2025 Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half & 50K

The 40th Annual Seattle Ghost Marathon, Half Marathon & 50K takes place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, starting at the Ferdinand Street Boat Launch (5018 Lake Washington Boulevard South, Seattle, WA 98118). Late November in Seattle typically brings cool temperatures ranging from 40-50°F (4-10°C) with increased chances of rain and overcast conditions—standard autumn weather for the Pacific Northwest. Participants can expect scenic routes along Lake Washington Boulevard and through Seward Park, with fully stocked aid stations positioned every 3.1 miles, post-race food, warm finisher hoodies, and a lively community celebration. The event is USTAF certified and recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier, drawing runners across three distance options managed by NW Ultras, a non-profit organization that directs surplus race funds toward supporting local running communities.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Seattle Ghost Half Marathon – 13.1 miles, starting at 8:00 AM
• →Seattle Ghost Marathon – 26.2 miles (two 13.1-mile loops), starting at 7:00 AM
• →Seattle Ghost 50K – 31 miles (includes an additional Seward Park loop), starting at 6:00 AM

How much does registration cost?

• →All distances (Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50K): $150 per entry plus processing fees

What is included in my race registration?

• →Access to fully stocked aid stations throughout the course with hydration and fuel
• →Cozy finisher hoodie
• →Post-race food and refreshments
• →Heaters and access to the lively post-race party
• →Course support and volunteer assistance
• →Race bib and timing chip

What is the race day schedule?

• →5:00 AM – Check-in opens (for early start runners)
• →6:00 AM – 50K race start and early start option for marathon runners
• →7:00 AM – Marathon race start
• →8:00 AM – Half Marathon race start
• →2:00 PM – Course closure (all participants must finish by this time)

When does registration close?

• →Registration deadline: November 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
• →Participant limit: 450 total across all three events
• →Packet pickup: Race day only

What is the course like?

• →Half Marathon: Single loop along Lake Washington Boulevard
• →Marathon: Two loops of the half marathon course
• →50K: Begins with an extra Seward Park loop, then continues with the marathon course loops
• →Route includes scenic views of Seward Park (clockwise), Lake Washington Boulevard, Leschi area, and a north turnaround past Madrona Drive
• →Course is certified as flat and fast, making it suitable for Boston Marathon qualification
• →All courses start and finish at Ferdinand Street Boat Launch

Who is eligible for the early start option?

• →The early start option (beginning at 6:00 AM) is available only for 50K runners and marathon runners who anticipate needing more than 6 hours to complete their race

What are the rules and restrictions for this event?

• →Dogs and strollers are not permitted due to sidewalk sections of the course
• →Overall race winners are determined based on gun time
• →No parking is available in the start/finish park; participants should use nearby neighborhoods for parking

What certifications and qualifications does this race offer?

• →USTAF certified (certification number: WA19029RMB)
• →Recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier due to the flat and fast course design

What is the history of the Seattle Ghost Marathon?

• →This is the 40th running of the Seattle Ghost Marathon, which began in 1985
• →The race was created when the Seattle Marathon changed its course and moved to the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend
• →The event has been managed by NW Ultras since 2004
• →Green Lake Crew has supported the event since 2013

Who organizes this event and where does the money go?

• →Organized by NW Ultras, a non-profit organization
• →Surplus race funds are split between NW Ultras and Green Lake Crew, supporting local running community initiatives

What should I expect weather-wise on race day?

• →Late November in Seattle typically brings cool temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C)
• →Expect overcast skies and a significant chance of rain
• →Dress in layers and bring weather-appropriate gear such as a rain jacket
• →The post-race heaters will provide warmth after finishing

Is this a family-friendly event?

• →Yes, the event maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with a lively post-race party, food, and community celebration
• →Note that dogs and strollers are not permitted on the course itself