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

run for cake JImothy.

5K 10K Half and Full Marathon

Saturday, September 12, 2026

7:00am to 11:30am: Race Day Packet Pickup

7:30am merch store opens
8:00am: Marathon start
9:00am: Half Marathon start in waves
9:30am: 10k start in waves
Noon: 5k start in waves
3:00pm: Race course closes to all participants

100% OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO Paws wildlife Rehabilitation Center

designed to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, restore them to full health, and return them as functioning members of their wild population.

WE (WITH THE HELP OF YOU) have DONATED OVER $325,000 TO CHARITIES

SOLD OUT and NO distance transfers

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.

SOLD OUT-Sorry we do not have a waitlist
 
 

Race highlights

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

  • All finishers receive a race medal.

  • 10K, 1/2 and Full marathon 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

run_agony_trails.png

2026 COURSE UPDATE: The full marathon is back! And ALL the course maps have been updated below. 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.

2026 COURSE MAPS LINKS: 5K 10K 1/2 MARATHON FULL MARATHON

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

2026 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 for $10.