Tacoma City Marathon / Half / Ghost / 10K / 5K / 1K

Lace up for the scenic and challenging Tacoma City Marathon weekend, returning on May 2, 2026, in beautiful Tacoma, WA. This event offers a distance for every runner, including a full Marathon (26.2M), Half Marathon (13.1M), 10K (6.21M), 5K (3.1M), and a 1K (0.62M) for the kids, alongside the unique "Ghost of Tacoma" races held on Saturday. Runners can tackle multiple distances over two days, making it an excellent opportunity to join the Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatics. Typical race day conditions in early May feature comfortable highs around 64°F and lows around 46°F, with a modest 12% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather.

The Marathon and Half Marathon courses are picturesque point-to-point routes, starting with an unforgettable journey across the iconic Narrows Bridge. Runners will then navigate a hilly and engaging first half, featuring rolling ascents and "quad-pounding" downhills as they wind through the expansive 700-acre Point Defiance Park, renowned for its beautiful gardens and old-growth forests. The course boasts panoramic vistas of the Puget Sound, Commencement Bay, and the majestic Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, with glimpses of Mount Rainier. While the initial miles present a challenge with significant elevation changes, the latter half of the marathon course transitions to a flatter, faster waterfront stretch along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade, turning around near the Museum of Glass before heading to the finish. The Marathon is USATF-Certified and a Boston Qualifying course, offering a chance for a personal best amidst stunning scenery.

Runners consistently praise the race for its well-organized atmosphere and exceptional views. Aid stations along the Marathon and Half Marathon courses provide water, electrolytes, and basic first aid, with bathrooms (including Honey Buckets and fixed facilities) strategically placed along Ruston Way and at aid stations. However, some past participants recommend carrying water for the early miles, as aid stations have sometimes been spaced further apart than ideal in the initial stages. All races culminate in a festive finish at Tacoma's vibrant Dune Peninsula Park, a premier waterfront neighborhood with a lively atmosphere right on the water. Shuttle services are provided from downtown Tacoma to the point-to-point start lines, with convenient free parking near the finish area.