• Recipes
    • Search my Recipes
    • Recipe Categories
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching

Home » Fitness » Running » Race Recaps

June 25, 2014 (Updated March 1, 2023)

Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Race Recap

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

33 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Email

Wow, where to start?! What a FUN race – the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon will definitely go in the books as one of my favorite, most beautiful races. I’d highly recommend it if you’re in Seattle, or if you’re looking to travel for running (which is the best kind of travel, clearly).

seattle rock n roll half marathon

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you great content every week!

Save Recipe

As you know, I was in Seattle with the Brooks Run Happy blogger ambassador crew, which I’m honored to be a part of. Such a great group of inspiring women! Here are some of us with the Brooks CEO, Jim Weber, before the race. From left: me, Meghann, Janae, Jesica, and Cori!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

As I shared previously, Brooks had us out to tour their headquarters (more on that in this post) and enjoy Seattle (more on that in this post), and also timed our visit to coincide with the Rock ‘n’ Roll race series, of which Brooks is a big sponsor! Perfect.

seattle rock n roll half marathon

Race morning was easy since we were lucky enough to be put up in a hotel near the race start. We strolled about a half mile to the start and were ready to go with plenty of time. We all lined up together with Lauren (in the dark gray tank below), who does PR for Brooks and was our fearless leader for the weekend. <3 her!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

We also found our friend Emily, who lives in Seattle. Party in the corrals!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

Before we knew it, we were off! I couldn’t believe I was at the starting line of my 12th half marathon. That’s so insane.

IMG_2287

I settled in with Meghann, Janae, and Cori and the four of us chatted away, all aiming to run the race for fun vs. time.

IMG_2292

Around mile 3 on a big hill, we heard a yell and saw Derek, who works for Brooks, running alongside us cheering! I love the Brooks team – they’re so fun and they really live the “Run Happy” attitude. We saw him and a few of the other Brooks employees out again later in the race, too! It meant so much to us that they were out there cheering (not just for us but for Brooks staff too of course)! (Derek ran a 10k the next day and won it, btw, in 33:42 – insane!!)

IMG958507

Shortly after that Meghann and I hung back and let Janae and Cori take off – we were both feeling a little sluggish and not trying to crush the race. We decided to stick together and make sure to have as much fun and to take as many photos as possible. Deal!

Around mile 4, more excitement happened: look, it’s Doctor Dribble!

doctor dribble

I’ve been hearing about this guy and was so pumped we (literally) ran into him on the course. This guy is amazing – he travels around, completing half and full marathons while dribbling two basketballs, all the while raising money to help children that are underprivileged or overcoming traumatic experiences.

dr dribble

Meghann and I chatted with him briefly and he is such an inspiring guy – I love that he’s using his impressive basketball/running combo skills for a good cause. He raises money for Our Kids and has also started his own charity, Doctor Dribble’s Helping Hands. Incredible.

doctor dribble

After being impressed by Doctor Dribble, Meghann and I carried on. I didn’t wear my hydration pack for this race so we stopped at all the water stops and walked through them. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who were out there for us on Saturday!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

And to all the fun bands that entertained us along the way!

IMG_2299

Weeeee!

IMG_2300

At one point around mile 5 or 6 in the race, we could actually see Mount Rainier in the distance! It was such a beautiful day for a race – clear, crisp, and sunny. Love that lack of humidity, too. 🙂

IMG_2302

At one point in the course there was a double back and we saw that our friend Emily was just behind us! At the starting line she was saying how there was no way she could keep up with us and I told her that she needed to believe in herself more – she was stronger than she knew! Told ya, Emily. 🙂 She caught up with us at this awesome Brooks blowup guy and ended up taking off ahead, looking strong!

IMG_2305

Time to keep left!

IMG_2308

The first part of the race wasn’t too beautiful scenery-wise (minus seeing a distant Mount Rainier), so I was really pumped when we reached about mile 7 and saw beautiful views of Lake Washington!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

IMG_2310

There was also a whole row of American flag holders and signs honoring Washington military who have fallen in the line of duty. It was so powerful, and many people clapped as they ran by.

IMG_2314

Just before mile 9 we came across Emily again, who was walking. “Oh no you don’t!!” Meghann and I said, and on the three of us continued together. Emily said she had wanted to get ahead of us a little so that in case she walked, we’d see her and keep her moving. “Don’t let me walk anymore,” she said. You’ve got it!

IMG_2316

For the first half of the race up until we hit the lake, I was feeling pretty sluggish; when we hit the lake I got a nice second wind, and by the time we reached mile 9 I was feeling great, especially as the views of the city were getting cooler and cooler.

IMG_2320

By mile 10, I was fully “endorphin wasted,” as my friend Theodora would say. I normally hit that endorphin high in the last mile of a race – rather nice to get it early!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

2014062195082239

Emily was feeling a bit rough, so Meghann and I focused on positive mantras and being as encouraging as we could. She wanted to finish in under 2 hours and we told her we’d do everything we could to get her that goal!

IMG_2323

The views kept getting better and better. It was such a beautiful day to be out running!

IMG_2324

My favorite part of the whole race was around mile 11 when we rounded a corner and saw the Great Wheel and the gorgeous water with mountains in the background. SO beautiful!

seattle rock n roll half marathon

Emily was definitely digging deep and stopped to walk a few times but we did our best to keep her going. She kept telling us to leave her – nope! Not happening. We’re in this together!

We knew that Emily’s husband and two little boys were around the 20k point cheering and were so excited when we spotted them. A good boost of energy for her!

2014062195085654

Soon after, the finish line was in sight! There was a hill leading up to it, and Emily started to walk. Meghann and I looked at each other, shook our heads, grabbed her hands, and the three of us charged towards the finish together.

seattle rock n roll half marathon

We ended up finishing in 2:01, which was 18 minutes faster than Emily ran this course shortly after her first son was born (her second son was born about 8 months ago). So, so proud of her!

IMG_2340

She has another half in 3 weeks and I know she can sub-2 hours if she works on her mental game. You’re stronger than you think, Emily – remember that!

IMG_5523 (425x640)

What a beautiful and fun race. I was so happy to share in the experience with my friends, and proud to have another half marathon under my belt, too!

IMG_2343

Overall, I give the Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Half two big thumbs up! The course was a bit hilly but the views were worth it, and I found it well organized and with really friendly volunteers, too. Also – cool medals! Love the coffee theme. 🙂

IMG_2341

After the race, all of us had fun talking all things running and sharing stories from the half. A huge congrats to Jesica and Lauren, who both set new PRs! Proud of you ladies! 🙂

We also were honored to get to meet Olympic gold medalist Apolo Ohno, who was out there running the half, too! He finished in 1:36:49 – a personal best for him!

IMG957364

One more huge thank you to Brooks for hosting me this past weekend in Seattle and making the trip such a fun celebration of running. 🙂 Until next next time, Seattle! I’ll miss you!

What’s the most beautiful race you’ve ever done? The LA Marathon was pretty gorgeous, too, although I do love my DC monument views! 🙂

And if you ran Seattle, too, how’d it go?!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon

Pittsburgh Half Marathon 2014 Race Recap

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2015 Race Recap

Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival: 5k and 10k Recaps!

leave a comment

Cancel reply

33 comments
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    June 25, 2014 · 3:26PM:
    So good of you guys to stay with Emily. Read her post earlier, so proud of her having run it 18 minutes faster, and she was so close to being sub 2 hours, totally has it in her! 10 k in 33 minutes is EPIC!!! Well done to you too of course!!! 12 halves...also epic!
    Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    June 25, 2014 · 3:31PM:
    Unless there are two guys that dribble basketballs in races (which, who knows, maybe there are?) I think I saw Dr. Dribble at the cherry blossom 10 miler earlier this spring! I didn't know about his charity but I remember being blown away by his skill. That takes some serious coordination!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 25, 2014 · 4:02PM:
      Right?? I was even more impressed he could chat and smile for our photos while doing all that, too! Apparently at water stops the volunteers pour water into his mouth and he keeps dribbling!
      Reply
  • Sheena
    June 25, 2014 · 3:49PM:
    I ran Seattle 1/2 last year and bawled like a baby during the Lake Washington stretch with the flags. Snot galore. DANG YOU RNR!!
    Reply
  • mary @ minutes per mile
    June 25, 2014 · 4:01PM:
    haha, who is the creeper in all black sitting on the bridge overlooking the wheel? congrats on the race! looks so fun!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 25, 2014 · 4:03PM:
      Lol I just noticed that too!
      Reply
  • Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
    June 25, 2014 · 4:14PM:
    What an awesome race! I love the medal!
    Reply
  • Emily B Malone
    June 25, 2014 · 4:15PM:
    So much fun! Hope you guys come back to run this one again!! :)
    Reply
  • Laura @ She Eats Well
    June 25, 2014 · 4:39PM:
    Congrats on the race. It sounds like you were an amazing race buddy, so much encouragement. I love hearing stories like that. It's amazing what a little positive motivation can do! It looks like it was a beautiful day for a half marathon!
    Reply
  • Ashley
    June 25, 2014 · 5:37PM:
    Loved reading this! :) And congrats on another 1/2 finish!
    Reply
  • Catherine @ Chocolate & Vegetables
    June 25, 2014 · 6:12PM:
    Sounds like a fantastic weekend! I'm training for my first half this fall (doubt I will get anywhere near the 2hr mark--finishing will be enough for now!), I love reading recaps like these to get myself excited!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 25, 2014 · 8:35PM:
      Exciting! Good luck!! :)
      Reply
  • Heather June 25, 2014 · 8:23PM:
    I also ran the Seattle RNR! And I PR'd!! I was so proud of myself, I almost started crying at the finish line! That last hill was tough!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 25, 2014 · 8:35PM:
      That's amazing! Congratulations!! :)
      Reply
  • Beth June 26, 2014 · 12:13AM:
    Where did you get those shorts? They look comfy, but not too short...hard to find!! I am starting to train for my first "big" race (Army 10-miler) in October!! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 26, 2014 · 7:46AM:
      They are Brooks! I also love that they aren't so short. Good luck at Army Ten Miler!! http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/infiniti-7%22-short-tight-iii/220609.html
      Reply
      • Ryanne
        June 26, 2014 · 9:54AM:
        Seattle looks gorgeous! I had a friend that did the full marathon. I've been looking for a good pair of compression shorts....but all the ones I try seem to ride up and I spend my run pulling them down constantly! Do those ride up at all?
        Reply
        • Anne
          June 26, 2014 · 10:39AM:
          I haven't had problems with them riding up at all during running. They ride up a little when doing squats/lunges/burpees but I don't think you'll be doing those during the race... :)
          Reply
  • Heather L @ Hanging Out With The Moons
    June 26, 2014 · 12:39AM:
    Emily looks SO familiar. Did she go to college with us?
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 26, 2014 · 7:44AM:
      Nope! I just know her through blogging... first met a few years ago. :)
      Reply
  • Dietitian Jess
    June 26, 2014 · 12:55PM:
    I always LOVE your race recaps, so cool to virtually experience the race firsthand. Next year I'm planning on a destination half and I think I'll be scrolling through your race recaps to see which one would suit me most. Congrats on another half, keep up the good work!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 26, 2014 · 1:10PM:
      Thank you for reading! :)
      Reply
  • Charlie
    June 26, 2014 · 4:26PM:
    This looks like such a fun race. Seattle is high up on my wish list of places to visit! Love your shorts by the way, are they from Brooks?
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 26, 2014 · 10:42PM:
      Yes, they are! http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/infiniti-7%22-short-tight-iii/220609.html
      Reply
  • Lisa 831 June 26, 2014 · 9:05PM:
    So I mentioned before on your post that you were going to run right by my office. Well you even got a picture of it. The picture with the cones and red building to the right. That red building is my office!
    Reply
    • Anne
      June 26, 2014 · 10:40PM:
      Oh no way! Cool!
      Reply
  • Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
    June 27, 2014 · 9:27AM:
    I love RnR races! That bball guy is pretty cool huh?
    Reply
  • Roadrunner July 1, 2014 · 2:49PM:
    Well done, Anne. Another half, and yes you have run an insane number of them now! Great work on pulling your friend along so nicely!
    Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food