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Olympia Lakefair Races - Half Marathon, 8K & 3K

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

Standout76

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

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishSpectator SupportGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

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

Directions

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

8K3K

Quality Score

Standout76
Methodology
Heritage20/20

12 years running

Size13/15

~449 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 20 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:10:47

Weather0/10

typical high 80°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:057:35

Turnout by year

20162025

'16'17'18'19'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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