Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon

Lace up for an unforgettable summer run at the Olympia Lakefair Races on July 18, 2026, in scenic Olympia, WA. This long-standing event, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026, offers distances for every runner, including the challenging Jerry Miller Half Marathon, a swift 8K, and a family-friendly 3K, with free entry for kids 14 and under in the 3K. Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with comfortable lows around 51F, highs around 79F, and only a 3% chance of precipitation, providing an ideal climate for a strong performance.

The Half Marathon course delivers a diverse and engaging journey, starting briefly through downtown Olympia before leading runners onto the tree-lined Woodland and Chehalis Western Trail biking paths. The route features mostly flat and narrow paved trails with some initial inclines giving way to a predominantly flat or downhill finish, making it a generally fast course. Around mile nine, participants will experience arguably the most scenic stretch as they wind through Squaxin Park (also known as Priest Point Park) and enjoy breathtaking views along East Bay Drive, running right along the coast of Puget Sound before heading back to the festive finish line. Both the 3K and 8K courses are celebrated as flat and fast, circling the picturesque Capitol Lake, with the 8K extending into Tumwater Historical Park.

Beyond the race itself, the Olympia Lakefair Races are a highlight of the broader Capital Lakefair festival, a cherished community tradition. Starting and finishing on 5th Avenue in front of Heritage Park, the event culminates in a lively atmosphere where runners and their supporters can indulge in post-race festivities including food and beer tents, carnival rides, booths, and even a parade. This event is more than just a race; it's a community celebration that gives back, benefiting local public high school cross country and track programs, along with Rotary Club scholarships and grants. Half Marathon finishers will proudly receive a commemorative medal, and all participants can enjoy free downloadable photos to capture their accomplishment.