Marathon Park

Marathon Park is a 2.25-acre waterfront park within easy walking distance to the main Capitol Campus and downtown Olympia. The park was constructed in 1970 by placing 58,000 cubic yards of fill material next to an existing railroad berm in the north basin of Capitol Lake.

The park earned its name when the City of Olympia won the bid to host the 1984 U.S. time trials for the first Women’s Olympic Marathon. Visiting runners were hosted by Olympia families, and the city briefly basked in the national spotlight as it supported history in the making. Joan Benoit Samuelson placed first in the trials and went on to win the first Women’s Olympic Marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

The 2001 Nisqually Earthquake extensively damaged the park. Reconstruction and repair of nearly all the park’s features, including the new restrooms, were completed in December 2003.

Recreation

Because Marathon Park is located at the junction of two lakeside trails, it is a popular spot for walkers, runners, and birdwatchers. The park also serves as open space for recreation and is a popular spot for events such as parades, car shows, dances, family reunions, weddings, and other outdoor events.

Trees

This park was named in honor of the 1984 Olympic Women's Marathon trials that were held here. Admire two trees planted here in commemoration of the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and the National Tree Trust.

Location

Located off of Deschutes Parkway. 

Views

Take in views of Capitol Lake, the Campus Powerhouse, downtown Olympia, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Marathon Park parking lot and on the street along Deschutes Parkway.