A 5k, 10k, Half, and Full Marathon created by The Oatmeal

run for cake.

CELEBRATING 10+ YEARS OF RUNNING FOR CAKE!

Saturday, September 6, 2025

100% OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY, WE (WITH THE HELP OF YOU) have DONATED OVER $250,000 TO CHARITIES

What is this?

Beat The Blerch is a 5k, 10k, half, and full marathon* created by The Oatmeal in 2014. It was inspired by a character called The Blerch, who came from this webcomic about running. The race takes place just outside of Seattle in Carnation, Washington. *Full marathon is canceled for 2024 due to construction along the trail system.

 
 

Race highlights

  • The aid stations are stocked with cake, in case you get hungry.

  • All finishers receive a race medal.

  • 10K and 1/2 runners receive a shirt. 5K may purchase a shirt on-site the day of the race.

  • All the race photos are free.

  • There are couches along the course, in case you need a nap.

  • The slower you are, the more you are celebrated.

  • We have a Burritoughnut Station, where you can build a burrito out of doughnuts.

  • Matthew Inman, creator of The Oatmeal and the new Netflix show Exploding Kittens, might be there.

  • You may be chased by a large man in a Blerch costume.

  • It’s a (mostly) flat course in the woods.

  • Click here for more details about the race.

Race details

Check out the race details for everything you need to know about participating in the event.

Questions?

We’ve set up a FAQ just for you.

Sponsors

We are still seeking sponsors for the race (I’m looking at you, Nutella). If you’re interested, you can learn more here.

Volunteers

If you want to participate in the race but don’t want to run, you can always help out by volunteering! $100 per volunteer will be donated to the 501c3 charity of your choice.

Sign up to volunteer here.

The course

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2024 COURSE UPDATE: Due to construction along the trail the course will go to the North this year and the Full marathon will NOT take place. The race begins at King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park. It’s quick, (mostly) flat, and in the beautiful woods of the Pacific Northwest. Runners are treated to spectacular views along the Snoqualmie Valley River trail, which winds its way through evergreen, mossy forests. The race takes place in Carnation, Washington, a quaint little town located about 35 minutes outside of Seattle. Near the starting line of the race are strawberry farms and pumpkin patches, which offer guided tours in case you’re still up for a bit of walking after the race.

2024 COURSE MAPS LINKS: 5K 10K 1/2 MARATHON

Tolt MacDonald Park
31020 NE 40th St
Carnation, WA 98014

2024 shirt and medal designs

All runners receive a finishers medal! 10K and 1/2 marathon runners receive a shirt. 5K runners may purchase a race shirt the day of the race.