.S. Initiatives included:
- Compostable race materials, including cups and bibs.
- Zero-waste water stations, reducing plastic bottle use.
- Recycling and compost bins across the event site.
- Digital check-in and results, replacing paper-based systems.
These steps align with Seattle’s broader sustainability goals and reflect the event’s ongoing commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Runner Experience and Technology
Participants benefited from several technological upgrades this year. RFID timing chips provided accurate race tracking, while the official Seattle Marathon app allowed spectators to follow runners in real time.
Many finishers shared photos and race videos across social media, helping extend the marathon’s visibility beyond Seattle. Online engagement reached record levels, with hashtags #SeattleMarathon2025 and #RunSeattle trending locally on race day.
Post-Race Festivities
The finish-line celebration at Seattle Center included live music, food trucks, recovery zones, and a photo wall for runners to capture the moment. Local vendors provided refreshments, while massage therapists offered complimentary recovery sessions to participants.
Awards for top finishers were presented by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and event director Louise Long at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony concluded with a salute to the volunteers and a call for runners to return for the Seattle Marathon 2026, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 29, 2026.
The Seattle Marathon 2025 highlighted everything that makes the city’s running community special—passion, perseverance, and Pacific Northwest pride. Thousands of athletes and fans turned a cool November morning into a celebration of endurance and community spirit.
Did you run or attend the Seattle Marathon 2025? Share your race-day memories or personal bests in the comments below!