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Marathon Details - Capital City Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WA > Olympia > Capital City Marathon

Capital City Marathon

Capital City Marathon & Half Marathon, 5 Miler

Olympia, WA USA

May 18, 2025

http://www.CapitalCityMarathon.org

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Race Details

Capital City Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5 Mile Race. Located in fun and friendly Olympia, Washington, we feature a beautiful course with rolling hills, enthusiastic volunteers, a festive post-race event with food, music, massage and swag. We are thrilled to host Olympian Jeff Galloway again who will share his experience and knowledge with our runners! Part of the Salish Sea Series, we are a Boston Marathon qualifier with a loyal following of marathon veterans, newcomers and everyone in between.

Contact Information

Name:	Leah Fisher
Address:	Capital City Marathon, PO Box 1681, Olympia WA 98507
Phone Number:	350 561-7874
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (49)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.5

Write a review

Number of comments: 49 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

T. Y. from Ohio (5/27/2023) "Well organized somewhat challenging race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organized race, rolling hills with their own version of heartbreak hill around 22 I think. Decently scenic course (if you like woods/forest/occasional water mixed with more urban at the beginning and end). Lots of turns but well marked and volunteers at every turn to point you where to go. As mentioned in another review, half marathon started 45 minutes later which was nice for a less congested start. Aid stations about every two miles which made planning very easy. Good post race food (pizza, fruit, etc.). Not a lot of crowds early, but two or three house parties after mile 20 were pretty cool. Most of the roads are minimally closed/controlled before getting back into Olympia proper. Nice smaller race if you need a Washington marathon.
S. S. from SE USA (5/21/2019) "Extremely well- run race, organized by runners" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was pleasantly surprised by this marathon! The race management did a fantastic job and I believe they must all be runners as they executed on the things that runners care about. The expo was a nice size in a park so folks could spread out. Race start and finish festivities were at the same park. I don't always opt for the pre-marathon pasta dinner but did for this one and am glad I did. The only feedback I could offer is that I eat later and the dinner was scheduled to end at 7 but they were shutting food down at 6:30. Thankfully I got there 'early' (for me) and was able to get some of the scraps. The catering staff was very nice and the setting was interesting and beautiful as they had it at a legislative building, so I understand why they couldn't have the event for more than 2 hours. COURSE: My mistake but I found myself surprised by the hills. But this being said, it was my fault, and the course was very pretty. The hills were genuinely rolling so they weren't terrible, but they were definitely there. Also relating to the course, they started the half marathon people 45 minutes later which helped spread people out. Great approach! I ran into some of them during the last few miles but this timing made the marathon feel like the main event and I enjoyed not running those first few miles with fresh-legged half marathoners. Nothing against them, but it makes it more of a mental game to slow down and stick to your 26.2 pace. I wish more marathons came up with a strategy like this. SWAG: For some reason, the last few marathons I've done have had some sad shirts and things. Not the case here! Great shirt. Really nice job on the shirt and the medal was also nice. Post-race food was nice and varied - salty, sweet, and things in between. Aid stations on course were all well stocked and at the right increments (approx every 2 miles). Lots of wonderful volunteers all weekend! This was a pleasant run, and the race management did a great job. This race has been running for 35 years and it's easy to see why- I am sure they will keep going for many more years and I hope to return. It was nice traveling to a marathon and town that gets things right!
E. J. from Surrey, BC (5/16/2016) "Scenic and rolling marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first Capital City Marathon and I enjoyed it. The scenery surpassed my expectations, as did the wonderfully supportive volunteers and community members who came to cheer. It is a small marathon, mostly on rolling country roads, but the people who came out and fellow runners were awesome. The course is challenging, beautiful and very well organized.
S. L. from Houston, TX (5/16/2016) "Very nice race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very well organized, nice small race (I heard about 300 marathoners, 2000 half marathoners, but it looked a little bigger to me). Nice long sleeve hoodie for participants, and decent medal. Easy street parking, plenty of chemical bathrooms, excellent aid stations, plenty of food at the finish (pizza, chocolate milk, fruit, bagels with peanut butter and Nutella), free massage with little wait. Downhill finish is great, I was flying even after struggling for a few miles. I am a 'flatlander', so the hills took a toll on my legs. It was harder than any of my previous 63 marathons. For comparison, it is harder than Austin or Waco, TX. But I enjoyed it overall and I would do it again.
M. K. from Mountain View, California (5/16/2016) "Super convenient race; well-run" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Huge pluses: The marathon and half-marathon start at different times. The Governor hotel is across the street from the start and finish Packet pick-up available on race morning About 300 marathoners; small enough that you don't spend the first mile in a pack of humanity Also nice: Last couple of miles are downhill Plenty of dinner options within two blocks of hotel/start-finish There is a significant uphill at about mile 23. It's totally doable, but you wouldn't want it to be a surprise.
C. M. from Portland, OR (5/18/2015) "Enjoyable Rolling Hills course with great support" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I really enjoyed this small sized marathon. The hills are spread out throughout the course which I like since it mixes up which leg muscles you are using. The hill from 22-24.5 was a bit much but I liked the downhill finish. The SWAG was great and the volunteers did an amazing job. Not much in the way of fan support but a few energetic fans out there. I would definitely do this race again. I do think the course runs a bit long through by about .2 mi so something to think about if you are close to a goal or BQ.
E. B. from Olympia, WA (4/4/2013) "Great SWAG and well organized fun!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Capital City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed this run, it takes you through the city first and out to the Eastside with lots of nice views overlooking water, looking at mountains, around very nice neighhborhoods and up some challenging and fun hills. The race food and SWAG was the best I have ever had.
D. C. from Washington (1/13/2013) "Good race but course is long." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Capital City Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I make this comment after three consecutive years running the course and after consulting with numerous other finishers. The course is long. It is long by almost two tenths. This is based on numerous GPS measurements over years as well. I don't know if this is because of the way the organizers direct runners on race day or what, but it is a significant issue for folks who put in a lot of training and want to run their best possible times. This has been brought to the attention of the organizers, but to my knowledge it has not been taken as seriously as it should be. This is also quite a difficult course, with many hills, so the extra length makes it quite hard to achieve your best possible result. The people who do the race are good folks, though.
B. C. from Pacific Northwest (5/17/2011) "Add it to your 'to do' list" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Add this race to your list of to do's. You won't be disappointed. A well organized, fair course and great value for money ($75 for the marathon) make this a very worthwhile race. The swag is great, as mentioned in a previous post. A tote bag and running jacket for all the marathoners and a coaster instead of a medal at the end. The race jacket was very handy as the weather conditions were less than ideal this year and I ended up wearing the jacket for the entire race to keep warm. The resolve of the volunteers was impressive given the conditions. Most of them would have stood in the rain for hours and they were upbeat and cheerful. The course has a few hills, but don't let that put you off. It is not as bad as some of the posts would lead you to believe. For every uphill there is a downhill :) You can run a fast race here, just train properly. There are water stops every two miles, all very well stocked and organized. The size of the race is part of the charm. Running in quiet country roads by yourself is very therapeutic.
M. S. from Brier, WA (5/16/2011) "Where's my T Shirt, where's my medal?????" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Capital City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my second CCM & a total change from my previous run. First of all the weather was awful, it was cold & miserably wet. Thankfully it wasn't windy & most of the course is sheltered. However the torrents of rain lead to splashing through many deep puddles or wide detours to avoid them, plus wash outs across the course that had lethally slippy debris such a worms which you simply couldn't avoid all the time. The course itself hasn't changed since 2006 when I last ran it, but what has changed was the 'organization' namely the runner's race packet & finishers area. I don't know when this changed but I hated the fact that there was NO finisher's T shirt & NO finisher's medal. I mean, they're kidding, right? Instead I was given a jacket (despite ordering a 'Size large SHIRT'!!!) of dubious quality & certainly far below the standards of the jackets I've purchased. I gave it away in disgust. Even worse, at the end I was handed the usual water, but they were out of space blankets (a SERIOUS oversight given the awful weather) & what looked like a 30th Anniversary CD or DVD which felt heavy enough to include a medal...this turned out to be a shockingly cheap mug coaster & NO MEDAL! I wasn't the only one wandering around repeatedly asking for their medal & not believing the answers given. I gave my coaster back too & wrote to complain the CCMA. I will also not be running this race again, I consider it an insult not to be offered the traditional rewards for finishing, a T shirt & a medal. On the plus side there was still the pizza for marathon runners but you only get one slice...nice that the staff enforcing this rule were filling their faces with slice after slice. What race did they run I wonder? This made me as mad as hell & simply added to my disgust. Like I said, I won't be doing this run again until runners are treated with a lot more respect.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]



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T. Y. from Ohio (5/27/2023) "Well organized somewhat challenging race" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organized race, rolling hills with their own version of heartbreak hill around 22 I think. Decently scenic course (if you like woods/forest/occasional water mixed with more urban at the beginning and end). Lots of turns but well marked and volunteers at every turn to point you where to go. As mentioned in another review, half marathon started 45 minutes later which was nice for a less congested start. Aid stations about every two miles which made planning very easy. Good post race food (pizza, fruit, etc.). Not a lot of crowds early, but two or three house parties after mile 20 were pretty cool. Most of the roads are minimally closed/controlled before getting back into Olympia proper. Nice smaller race if you need a Washington marathon.
S. S. from SE USA (5/21/2019) "Extremely well- run race, organized by runners" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was pleasantly surprised by this marathon! The race management did a fantastic job and I believe they must all be runners as they executed on the things that runners care about. The expo was a nice size in a park so folks could spread out. Race start and finish festivities were at the same park. I don't always opt for the pre-marathon pasta dinner but did for this one and am glad I did. The only feedback I could offer is that I eat later and the dinner was scheduled to end at 7 but they were shutting food down at 6:30. Thankfully I got there 'early' (for me) and was able to get some of the scraps. The catering staff was very nice and the setting was interesting and beautiful as they had it at a legislative building, so I understand why they couldn't have the event for more than 2 hours. COURSE: My mistake but I found myself surprised by the hills. But this being said, it was my fault, and the course was very pretty. The hills were genuinely rolling so they weren't terrible, but they were definitely there. Also relating to the course, they started the half marathon people 45 minutes later which helped spread people out. Great approach! I ran into some of them during the last few miles but this timing made the marathon feel like the main event and I enjoyed not running those first few miles with fresh-legged half marathoners. Nothing against them, but it makes it more of a mental game to slow down and stick to your 26.2 pace. I wish more marathons came up with a strategy like this. SWAG: For some reason, the last few marathons I've done have had some sad shirts and things. Not the case here! Great shirt. Really nice job on the shirt and the medal was also nice. Post-race food was nice and varied - salty, sweet, and things in between. Aid stations on course were all well stocked and at the right increments (approx every 2 miles). Lots of wonderful volunteers all weekend! This was a pleasant run, and the race management did a great job. This race has been running for 35 years and it's easy to see why- I am sure they will keep going for many more years and I hope to return. It was nice traveling to a marathon and town that gets things right!
E. J. from Surrey, BC (5/16/2016) "Scenic and rolling marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first Capital City Marathon and I enjoyed it. The scenery surpassed my expectations, as did the wonderfully supportive volunteers and community members who came to cheer. It is a small marathon, mostly on rolling country roads, but the people who came out and fellow runners were awesome. The course is challenging, beautiful and very well organized.
S. L. from Houston, TX (5/16/2016) "Very nice race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very well organized, nice small race (I heard about 300 marathoners, 2000 half marathoners, but it looked a little bigger to me). Nice long sleeve hoodie for participants, and decent medal. Easy street parking, plenty of chemical bathrooms, excellent aid stations, plenty of food at the finish (pizza, chocolate milk, fruit, bagels with peanut butter and Nutella), free massage with little wait. Downhill finish is great, I was flying even after struggling for a few miles. I am a 'flatlander', so the hills took a toll on my legs. It was harder than any of my previous 63 marathons. For comparison, it is harder than Austin or Waco, TX. But I enjoyed it overall and I would do it again.
M. K. from Mountain View, California (5/16/2016) "Super convenient race; well-run" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Huge pluses: The marathon and half-marathon start at different times. The Governor hotel is across the street from the start and finish Packet pick-up available on race morning About 300 marathoners; small enough that you don't spend the first mile in a pack of humanity Also nice: Last couple of miles are downhill Plenty of dinner options within two blocks of hotel/start-finish There is a significant uphill at about mile 23. It's totally doable, but you wouldn't want it to be a surprise.
C. M. from Portland, OR (5/18/2015) "Enjoyable Rolling Hills course with great support" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I really enjoyed this small sized marathon. The hills are spread out throughout the course which I like since it mixes up which leg muscles you are using. The hill from 22-24.5 was a bit much but I liked the downhill finish. The SWAG was great and the volunteers did an amazing job. Not much in the way of fan support but a few energetic fans out there. I would definitely do this race again. I do think the course runs a bit long through by about .2 mi so something to think about if you are close to a goal or BQ.
E. B. from Olympia, WA (4/4/2013) "Great SWAG and well organized fun!" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Capital City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed this run, it takes you through the city first and out to the Eastside with lots of nice views overlooking water, looking at mountains, around very nice neighhborhoods and up some challenging and fun hills. The race food and SWAG was the best I have ever had.
D. C. from Washington (1/13/2013) "Good race but course is long." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Capital City Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I make this comment after three consecutive years running the course and after consulting with numerous other finishers. The course is long. It is long by almost two tenths. This is based on numerous GPS measurements over years as well. I don't know if this is because of the way the organizers direct runners on race day or what, but it is a significant issue for folks who put in a lot of training and want to run their best possible times. This has been brought to the attention of the organizers, but to my knowledge it has not been taken as seriously as it should be. This is also quite a difficult course, with many hills, so the extra length makes it quite hard to achieve your best possible result. The people who do the race are good folks, though.
B. C. from Pacific Northwest (5/17/2011) "Add it to your 'to do' list" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Capital City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Add this race to your list of to do's. You won't be disappointed. A well organized, fair course and great value for money ($75 for the marathon) make this a very worthwhile race. The swag is great, as mentioned in a previous post. A tote bag and running jacket for all the marathoners and a coaster instead of a medal at the end. The race jacket was very handy as the weather conditions were less than ideal this year and I ended up wearing the jacket for the entire race to keep warm. The resolve of the volunteers was impressive given the conditions. Most of them would have stood in the rain for hours and they were upbeat and cheerful. The course has a few hills, but don't let that put you off. It is not as bad as some of the posts would lead you to believe. For every uphill there is a downhill :) You can run a fast race here, just train properly. There are water stops every two miles, all very well stocked and organized. The size of the race is part of the charm. Running in quiet country roads by yourself is very therapeutic.
M. S. from Brier, WA (5/16/2011) "Where's my T Shirt, where's my medal?????" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Capital City Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my second CCM & a total change from my previous run. First of all the weather was awful, it was cold & miserably wet. Thankfully it wasn't windy & most of the course is sheltered. However the torrents of rain lead to splashing through many deep puddles or wide detours to avoid them, plus wash outs across the course that had lethally slippy debris such a worms which you simply couldn't avoid all the time. The course itself hasn't changed since 2006 when I last ran it, but what has changed was the 'organization' namely the runner's race packet & finishers area. I don't know when this changed but I hated the fact that there was NO finisher's T shirt & NO finisher's medal. I mean, they're kidding, right? Instead I was given a jacket (despite ordering a 'Size large SHIRT'!!!) of dubious quality & certainly far below the standards of the jackets I've purchased. I gave it away in disgust. Even worse, at the end I was handed the usual water, but they were out of space blankets (a SERIOUS oversight given the awful weather) & what looked like a 30th Anniversary CD or DVD which felt heavy enough to include a medal...this turned out to be a shockingly cheap mug coaster & NO MEDAL! I wasn't the only one wandering around repeatedly asking for their medal & not believing the answers given. I gave my coaster back too & wrote to complain the CCMA. I will also not be running this race again, I consider it an insult not to be offered the traditional rewards for finishing, a T shirt & a medal. On the plus side there was still the pizza for marathon runners but you only get one slice...nice that the staff enforcing this rule were filling their faces with slice after slice. What race did they run I wonder? This made me as mad as hell & simply added to my disgust. Like I said, I won't be doing this run again until runners are treated with a lot more respect.

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Marathon Details - Capital City Marathon