ABOUT US
OUR
MISSION
To produce annual Seattle Marathon events, the quality of which are a credit to our sponsors and the communities we serve. We encourage participation by runners, walkers and volunteers of all skill levels.
WHO WE ARE
The Seattle Marathon Association (SMA) is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. It is proud of its commitment to providing a quality running event in the Pacific Northwest, providing our sponsors with maximum exposure in association with the event and making a positive social and economic impact on the city of Seattle. Using the Visitors and Convention Bureau Statistics, a conservative positive economic impact to the Seattle economy is two million dollars per year.
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HISTORY
The Seattle Marathon began modestly in 1970 when a group of friends from the University of Washington decided to hold their own running event. Fewer than 38 runners started the first annual event, with most of them completing the full 26.2 miles. From these modest beginnings, the Seattle Marathon Family of Events has risen to become one of the largest and most influential mass-participation runs in the Pacific Northwest, being ranked by RaceRaves as the Runner’s Choice Best Marathon in Washington State. In 1999, a Seattle Kids Marathon was added, which allows school-aged children to run a "full marathon" one mile at a time. The first year, 357 children participated. The event has grown over the years to include as many as 1,200 children. Through the years, Seattle Marathon runners have also donated their money to the marathon's designated charities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Seattle Marathon Association Board of Directors are all volunteers who generously give many hours and weekends to make our event the success it is.
John Kokes
President, Finish Line Coordinator
Dan Ledrick
Vice President, Secretary
SMA STAFF
Seattle Marathon Association Office Staff includes:
Louise Long
Executive Director, Race Director
Michelle Graham
Office manager, Programs
Hannah Lobon
Office Assistant
Amber Snapp
Web & Graphic Design
Jae Gravley
Special Projects
SMA COORDINATORS
In addition to our core staff, many talented coordinators come together for our events to ensure that the course, equipment, timing, volunteers, vendor experience, IT and every little detail of every cone placed and every sign hung are taken care of.