UW Medicine Seattle Marathon 2026: What Magnolia Residents Need to Know
At a Glance
🏃 Race Day: Sunday, November 29, 2026
🌉 Magnolia Bridge will remain open. The 2026 course has been changed, and runners will not cross the Magnolia Bridge or W Emerson Street.
⏰ Peak runner activity in Interbay/Magnolia: Approximately 9:40–10:40 AM, with most runners passing through between 9:30–11:30 AM.
🚗 Traffic impacts: Runners will cross W Dravus Street at 20th Ave W and Alaskan Way beneath the Magnolia Bridge. Final traffic management details will be shared when available.
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The UW Medicine Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon will return to Seattle on Sunday, November 29, 2026, bringing portions of the race route through the Interbay and Magnolia area. Following concerns raised by Magnolia residents during the 2025 event, the Seattle Marathon organization has worked with the Magnolia Community Council early in the planning process to improve communication and address neighborhood impacts. MCC appreciates the marathon team joining us at our June 2026 meeting to share the updated route, answer questions, and discuss opportunities for Magnolia residents to participate.
Key Changes for 2026
The biggest change for Magnolia residents is that runners will not cross the Magnolia Bridge or Emerson Street. Instead, the route has been adjusted to use the South Ship Canal Trail, 16th Avenue W, W Thurman Street, 20th Avenue W, and the Elliott Bay Trail. The Magnolia Bridge ramp will remain open with runners passing underneath on the trail.
Runners will cross:
W Dravus Street at 20th Avenue W
Alaskan Way beneath the Magnolia Bridge
Seattle Police will manage these locations, although final traffic management plans have not yet been announced.
When Will Runners Be in the Area?
The Interbay/Magnolia section includes:
Half Marathon miles 8–11
Full Marathon miles 22–24
Expected timing:
Lead half marathon runners: approximately 8:56 AM near Fishermen’s Terminal
Lead full marathon runners: approximately 9:06 AM
Highest runner traffic: approximately 9:40–10:40 AM
Most runners passing through: approximately 9:30–11:30 AM
Official course closure: 2:30 PM
Course Areas in Magnolia and Interbay
The route will generally travel:
Along the South Ship Canal Trail
Under 15th Avenue W and W Emerson Street
North on 16th Avenue W
Along W Thurman Street and 20th Avenue W
South along Gilman Avenue W and the Elliott Bay Trail
Under the Magnolia Bridge ramp and toward the finish line downtown
Magnolia Maps
Click on images to enlarge and read full description.
Opportunities to Participate
The Seattle Marathon organization has invited Magnolia residents to be part of creating a welcoming race-day experience.
Ways to participate include:
Volunteer at a Water Station: Three water stations will be located near the Magnolia section of the course, with Water Station #12 near 20th Avenue W and Thorndyke Avenue W serving as the most central location. Volunteers help distribute water and sports drinks, encourage runners, and assist with cleanup. Water stations generally require 15–30 volunteers.
Join a Neighborhood Cheer Zone: A community cheer area is being considered near W Dravus Street and 20th Avenue W, where race activity will be highly visible.
Run the Race: The Seattle Marathon has offered to create a Magnolia Neighborhood Team and provide a discount code for Magnolia residents who would like to participate. Details coming soon!
Stay Informed and Get Involved
MCC will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available, including traffic management plans, volunteer opportunities, and neighborhood participation efforts.
Interested in volunteering or receiving updates about Magnolia’s Seattle Marathon efforts?
For more information about the race, visit the Seattle Marathon website.
