Half Marathon races near Artondale

The Poulsbo Half Marathon & 10k begins and ends at Liberty Bay Waterfront Park in Poulsbo, Washington. Participants can select either a half marathon or a 10k, with both races following a loop course through the city’s Norwegian-themed downtown, known as “Little Norway.” The course winds through downtown Poulsbo before heading back to the waterfront park. The event is chip-timed, and all participants receive a shirt, a finisher’s medal, and complimentary race photo downloads.

The Bagel Run 5K/10K/13.1 is a small private group run in New York City offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances, along with a 1-mile Family Fun Run. The concept is straightforward: run for the carbs, then enjoy the bagels. Participants can also opt for a virtual 5K, 10K, or half marathon. The in-person races include an eco-registration option that omits a shirt. This event accommodates both running and walking, welcoming all paces and allowing children accompanied by a guardian. Each wave has a participant limit and closes once full, with a waitlist available when capacity is reached. The format is intentionally relaxed, requiring no special equipment or obstacles, focusing solely on the run with coordinators present to assist participants.

Seattle Ghost is a low-key road race in Seattle offering half marathon, marathon, and 50K distances, held in late November around the Thanksgiving weekend. Established in 1985 following a course and date change by the Seattle Marathon, the marathon now provides runners a flat, fast, certified Boston qualifier along Lake Washington. The start and finish are at Ferdinand Street Boat Launch, north of Seward Park. Half marathoners complete one 13.1-mile loop, marathoners run it twice, and 50K runners add a clockwise loop of Seward Park before heading north on Lake Washington Boulevard past Leschi to the turnaround. Aid stations are positioned approximately every 3 miles. The course utilizes streets and sidewalks, which means dogs, strollers, and wheelchairs are not permitted. Finishers receive medals and hoodies. A covered recovery area offers hot food and cold drinks. A portion of the race proceeds supports providing Christmas gifts for families in need in Western Washington.

Santa Runs Tacoma is a December race day in Tacoma, Washington, offering a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. It begins in downtown Tacoma. The shorter distances are suitable for families, walkers, and runners seeking a holiday-themed event without the commitment of a full 13.1 miles. The half marathon follows an out-and-back course with some rolling hills. It starts downtown, proceeds along the waterfront on the Ruston Way Path, heading toward Point Ruston Waterwalk and Dune Peninsula Park. Before turning back, participants ascend the Wilson Way Bridge for an elevated view of the surroundings, then return downtown along the water. The 10K uses a portion of this waterfront out-and-back route, and the 5K covers 3.1 miles, open to both runners and walkers. All finishers receive a Santa Runs Tacoma medal.

Pigtails Flat Ass begins and ends at the Cedar River Trailhead in Landsburg Park, near Ravensdale, Washington. This winter event uses a trail and bike path, offering two distances: a marathon and a 50K. Both races commence at 8 AM, with no option for an early start. The entry fee is low, and day-of-race registration is unavailable. Participants check in just before a short pre-race briefing. At mile 21 of the 50K, volunteers assess runners around the five-hour mark, determining if they can continue the full distance or should complete the marathon distance instead. The course is mostly flat, featuring packed gravel for the initial miles followed by a paved bike path. The marathon includes about 11 miles of gravel, while the 50K has approximately 16 miles. The first half follows a gentle downstream trend before runners turn back for a slight upstream effort. The 50K adds an extra out-and-back section and a minor incline near mile 21. Aid stations are positioned approximately every five to six miles. Staffed stations provide standard fare such as candy, chips, cookies, gels, and occasionally a warm option. Participants are requested to bring food donations for the Maple Valley Food Bank. The first 150 registered runners receive a Headsweats visor, a small Pigtails tradition aligning with the event's practical, volunteer-supported character.