
Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K
Olympia Lakefair Races offer a scenic loop around Capitol Lake and trails, celebrating 50 years.
Race Date
Jul 18, 2026
Location
Olympia, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Location
- Olympia, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 8K, 3K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,132
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Olympia Lakefair Races, first run in 2012 and now celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026, offer a half marathon, 8K, and 3K. This beloved event draws runners from around 20 states, with approximately 22% returning each year. The half marathon winds through downtown Olympia, along the Woodland Trail and Chehalis Western Trail biking paths, and includes a short trail section through Squaxin Park before returning to the finish.
Runners will experience a mix of paved trails and rural streets, with the 8K and 3K courses circling Capitol Lake and extending into Tumwater Historical Park. Both shorter races are noted as flat and fast. The half marathon, while offering scenic landscapes and tree-lined paths, also includes narrow paved trails.
Post-race festivities are a highlight, with a festival atmosphere around Heritage Park featuring food and beer tents, carnival rides, and a parade. An awards ceremony with raffle and age group awards up to 90+ caps off the day, making it a true community celebration.
Race-provided description
2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Olympia Lakefair Races, which include the Jerry Miller Half Marathon, an 8K and a 3K including free entry for Kids 14 and under; taking runners on routes that circle around the town of Olympia and beyond into Tumwater and Thurston County. Both the 3K and 8K start and finish on 5th Avenue in front of Heritage Park. They both circle Capitol Lake, with the 8K continuing into Tumwater Historical Park before returning. Both are flat and fast courses. The Jerry Miller Half Marathon heads briefly through downtown Olympia, then along the Woodland Trial and Chehalis Western Trail biking paths. The course continues on rural streets and a short trail and tour of Squaxin Park before heading back along East Bay Drive and running through downtown Olympia to the finish line in front of Heritage Park. Runners will enjoy tree-lined trails and scenic landscapes while enjoying flat and narrow paved trails throughout. Once runners have completed the course, there is an awards ceremony with several raffle awards as well as age group award up to 90+ for all three races. Participants, family and friends can then enjoy festival activities that are held all around Heritage Park including food and beer tents, carnival rides, booths, a parade and more. The Valley Athletic Club is proud to be the 2026 Presenting Sponsor. The Olympia Lakefair Races are brought to you by the Lake Run Organization and the Rotary Club of Olympia, and benefit local public High School Cross Country and Track programs and Rotary Club of Olympia Scholarship and Grant recipients. See you July 18, 2026!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
399 5th Ave SW, Olympia, WA, 98501
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved, Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7612 years running
~449 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 20 states
winner 1:10:47
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,132 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,132
Median time
2:08:22
Latest turnout
294
States
34
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K?
The Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K is held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K take place?
It takes place in Olympia, Washington.
What distances does the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 8K, 3K.
Is the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K course flat and good for a PR?
The Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,132 runners who have completed the Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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