Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

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2012-06-05 9:11 PM

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Subject: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

Has anyone got any recommendations or experience in getting to the race start?  I'm coming in from the north (Lake Stevens) so not sure of best strategy.  It doesn't look like a park and ride option is really feasible unless Sound Transit are running early express buses or trains out of Everett.  I see that there is an option to buy a parking ticket for $20 at a garage near the Seattle Center - thinking of going with that and just dealing with the traffic chaos I guess.  It's my first time doing a mass race of any kind so really not sure what to expect.

Cheers

James

2012-06-06 6:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
Well I couldn't think of any better options either so I just bought a reserved ticket in the garage....!!
2012-06-14 6:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

I've been thinking about this and wondering just how busy traffic really could be at 6:00 on a Saturday morning.  Granted there will be 25,000 people there but big events are not that unusual.

I thought about the reserved parking too but it says you have to be there by 6:00.  Not knowing the traffic situation would one have to plan for a little earlier and than have to sit around for an hour and a half (depending on when your wave started).

For those that have been there before, what can we expect with traffic delays?  I've never had a problem parking for concerts and ballgames at the Center.  Is this any different?

2012-06-15 12:04 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

I haven't done Rock & Roll, but I've done the Seattle Marathon and it can be a little trickier than your normal ballgame because there are road closures.

But... to anyone reading this, check the Sound Transit trip planner... there are plenty of bus options that run all the time, even on weekends.  I went in on the 545 which crosses from the eastside over the 520 bridge to Seattle.  There's another route that goes down from the Everett park & ride for those up north.

2012-06-15 10:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
I live about 15 minute walk from the start line...
2012-06-15 11:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
I was thinking about taking the Mercer St. exit off I-5 and parking next to Lake Union.  It's a one mile walk from there.  That way it's a straight shot on and off the freeway.  Do you see any problems with that?

2012-06-18 1:55 AM
in reply to: #4263430

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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

popsracer - 2012-06-15 9:09 AM I was thinking about taking the Mercer St. exit off I-5 and parking next to Lake Union.  It's a one mile walk from there.  That way it's a straight shot on and off the freeway.  Do you see any problems with that?

Probably safe... I looked at the course map and it goes south to I-90 so you'll be clear up there.

If you can't get parking that close to the Seattle Center, you could find a garage south a bit, then get on the monorail at Westlake Center.  (wow... there's actually a use for the monorail??)

2012-06-19 10:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
I would get off at Roanoake or what ever the exit is right next to the 520 interchange (if you are coming from the north) to avoid any potential mess at Mercer. It is almost a straight shot downtown from there if you go down Eastlake or Lakeview Blvd (cut under I-5, then back over it at the overpass).
2012-06-22 12:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
I was looking at the course map and according to it gel (GU) is only available at two aid stations at miles 9 and 18.  I do not understand that.  $140 for a race and they can't supply gel more than twice.  I didn't really want to carry my own but in order to consume 200-250 calories per hour I may have to.  I am sure these are smart people that organize the event but wouldn't it make more sense to offer gel at least every 5 or 6 miles?
2012-06-22 1:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon

popsracer - 2012-06-22 10:31 AM I was looking at the course map and according to it gel (GU) is only available at two aid stations at miles 9 and 18.  I do not understand that.  $140 for a race and they can't supply gel more than twice.  I didn't really want to carry my own but in order to consume 200-250 calories per hour I may have to.  I am sure these are smart people that organize the event but wouldn't it make more sense to offer gel at least every 5 or 6 miles?

I carried a 5oz hammer gel bottle at my last marathon -- it fits nicely into a hip pocket.  Plus I like to add about an ounce of water to make it easier to use.  If you don't want to do that, grab a couple gels at each aid station -- eat one and pocket the other.  Sometimes busy marathons run low on supply if you're not out front, so it's safer to bring your own.

2012-06-22 1:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
spudone - 2012-06-22 11:24 AM

popsracer - 2012-06-22 10:31 AM I was looking at the course map and according to it gel (GU) is only available at two aid stations at miles 9 and 18.  I do not understand that.  $140 for a race and they can't supply gel more than twice.  I didn't really want to carry my own but in order to consume 200-250 calories per hour I may have to.  I am sure these are smart people that organize the event but wouldn't it make more sense to offer gel at least every 5 or 6 miles?

I carried a 5oz hammer gel bottle at my last marathon -- it fits nicely into a hip pocket.  Plus I like to add about an ounce of water to make it easier to use.  If you don't want to do that, grab a couple gels at each aid station -- eat one and pocket the other.  Sometimes busy marathons run low on supply if you're not out front, so it's safer to bring your own.

I carried 2 of the hammer flasks (4:1 mix) at the Spokane Marathon last month and wore a tri top that has two back pockets.  I don't want to wear a tri top but I guess I can as my shorts don't have a pocket.  Maybe I'll just carry one and supplement from the course.  Thanks.

2012-06-23 12:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
Hope everyone had a good race today. I paced a 1:44 for a friend doing the half and it was straight to an ice bath for me. 20 something days until Lake Stevens.
2012-06-23 6:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
I had a great time and ran the half in 2:02 - a pb for the distance so very happy overall. Hoping to volunteer at LS so see ya there!
2012-06-23 7:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting to Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon
Parking worked out perfect and we had a great day.  The weather for the race was absolutely perfect.  It starting pouring cat and dogs after I crossed the finish line.  Had some truly amazing experiences out on the course with great music and all the cheering.  Wonderful day!!
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