TACOMA CITY MARATHON

Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28, 2024
2024 REGISTRATION IS OPEN

2024 Tacoma City Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

Mark your calendar for the weekend of April 27th & 28th, 2024 and join us for the return of the Ghost of Tacoma on Saturday and the Tacoma City Marathon on Sunday with Marathon RelayHalf Marathon and 5K options also available.

Run 3 races in 2 days! Kick off Saturday morning with the 5K (8:00 am start) and afterwards, run the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon or Half Marathon (9:00 am start). Then complete the weekend with the Tacoma City Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday.

Sunday’s Marathon and Half Marathon are point-to-point courses running across the iconic Narrows Bridge and finishing at Tacoma’s beautiful Dune Peninsula Park, the Northwest’s premier waterfront neighborhood. This picturesque entertainment and recreation hub is situated along Commencement Bay with panoramic views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.

Runners will enjoy a scenic, USATF-Certified and Boston Qualifying course that passes through Point Defiance Park, with over 700 acres of beautiful gardens and old growth forests. After exiting Pt. Defiance, the Marathon and Half Marathon runners will cross over the Wilson Way Bridge with a sweet half mile downhill to the Puget Sound and Dune Peninsula Park where the Half Marathon will finish. The Marathon will continue down the flat and fast waterfront with views of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound. The Marathon turnaround is along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade and the beautiful Museum of Glass.

20 Year Marathon Maniac Reunion!

We’re excited to announce that the Tacoma City Marathon will be hosting the 20 Year Marathon Maniacs’ Reunion in 2023! Join our Maniac Fanatic Reunion Facebook page to get connected with other members and up to date Reunion information HERE <<

Haven’t taken on the challenge yet? Run the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon and then Sunday’s Tacoma City Marathon to qualify for the Marathon Maniacs or run the Ghost of Tacoma Half Marathon and then Sunday’s Tacoma City Half Marathon to qualify for the Half Fanatics!

Maniac Weekend Itinerary

Friday April 28th:
9:15 am: Dune Peninsula Park
2 Mile Shakeout Run then meet at Anthem Coffee after for socializing.

Saturday April 29th:
9:15 am:
Shakeout run after the crazies head off for the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon and Half. LOCATION HERE<<

Coffee and snacks will be provided at the Dune Peninsula Park Community Center. Dune Peninsula Park is the location of the Sunday Finish Line.

Dinner Locations near Silver Cloud Hotel (Race Headquarters):

Sunday April 30th:
7:00 am: Group photo outside the Airplane Hanger.
7:30 am: Race Start! Lets get the party started!
3:00 pm:Meet up at North End on Pearl Tavern (N Pearl St, Ruston, WA 98407) for appetizers and beverages, the back room is reserved for the Marathon Maniacs!

Sunday, April 28

Marathon

Start Time: 7:30 am
Start Location: Tacoma Narrows Airport
Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park

USATF Certification: WA22005RMB

Sunday, April 28

Half Marathon

Start Time: 7:30 am
Start Location: Tacoma Narrows Airport
Finish Location: 
Dune Peninsula Park

USATF Certification: WA22004RMB

Saturday, April 27

Ghost of Tacoma

Marathon & Half Marathon
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start/Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park


5K

Start Time: 8:00 am
Start/Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park

Registration Information

Registration includes:
  • Tacoma City Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, or 5K Medal 
  • Tech Shirt (Sunday Marathon & Half Marathon) or Tri-Blend Shirt (Saturday 5K) – Order by 3/27 to guarantee a shirt and size
  • Collective Bib – Register by 3/27 to add a custom message to your bib
  • Optional merchandise available for purchase during registration while supplies last

Receive a $40 Discount on the Ghost of Tacoma when you register for the Sunday Marathon or Sunday Half Marathon. Discount will be automatically applied to your cart when you add the Ghost AND the Sunday Marathon or Half Marathon (must be the same registrant for both races).

Register as a team and save! Discounted pricing kicks in for teams of 4, $5 off, team of 10, $10 off and team 15, $15 off registrations. Refunds are processed when your team reaches each of these sizes. The bigger the team, the bigger the discount!
*Discount not valid during 2-day opening.

Late registration will be available online during packet pickup & on day of race. Online registration closes 15 minutes prior to race start.

  • Marathon

  • October 2 - 3: $80 (2-Day Opening Special! On sale at 10:00 am.)
  • October 4: $90
  • November 20: $110
  • January 15: $130
  • February 15: $150
  • March 15: $165
  • April 15: $170
  • April 26 - 28: $175
  • Register Now
  • Half Marathon

  • October 2 - 3: $65 (2-Day Opening Special! On sale at 10:00 am.)
  • October 4: $75
  • November 20: $95
  • January 15: $115
  • February 15: $135
  • March 15: $150
  • April 15: $155
  • April 26 - 28: $160
  • Register Now
  • 5K

  • October 2 - 3: $35 (2-Day Opening Special! On sale at 10:00 am.)
  • October 4: $40
  • November 20: $50
  • January 15: $55
  • February 15: $60
  • March 15: $65
  • April 15: $70
  • April 26 - 27: $75
  • Register Now
CONFIRM REGISTRATION >> HERE <<

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A small transaction fee is assessed when registering online. Price increases occur at midnight. 

*Please Read! TCMA Policies* All entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Sorry, no transfers to another individual, and no roll-overs to the following year. All participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to participate. Sorry, no exceptions.

TCMA reserves the right to alter or change race course(s) of events, without warning, based on the needs of the event, municipality requirements and/or other factors that may be out of the control of TCMA. While we do our very best to keep our courses consistent, year after year for their respective events, circumstances may arise that require TCMA to alter or change a course. As an organization that utilizes city streets, parks, and other such pathways for our events, we work very closely with the local municipalities, police departments and fire departments to ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff. While we don’t like to have to change a familiar course, there are instances where we are required to do so in order to be granted permission to host the event. We appreciate your understanding as we work hard to keep the events safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

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Sponsored by:

Race Day Medical Services Provided by:

Race Day Medical Services Provided by:

Medical Services. & Hydration Therapy On-the-Go Provided by:

A portion of proceeds goes toward the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. Additional donations can be made during registration.

The Ghost of Tacoma

*Receive a $40 Discount on the Ghost of Tacoma if you register for the Sunday Marathon or Half Marathon*

Discount will be automatically applied to your cart when you add the Ghost AND the Sunday Marathon or Half Marathon (must be the same registrant for both races).

The Ghost of Tacoma is a low key event for those who wish to run two marathons in two days (the perfect opportunity to qualify for the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics!). The marathon and half marathon will be chip-timed and accurately measured but they are not certified courses for Boston and New York at this time. This is an event more about completing the challenge of two races distances in two days (or add Saturday’s 5K to go for 3 races in 2 days!).

Course Support: Runners must obey pedestrian laws when crossing streets, there are no mile markers and only 1 aid station at the turnaround. 

Aid Stations: There are bathrooms located along Ruston Way, with Honey Buckets at mile 1, fixed bathrooms at miles 2.3, 3 and 3.5. The marathon is run twice and there will be aid at the finish line (mile 13.1) before you head back out. 

Course Route: The route is mostly on paved bike paths along the Puget Sound, there are several street crossings. Please note that the course is on sidewalks and you must obey pedestrian laws. 

  • Ghost of Tacoma

  • October 2-3: $80 (2-Day Opening Special! On sale at 10:00 am.)
  • October 4: $90
  • November 20: $110
  • January 15: $130
  • February 15: $150
  • March 15: $165
  • April 15: $170
  • April 26 - 27: $175
  • *Receive a $40 Discount on the Ghost of Tacoma when you register for the Sunday Marathon or Half Marathon*
  • Register Now

Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston

The newly opened Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston is this year’s exclusive host hotel for the Tacoma City Marathon, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Puget Sound waterfront along with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Amenities include a rooftop pool, valet parking, wifi, and the Copper & Salt Northwest Kitchen Restaurant & Bar. The hotel will also host pre-race packet pick-up. ​

Discounted rates will be available for the 2024 Tacoma City Marathon Room Block from Friday, April 25, 2024 through Monday, April 30, 2024. All guestroom reservations and discounted rates are subject to availability at the hotel.

Book your stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston ONLINE or ask for the “Tacoma City Marathon Association” discount by phone at (253) 319-8300 Ext. 1.

CHECK BACK FOR BOOKING

Tacoma City Marathon Medals

Celebrate your accomplishment and add some more bling to your collection! All runners will receive their hard earned commemorative finisher medal as you come across the finish line. 

Race Swag

*2024 Swag Reveal Coming Soon*

Race swag will be available for pick up during packet pickup or at the finish line on race day. Unclaimed swag cannot be mailed out after the race, so don’t forget to grab yours before you leave!

  • Marathon & Half Marathon Runners will receive a tech shirt (guaranteed shirt & size cutoff is 3/27*).
  • 5K Runners receive a tri-blend shirt (guaranteed shirt & size cutoff is 3/27*).
  • Optional Apparel/Merchandise available for purchase while supplies last.

*We do our best to estimate numbers to account for registrations after the cutoff date but to help ensure that as many runners are able to get a shirt as possible, we cannot do size exchanges until the end of the day on race day.

2023 Race Roster Shirts

Register by 4/9 to get your name on the back of this year’s limited edition Race Roster Shirt!  Race Roster Shirts are available as an additional purchase in Black or Blue Unisex sizes, while supplies last.

Purchase a Shirt

Packet Pickup Information

Your packet will contain:
  • Race bib with timing chip attached to back and safety pins
  • Gear check tear tag attached to bottom of bib – please fix this to your gear bag if you are checking one on race day

We highly recommend you pick up your packet prior to race day to avoid long lines on race morning. You may also pick up a packet for a friend/family member, if you do so, please make sure they know you will be picking up their packet.

Pre-Race Pickup

Date: April 26 & 27, 2024

Packet Pickup Location:
Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront
5125 Grand Loop,
Ruston, WA 98407

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Point Ruston Garage and street parking around Point Ruston is complimentary up to one hour, please do not park in the valet circle at the Silver Cloud Hotel. Day-of-race packet pickup will be available Sunday morning at the marathon/half marathon start line from 6:00 am – 7:15 am & Friday morning at the 5K start line from 6:45 am – 7:45 am.

*Please Note* Packets will not be available for pickup before stated times. Please do not call the pick-up location with packet pickup questions. If you have a question, please email us at info@tcmaevents.com. 

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Day of Race Schedule

Marathon

Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024

Start Location: Tacoma Narrows Airport
Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park

5:00 am: Shuttle Service Starts
6:00 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check Start
6:30 am: Early Start 
6:45 am: Last Pre-Race Shuttle
7:15 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check End
7:30 am: Marathon Start
1:30 pm: Course Closes 
1:30 pm: Last Post-Race Shuttle 

Half Marathon

Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024

Start Location: Tacoma Narrows Airport
Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park

5:00 am: Shuttle Service Starts
6:00 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check Start
6:45 am: Last Pre-Race Shuttle
7:15 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check End
7:30 am: Half Marathon Start
1:30 pm: Course Closes 
1:30 pm: Last Post-Race Shuttle 

Ghost of Tacoma & 5K

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024

Start Location: Dune Peninsula Park
Finish Location: Dune Peninsula Park

6:30 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check Start
8:00 am: 5K Start
8:45 am: Packet Pickup & Gear Check End
9:00 am: Marathon & Half Marathon Start
3:00 pm: Course Closes 

Parking

Paid parking is available at Point Ruston, there is free parking on the surrounding streets outside of Point Ruston. Please refer to the signs where you are parked for parking specific to the location as it can vary from street to street.

Shuttles

You must purchase a Bus Ticket to board the shuttle buses, this helps us offset the cost of bus rentals without increasing registration fees and helps us determine how many buses we’ll need for race day. You will receive a wrist band at packet pick-up that you should wear to board the bus. If you did not purchase a ticket during registration, you can add it on after the fact through your original registration. If you purchase your bus ticket online after 6:00 pm on Friday, you will need to bring your purchase confirmation (either on your phone or printed).

Shuttle Buses will depart from the loop behind the Farelli’s at Point Ruston where there is a large covered area starting at 5:00 am to 6:45 am. All shuttles will depart as they fill up. Shuttles to the start will make continuous trips as time allows before the start of the race, we recommend that you take the earliest shuttle possible to ensure you are on time to the start.

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, or get dropped off, please keep in mind there is a toll-fee to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge ($5.25 with a Good To Go! Pass / $6.25 Toll Booth / $7.25 Pay by Mail). Limited parking is available at the Tacoma Narrows Airport. You can also be dropped off at the Start Line.

The return shuttle will go continually back and forth from the Finish Line Parking Lot to the Start Line at Tacoma Narrows Airport. Return shuttles will run from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Gear Check

Gear check will be available until 15 min before the start of the race. Please plan to bring your own bag. Gear bags will be transported to the finish line, you may claim your bag after you finish by providing your bib number. Tear your gear check tag off of your bib and attach to your gear check bag.

Please do not put valuables in your bag. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Marathon Maniac / Half Fanatic Pacers

Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic Pacers will be there to help you reach your goal for the marathon and half marathon distances. Please check back for pacer intervals as they will continue to be updated as we get closer to race day.

Marathon & Half Pacers:
3:10 – Open                   |1:40 – Jonathan Echavez 
3:20 – Open                   | 1:50 – Open
3:30 – Will Williams      | 2:00 – Open
3:40 – Jeffery Lusink    | 2:15 Phil Kriss
3:50 – Open                   | 2:30 Open
4:00 – Heidi Kriss          | 3:00 Open
4:15 – Patrick Gaurano
4:30 – Open
Sweeper – Open

Course Support (Tacoma City Marathon & Half Marathon)

Water, Electrolyte, Vaseline, and basic first aid will be provided at all water stations. Additionally, various aid stations will supply energy gels. Aid Stations with porta-potties are noted below. Aid Stations will be approximately every 2-3 miles. Medical personnel will be on the course and at the finish.

  • Aid Station #1:
    Marathon & Half Marathon Mile 3.5 

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    North Skyline Drive, (47.256315, -122.531430) <<
  • Aid Station #2:
    Marathon & Half Marathon Mile 6.7

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    Vassault Park, GPS (47.281630, -122.521090) <<
  • Aid Station #3:
    Marathon & Half Marathon Mile 9.1

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water, Honey Stinger
    Wilderness Cutoff Rd., GPS (47.306697, -122.534517) <<
  • Aid Station #4:
    Marathon & Half Marathon Mile 12.5

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    Wilson Way Bridge, GPS (47.305162, -122.515097) <<
  • Aid Station #5:
    Marathon Mile 13.6 & 25.4

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    WaterWalk Octopus, GPS (47.295475, -122.500156) <<
  • Aid Station #6:
    Marathon Mile 15.6 & 23.4

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water, Honey Stinger
    Dickman Mill, GPS (47.276807, -122.469969) <<
  • Aid Station #7:
    Marathon Mile 17.8 & 21.2 

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    Theas Park, GPS (47.260357, -122.439119) <<
  • Aid Station #8: Fish Peddler Restaurant
    Marathon Mile 19.5

    Honey Bucket; Electrolyte/Water
    Marathon Turnaround North of 21st St Park on Dock St, GPS (47.243212, -122.433810) <<
Marathon Relay Legs

Water, Electrolyte, Vaseline, and basic first aid will be provided at all water stations. Additionally, various aid stations will supply energy gels. Aid Stations with porta-potties are noted above. Aid Stations will be approximately every 2-3 miles. Medical personnel will be on the course and at the finish.

  • Leg #1: Over the Bridge (6.72 miles – hard) HERE <<
    Start (Tacoma Narrows Airport) to Aid Station 2 (War Memorial Park) 
  • Leg #2: Through the Woods (5.76 miles – hard) HERE <<
    Aid station 2 (Vassualt Park) to Aid Station 4 (Wilson Way Bridge)
  • Leg #3: Along the Water (3.13 miles – easy) HERE <<
    Aid Station 4 (Wilson Way Bridge) to Aid Station 5 (Dickman Mill Park)
  • Leg #4: You Go to the TA (5.08 miles – easy) HERE <<
    Aid station 6 (Dickman Mill) to Turnaround and back to Aid station 7 (Theas Park)
  • Leg #5: Race to Dune (5.52 miles – easy but make it hard!) HERE <<
    Aid station #7 (Theas Park) to Finish (Dune Pennisula Park).
Time Limit & Early Start (Marathon)

There is a time limit of 6 hours for the Marathon (13:44 mi/min avg. pace). All of those remaining on the course after the cutoff must move to the sidewalks and obey pedestrian laws. The timing mats, medical staff, and finish line amenities will remain at the finish until all participants have finished.

Participants requiring more than 6 hours for the Full Marathon may start 1 hour early. Early starters finishing the marathon under 5 hours will be disqualified from awards/results. You must need the extra time to start early. Early starters must be self-supported, know the route, and obey all traffic/pedestrian laws until officers and volunteers are on the course. You are on your own until officers and volunteers arrive on the course.

When you arrive on race morning, please let the timer know you would like to start early.

Finish Line Amenities

Once you cross the finish line, you will be greeted with food and water to aid in your recovery as well as medical assistance provided by Multicare.

This year’s finish line party at Dune Penninsula Park will include a variety of vendors and food trucks, live music by Stan the Guitar Man & Moonyard, massage services available from BeHive Massage and athletic trainers from Olympic Sport & Spine.

Results & Photos

Timing provided by Ready, Set…Time! Photos & free downloads provided by CJ Photography.

Results will be posted online shortly after you come across the finish line. Photos will be posted online in the week following the race, you will receive an email when they’re available. Results & Photos from previous years are also archived below.

Awards & Rules

Age Group Ribbons

Awards for the top Overall Male & Female and age group ribbons will be available for pick up at your convenience at the results tent*. Age group ribbons will be given out to the top 5 finishers in the following age groups: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+.

How to Claim Your Ribbon

After you have finished your race, check the results computers and get your print out. If your results are not yet posted please check back again in 10-15 minutes as they are updated often. If you are in the top 5 in your age group, proceed to the awards table to claim your ribbon. Congratulations! 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & USATF RULES: 
(1) 
If you win both an overall and age group spot you will be presented with both awards, overall winners ARE NOT knocked out of their respective age group.
(2) To be eligible for overall and age group awards or USATF submissions, you cannot be paced by or accept aid from a non-registered runner at any time during the event and you must complete the full course.
(3) Failure to complete the couse in its entirety may result in disqualification.
(4) Use of personal music devices/headphones is discouraged for the safety and benefit of all participants. If you choose to wear them, please be safe and don’t turn them up so loud that you can’t hear volunteers or police. We recommend leaving one earbud out.

*Please Note* Awards cannot be mailed out after the race, so please pick up your ribbon before leaving!

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Awards & Rules

Age Group Ribbons

Awards for the top Overall Male & Female and age group ribbons will be available for pick up at your convenience at the results tent*. Age group ribbons will be given out to the top 5 finishers in the following age groups: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+.

How to Claim Your Ribbon

After you have finished your race, check the results computers and get your print out. If your results are not yet posted please check back again in 10-15 minutes as they are updated often. If you are in the top 5 in your age group, proceed to the awards table to claim your ribbon. Congratulations! 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & USATF RULES: 
(1) If you win both an overall and age group spot you will be presented with both awards, overall winners ARE NOT knocked out of their respective age group.
(2) To be eligible for overall and age group awards or USATF submissions, you cannot be paced by or accept aid from a non-registered runner at any time during the event and you must complete the full course.
(3) Failure to complete the course in its entirety will result in disqualification.
(4) Use of personal music devices/headphones is discouraged for the safety and benefit of all participants. If you choose to wear them, please be safe and don’t turn them up so loud that you can’t hear volunteers or police. We recommend leaving one earbud out

*Please Note* 
Awards cannot be mailed out after the race, so please pick up your ribbon before leaving!

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HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Volunteer support means everything to us and our runners. We couldn’t do this without the hard work and efforts of dedicated volunteers who provide encouragement and a helping hand from getting our runners ready to hit the start line to fueling them through the finish.

Sign Up to Volunteer
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