Where to Run in Seattle Washington - The 5 Minute Guide

Описание: Where to run in Seattle Washington - A Runner's Guide

Seattle is a runner’s dream—a city where waterfront views meet lush green trails, and coffee shops are always within reach for a post-run reward. Whether you’re training for a race, looking for a scenic jog, or just trying to burn off a few extra pastries from Pike Place Market, Seattle has something for every runner.

🏃 Top Running Routes in Seattle
1. Elliott Bay Trail (Myrtle Edwards Park & Centennial Park)
Best for: Scenic waterfront views, flat terrain, sunrise/sunset runs
Distance: ~5 miles out-and-back
Why Run Here: This is Seattle’s most iconic waterfront run, with sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. The paved trail starts at Myrtle Edwards Park near downtown and stretches north through Centennial Park, offering a peaceful, flat route perfect for easy miles or tempo runs.

2. Green Lake Loop
Best for: Beginners, social running, casual jogs
Distance: 2.8-mile loop
Why Run Here: Green Lake is Seattle’s go-to neighborhood loop, offering a flat, scenic, and well-maintained path around the lake. You’ll be surrounded by runners, walkers, and rollerbladers, making this a great spot if you like a social atmosphere while running.

3. Burke-Gilman Trail
Best for: Long-distance runs, marathon training, uninterrupted miles
Distance: Up to 20+ miles (choose your section)
Why Run Here: One of the best long-distance routes in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman Trail runs from Ballard all the way to the Eastside, following a mix of waterfront, parks, and residential areas. It’s a perfect choice for long training runs with minimal street crossings.

4. Discovery Park Loop
Best for: Trail runners, nature lovers, hilly workouts
Distance: ~2.8-mile loop (with additional side trails)
Why Run Here: Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, featuring a mix of dirt trails, ocean views, and moderate hills. The highlight? The breathtaking view of the Puget Sound from the bluff overlook. It’s a go-to spot for trail runners who want to escape the city without leaving it.

5. Alki Beach Path
Best for: Flat runs, beach vibes, summer running
Distance: ~6 miles out-and-back
Why Run Here: If you love oceanfront runs, Alki Beach is your spot. Located in West Seattle, this paved path runs right along the beach, offering uninterrupted waterfront views with a mix of runners, cyclists, and casual walkers. Bonus: it’s one of the sunniest spots in Seattle (when the sun actually shows up).

🌦️ Running in Seattle Weather: What to Expect
Yes, Seattle is rainy, but it’s not as bad as you think. The key is to dress for the conditions:
🌧️ Rainy Runs? Wear a light rain jacket and moisture-wicking layers.
🌡️ Cold Mornings? Gloves and a beanie will save your hands.
☀️ Rare Sunny Days? SPF is your friend—Seattle runners are not built for sun exposure.

🏆 Best Places for Hill Workouts
Seattle is notorious for its hills, so if you want a challenge, try these:
🔥 Howe Street Stairs (Capitol Hill) – 388 steps of pure leg burn.
🔥 Queen Anne Ave Hill – A 0.7-mile steady incline that will test your soul.
🔥 Interlaken Park – A hilly, wooded trail perfect for strength-building.

☕ Best Post-Run Coffee Shops
Seattle takes coffee culture seriously, and these are some of the best spots to refuel after your run:
☕ Milstead & Co. (Fremont) – Best for strong espresso and local vibes.
☕ Sound & Fog (West Seattle) – Great for craft coffee and pastries.
☕ Victrola Coffee (Capitol Hill) – Perfect if you like a historic café feel.

🏅 Local Races & Running Events
Want to race? Seattle has a fantastic running community with events year-round:
🎽 Seattle Marathon (November) – A hilly but scenic city race.
🎽 Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon (June) – Live music, great crowd energy.
🎽 Beat the Bridge 8K (May) – A fun race against the drawbridge.
🎽 St. Patrick’s Day Dash (March) – A festive costume-friendly 5K.

Seattle is a one-of-a-kind city for runners—offering everything from city loops to rugged trails, with stunning water and mountain views at every turn. Whether you’re logging miles along the Burke-Gilman, tackling hills in Discovery Park, or just enjoying a coffee-fueled cooldown at Green Lake, Seattle has a route for every kind of runner.

💬 What’s your favorite place to run in Seattle?
Drop your go-to route in the comments.

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