Marathon races near Silver Firs

Grand Ridge concludes the Evergreen trail-running season in Grand Ridge Park, offering participants a 5-mile race, half marathon, marathon, or 50K. This trail event is structured around repeating loops instead of a single point-to-point course, allowing the park's trail system to accommodate distances from a short run to an ultra. The course consists of two loops: a 5-mile loop and a longer loop, designated as half-marathon distance but actually measuring closer to 14 miles. Marathon participants complete the longer loop twice, while 50K runners run two longer loops followed by the 5-mile loop. The trails originated from old logging roads and paths created by users, with the Washington Trails Association developing over seven miles of interconnected trail in the park since 2000. Runners will share the park with pedestrians and cyclists during the event, and all participants must carry a refillable container as the race is cupless, with the exception of emergency cups.

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.

The Seattle Kids Marathon is a fall program in Seattle allowing children to complete a full 26.2-mile marathon by running one mile at a time. Children log the first 25 miles on their own schedule, using a safe measured route like a city block, a high school track, or an indoor route at home. They then participate in the in-person event for the final 1.2-mile run. The program incorporates more than just running: children track 26 healthy meals, 13 books read, and 13 good deeds alongside their miles. Families can participate, using the provided Run-O-Meter, Read-O-Meter, Do-Right-O-Meter, and Eat-Right-O-Meter for daily record keeping. Children can earn certificates at 5, 10, 15, and 20 miles, along with special certificates for reaching reading, eating, good-deed, and running milestones.