The Seattle Marathon is Sunday and while the course isn’t on Capitol Hill for most of its route, it does encircle us and can make it difficult to get off the Hill or back to it. (But why would you ever leave?)
Miller Park Blog has a few tips for anybody out for a Sunday drive:
Going north on 23rd to the University District or getting to I-5 via the Roanoke onramps won’t work. Accessing I-5 via Madison, Denny-Steward-Yale (southbound) or Olive (northbound) will work.
Here’s a map of the course:
Roads will be closed early for the 7:15a start — site says all roads will be opened by 2:15p.
As far as rooting and support go, Capitol Hill is a low responsibility zone. It’s not our marathon! You’ll note that the course pretty much avoids most of the Hill proper — only the last few miles bounce along the top of the St. Mark’s region. So, if you wanna rep the Hill, stand at the C point in the map below.
That’s around the mile 23 mark in the race (mile 10 for the half-marathoners). By that point, those runners will need your support.
I learned this the hard way trying to drive to the University District via Roanoke and then down to the University Bridge. Wretched traffic. I recommend waiting until at least 3:00 or using one of the routes listed above and generally staying far, far from the course (unless you’re there to run or cheer).
Thanks for chiming in. Andrew over in Miller Park sez issues until after 4p. So, my strategy is best! Sleep in. Stay home. Or go shop 15th Ave, Broadway, Pike/Pine.
I have to drive over 520 about 12:45 PM Sunday to get to a volunteer gig – what is the best way to get onto 520 from 15th near Group Health? I usually go down Thomas to Madison, then Madison to the Arboretum. Will this work on Sunday?
Thanks for any assistance with this – I poured over the maps last night and am just not sure what I should do.
It’s possible — 24th will be open down through Montlake but you’ll have to wait for runners and the traffic will be gross. Can you go early?
Get on I-5 at Olive. North on I-5. East on 520.
Long but no conflict with Marathon.
BTW: how about future years when Olive off-ramp is closed for light rail construction?
Thank you jseattle and Andrew! I heeded jseattle’s warning and took Andrew’s suggestion – and left early. Arrived in plenty of time, with minimal delay on the way. Thanks so much!