Orca Half Marathon
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The Brooks Orca Half Marathon presented by REI
The event is a two day road race on the West Seattle shore offering these distances:
- Half Marathon
- 8 Miler
The courses are point to point, starting at Lincoln Park and finishing at the Don Armeni Boat Launch. The route runs north along the West Seattle shoreline and offers views of downtown Seattle, Blake Island, Vashon Island and Puget Sound. Both courses include a small out and back section early on. The terrain is largely flat and the route uses the parking lane, sidewalks and the Alki Trail; roads remain open to traffic while the parking lane is cleared for runners. Because parts of the course are narrow, participants start in preassigned waves of 150 or fewer at 10 minute intervals.
The half marathon is USATF certified. Aid stations are located every 2 to 3 miles and are stocked with water, Tailwind electrolytes and GU gels. This is a cupless event so participants are expected to use a handheld bottle, hydration pack or a small reusable cup. Free gear check at the start transports bags to the finish. Pacers are available for 1:45, 2:00 and 2:15 finish times. The race supports local nonprofits including Whale Scout and the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. A virtual option with mailed shirt, medal and bib is offered and is limited in number. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
