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

Event Overview

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.

Race Distances

• 3K and 8K Start/Finish: Both the 3K and 8K start and finish on 5th Avenue in front of Heritage Park.
• Course Details: They both circle Capitol Lake, with the 8K continuing into Tumwater Historical Park before returning.
• Course Type: Both courses are flat and fast.

Half Marathon Route

The Jerry Miller Half Marathon heads briefly through downtown Olympia, then along the Woodland Trail 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.

Awards and Festival Activities

• Awards Ceremony: Once runners have completed the course, there is an awards ceremony with several raffle awards as well as age group awards up to 90+ for all three races.
• Festival Activities: 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.

Sponsors and Beneficiaries

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.

Event Date and Location

See you July 18, 2026!

Location: 399 5th Ave SW, Olympia, WA

For more information, visit the official race page: Olympia Lakefair Races.