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Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.4 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 104 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
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S. T. from TN
(9/9/2020)
"Profit-hungry Organization" (about: 2020)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 During the pandemic Rock and Roll was the only race I entered that didn't offer a refund. They offered to let us run in 2021 when there won't be a full option which doesn't help people doing 50 states. The other races they offered weren't an option for me and when I explained this they refused a refund and tried to lay on a huge guilt trip about the global pandemic. They should be the ones feeling guilty about keeping profits that all of us affected by the pandemic could use to help our situations. This is horrible company. Do not race a Rock and Roll Race. | |
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T. S. from Indianapolis
(8/16/2019)
"Not a fan" (about: 2019)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I decided to give a Rock 'n' Roll race another try after being somewhat disappointed by Vegas five years ago. I remain unconvinced that these races are worth the high entry fee, though Seattle had some bright spots. The highlights included a beautiful view of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier as runners descended from the Queen Anne hill neighborhood around Mile 12, and separate inspirational miles honoring those who serve, as well as St. Jude kids (St. Jude was the race's beneficiary). The lowlights were many, but admittedly some of that was on me. It started at the expo. I had been emailed my bib number, but didn't have it with me. What usually is a simple lookup became a royal pain because few of the computer stations were working and when I finally got to a working one, it defaulted to the race in San Diego, not Seattle. Next up was a shirt snafu. I asked if I could try it on because while I usually get a medium, sometimes that's too small. This try-on shirt fit perfectly, so they gave me a medium. Alas, the one they gave me was either a female medium or the one I tried on was a large because you'd probably have to go back 50 years to find a time when I was tiny enough to wear a shirt that small. Next up was race day. A volunteer pointed out the gear check tent and because I had plenty of time, I didn't check things right away. Alas, the tent wasn't gear check; it was in a separate building. I and several others ended up racing to the real gear check moments before the start, and then found chaos afterward as we tried to get in the correct corral. Funny, the only time I've had a similar problem was at the Vegas Rock 'n' Roll. Again, some of it is on me because there was pre-race communication telling where gear check was, but when I'm in another city, I get directionally confused and rely on volunteers. I hate to criticize them because of all the good things they do; I put it on the organization for improper training. In fact, I probably would've given the organization 1 star were it not for the receipt of an age-group award. Of my 44 marathons, this was the most difficult course so I surely didn't expect any awards when I finished in my second-worst time ever. But in checking results the next day, I discovered I was second in my age group (tip: get old!). I emailed the organizers and while it took about 6 weeks, a very nice trophy came in the mail. The course itself was fairly nice the first half. The hills were brutal for this flatlander, but I knew that going in. But the second half was mostly boring, and as if you weren't beat up enough, they tossed in some more steep hills around Mile 20. Then to top it off, the gear check was on the lower level of a building so you got a bunch of steps afterward. You can't really do anything about the topography of a city, but it seems they could've avoided hills for the gear retrieval. And oh, if you're into the rock 'n' roll aspect of the event, you might be disappointed. Not all that many acts (though more than Vegas). I see more than twice as much entertainment in half the distance at the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. | |
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A. T. from Bothell,WA
(6/10/2019)
"Hilly course needs changes" (about: 2019)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Hills at mile 20 and Woodland Park were so unnecessary. Also, consider moving race to May for cooler weather. | |
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F. f. from Spokane WA
(7/1/2018)
"Ten year legacy runner" (about: 2018)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run Rock 'n' Roll Seattle all ten years and was given a Ten Year Legacy Runner shirt. Thank you for the recognition. Pros: The Start/First line returns to the Seattle Center. I really like this venue. The Wear Blue mile always evokes emotion Interlaken Blvd was new to the course. A peaceful oasis of old growth trees and singing birds. Weather was mostly good, although a rain squall did pass through just as the Headliner Concert started. Cons: The new course had lots of hills. The King of the Hill run was as steep of a grade that I have ever seen. For the first time, the course did not run along Lake Washington. I miss those scenic miles. Fewer bands and cheer squads on the course. | |
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A. E. from CA
(6/22/2017)
"Beautiful weather!" (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The weather this year is wonderful and I thought it is well suited to run a marathon. Cloudy skies, very little breeze from the ocean, good temperature in the 50s, and even little mist touching your face. So I don't have complain on what was given by mother nature. However I got two things to mention: 1. I purchased parking and shuttle tickets online and I didn't receive email notifications that I should pick up the tickets at the expo until Saturday which is after I got my bib on Friday. I did not want to go back for the tickets and pay another $20 for parking (ridiculous!) so I decided to take the train instead. Communication is an issue. 2.The tunnel is the worst section of the course because you're body is slanted the whole time and very taxing on the legs/feet when at that point you're almost dead. Suggestion: Re-route it. Big applause to my pacers (5:10) who ran exactly as expected! | |
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S. L. from Greenville , SC
(6/22/2017)
"Disappointing changes" (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathons
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I have run this half marathon twice before and 2017 was a year of disappointing changes: 1- The date change from a Saturday to a Sunday, Father's Day, Sunday; 2- the course change left out the viaduct - some of the most beautiful scenery of Seattle, the ships, Ferris Wheel, Seattle Center; 3- the start was not at the Space Needle, but a football stadium; 4- the corrals were more narrow; 5- not enough porta johns, making the lines very long; 6- for a Rock N Roll marathon, the bands were terribly disappointing; 7 significantly fewer spectators and cheerleaders, probably due to it being FATHER's DAY. If you expect to see a good tour of the city, don't run the Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon. | |
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G. C. from CA
(6/20/2017)
"Course changed and will probably change again...." (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Organization was overall excellent. Minor issues were: not enough port-a-johns at the start (but that is true of many races), and lack of organization/signage at the start - I searched for the gear bag drop for quite a bit. In addition to this, transportation to the start was problematic for many runners. Many people tried to ride the Link light rail to the start, but they did not plan on enough trains so early in the morning, and many of the cars were full and could not take passengers at the stations close to the start. I guess that's more of an issue with the Seattle transportation agency, but RnR should work with them to solve the issue (assuming the race starts there next year). Course: They had a new course this year, starting from Husky Stadium at the University of Washington, going through the Arboretum, towards Seward Park, then going to Downtown through Rainier avenue. At around M18 the course went by Century Link stadium, and from there the marathoners would head north to a section on a viaduct, tunnel, and highway for an out and back. That last section was my least favorite part of the course. It was dreadful because of what felt like a long incline, and because running through the tunnel was very unpleasant. Also, that late in the race you feel that the turnaround will never come. Overall the hills before that section were not too bad but that long incline between M20-22 really killed me - and a lot of other people. It's unlikely that the course will stay the same as I heard that the viaduct will be demolished so who knows how they will change the course. Another course-related item is the marathoners/half-marathoners merging. The marathoners split from the half at M8 to run around Seward Park, and then merged back with the half marathoners at M13 until ~ M18. I have seen worse merge situations, and the organizers did a good job at making lanes specific for each of the race. So even though I was running ~7:30 pace next to slow half marathoners, it did not really impact my pace. Crowd support was almost non-existent. I don't really care about this, but I am mentioning it just in case. It seems like they were barely any spectators, except maybe around Rainier avenue and in the 0.1 miles before the finish line. The finish was well organized but the food at the finish was not very fulfilling. However I really enjoyed getting a marathon-specific jacket. Not only did it make for a nice perk, but it also came handy because of the cold drizzle at the finish. The medal was also good-looking even though it's not a major factor for me in deciding whether or not to run a race. Overall I don't think I would travel again for that race as I feel that the last part was very difficult. However it's a nice option for a late spring marathon and I think the race has the potential to be faster, assuming they eliminate that dreadful out and back section on the viaduct. | |
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A. S. from Pennsylvania
(9/20/2016)
"Beautiful views but depressing course" (about: 2016)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I ran this race because I was going to visit my friend in Washington for a week, and I wanted a spring/summer marathon to improve my BQ time. I had heard wonderful things about RnR races and was very excited! I did not finish with the time I wanted. I would not blame it on the course, but I was nevertheless disappointed. As others have mentioned, the long highway slogs, particularly 18 miles onward, are demoralizing and painful. My best friend came to Seattle with me, and race officials would not let her get close enough to cheer after Mile 18 because the entire road was the race, and there was apparently no room for spectators. You only hear the bands for a minute or so as you pass, and if they were playing every mile I definitely missed them. I love running trail races, and don't need someone to cheer me on when I run. That being said, the fans lining the course were weirdly silent except for their specific runners? I'd rather have no people than silent spectators. There were many sections of the course that doubled back and you watched your future pass you by. The views of the water were beautiful, and the Blue Mile was inspiring (my brother started at the Air Force Academy this fall). Temperature was okay. Water stops were sufficient. Overall, it was extremely overpriced. I would much rather have paid $80 for a small marathon with beautiful views and a comfortable running surface and no spectators than for highway running and over-promised support and enthusiasm. | |
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C. S. from Orlando, Florida
(9/14/2016)
"Worth a trip to Seattle" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 For me, this marathon was an excuse to visit a great city. As far as R&R events go, this was better than most. All R&R events are half marathons with a marathon option, but this marathon course was actually pretty good. No industrial parks (Nashville) or far off suburbs (Las Vegas). This was a course where the Half runners missed out on some good scenery, although the best scenery is in the first 13 miles. The hills weren't as bad as this Florida flatlander expected. I found steep inclines with gradual declines that worked to my advantage. Running through the tunnel was bad. Uneven roadway and it smelled like a dirt horse barn. Overall I was pleased with the course. The expo was OK. I found the start area at the Needle easy to find, but getting to the bag check and then back to my corral through Seattle Center was confusing. At the start there was no corral integrity. I started in corral 3 and had corral 38 Half people get in front of me at the start. I liked the finish next to the stadium and the finish area as a whole. I would not travel just for this marathon, but use it as an excuse to visit Seattle and you won't be disappointed. Its also the beginning of Orca season so rent a car and head to San Juan Island after your race. | |
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J. T. from Greensboro, NC
(7/9/2016)
"Highway Running in a Beautiful City" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Where we live in the Southeast where summer marathons are few and far between. We jumped at the opportunity to run Seattle in conjunction with a larger family vacation that went out of Seattle. This was part of the Rock n Roll series. I guess I can see the allure with it as I met a few veterans that had run the series through the country, but Im not part of that crowd. Seattle is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so Id suggest staying a day or 2 later to take in all that it has to offer. Just a warning the start and finish/expo are about 1.5 2 miles apart, so make the appropriate accommodations when you get a hotel. We were lucky to get a hotel blocks from the start near the Space Needle. The course had nice views of the city visited many different areas of Seattle, but Ive run nicer courses. Overall, I think running on the uneven highways was worse than the few hills that the course had. I think the profile map was a bit misleading the hill just before mile 26 was an on-ramp to an overpass. The worst hill to me was mile 22 coming back from the bridge it didnt seem to end. The hill at mile 17 before was steep, but pretty short. Start: Very crowded start where half and full start together. Good idea with the corrals, but see below. Mile 1 4: very crowded through a tunnel and highway. Beautiful views of the city Miles 4 9.5: Industrial and residential area. We split off from half at 9.5 and meet up with them again at about mile 15. Miles 9.5 17: Best part of the run along Lake Washington and around Seward Park. Absolutely flat. I always like seeing the leaders (out and backs), so I was able to see the front-runners before doing the 2 mile loop in the park before running by the people behind me. Mile 17 23 After a sharp uphill to the expressway, a death march on a highway that you can see. Note that once you get to the other side of the lake, you still have another 1 mile out to get to the turnaround. Mile 23 26.2 more highway running. Mile 25 is on the exit ramp where you run between the stadiums to the finish. Pros After running with the half-marathon for the first 9+ miles, I personally liked meeting up with the half-marathon at mile 15 16 (wear blue) and then miles 23 -26.2. It made me feel fast passing all of the half-marathoners still on the course. Pros lots of great aid support water, Gatorade, etc. The electrolyte drink was great. Pros great weather. Probably started in the 50s and maybe ended in the low 60s. Temperature not a factor. Cons the highway running was not fun, but probably most convenient for the race director. I didnt mind the tunnels as much as others did. Cons not a testament to the race, but the people. They did a great job of having starting corrals, but that seemed to blow up at the beginning. I started with the 8:00 per mile crew and was passing 11 min milers 3 miles into the race. This was very inconvenient for all involved, especially once we did a short out and back and the course was cut in half. With chip times, there is no reason to start at the front of the pack. Overall, it was a good experience in a beautiful city. Plus my wife BQed and works for CenturyLink (the stadium where the race ends), so it was good pub for her. Nonetheless, I probably wouldnt do it on a yearly basis if it were in my back yard since I would imagine there are a lot of other marathons in the area that may have more to offer in terms of scenery. |
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