Capital City Marathon
The Capital City Marathon takes place over a weekend in May in Olympia, Washington. It features a full marathon, a half marathon, a five-mile race, and a free kids run. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The course winds through rolling hills, differing from a flat city loop. It accommodates various age groups: the marathon is for runners aged 16 and older, the half marathon for those 14 and older, and the kids run for children 14 and under. The Capital City Marathon Association, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to running in the South Sound community, plans and operates the race. Volunteers manage essential tasks such as course safety, packet pickup, registration, and gear handling. The event attracts experienced marathoners, first-time participants, and shorter-distance runners, bringing them together afterward for refreshments, music, massage, and merchandise. Its established history is also a key element: the race is celebrating its 45th year, with retro-themed shirts referencing the inaugural event in the early 1980s.
