Swing the Gates
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Swing the Gates 5k and 10k
Swing the Gates takes place at Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, Washington on October 31, 2026. The event offers two distinct race formats and requires a Discover Pass to park in the race lot.
- 5K Fun Run: primarily paved; 400 ft elevation gain; strollers and leashed dogs allowed.
- 10K Team Scavenger Hunt: team event up to 4; primarily trails; distance and elevation vary.
The 5K follows mainly paved surfaces and includes a notable incline early on. The course includes about 400 feet of elevation gain. Strollers, small children, and leashed dogs are permitted. The on-course aid station is cup-less; participants should provide their own water bottle or cup.
The 10K is a team scavenger hunt run largely on unpaved trails within the park. Teams may include up to four people and pricing is per team; the first registered team member pays the fee and additional teammates register without a fee. The route and total distance can vary based on how teams solve clues; organizers estimate roughly 6.2 miles with up to 1200 feet of elevation if teams navigate efficiently. The scavenger hunt is unsupported, so teams should carry their own water and snacks. Clue stations have cutoff times, and substitutions are not allowed after October 28, 2026.
Registration opens April 1, 2026. Fees listed are $30 for the 5K and $120 per team for the 10K. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each 5K category and the first place 10K team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
