This was the second time I’ve run this race. The expo is an absolute extravaganza, Rock n Roll rented out the ground level exhibition center of a stadium to host the expo. Plenty of swags, samples, and shopping. The course changes from year to year. So by time you run this race, this may or may not apply.

The start staging area is at the Seattle Center, which I am a big fan of. You can find more details about the start area in my other review: https://www.bibrave.com/races/allstate-hot-chocolate-seattle-reviews/14581

In the first 6 miles were through many gentle rolling hills, we went through Belltown and Capitol Hill, hopped on I-5 express way at some point, made our way to University District. Mile 6-10 were on Burke-Gilman Trail, which was flat. After mile 11 marker, we quickly hit a big hill on Queen Anne, I think that was about 300ft gain in less than a mile. My friends came out to cheer on at top of the hill, I yelled “Everything hurts!”, they chuckled. Then the full and half marathoners break off soon after, I saw another friend who just ran a fast 13.1 PR at the split, it was quite uplifting.

Mile 14-18 was a big climb on Aurora I-99 (Details in my other review: https://www.bibrave.com/races/allstate-hot-chocolate-seattle-reviews/14581)

Mile 18-21 took us around Greenlake, which was flat, but my quads were starting to feel heavy from the early hills. Once we entered Woodland park with many squiggly sharp turns, my legs started to cramp. At this point I’ve “hit the wall” and fell behind on goal pace. Mile 24-25 were I-99 in reverse, so mostly downhill with some uphill. Mile 25-26.2 were all downhill. There were many stop and go in the last few miles for me. My goal time was 3:10, ended up running 3:24.

If you plan to run Rock n Roll Seattle, be sure to train for hills.

Strava activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/2437122150