The Great Ferry Race
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Event overview
The Great Ferry Race is a half marathon held on June 7, 2026, in Bainbridge Island, Washington. The event begins with participants walking onto a ferry in downtown Seattle, followed by a scenic 35 minute ferry crossing to Bainbridge Island. After the race there is a post-race festival and participants may choose a return ferry back to Seattle.
Course and race details
The course starts at the ferry dock and loops around Bainbridge Island. It uses local parks and trails, including Grand Forest and Battle Point Park. The surface is approximately two-thirds road and one-third groomed trail. The course has about 1,400 ft of elevation gain. There are five aid stations spaced along the route supplying water, GU gels, and Tailwind electrolytes. Orca Running operates the event as cupless; runners are encouraged to use a handheld bottle, hydration pack, or a small reusable cup.
Free gear check is provided; runners riding the ferry can drop bags on the ferry before disembarking, and those not riding the ferry can drop bags at the Winslow Ferry Terminal registration area. Walkers are allowed. Dogs and strollers are not permitted. Awards are given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers by gun time and to age groups in five-year increments; awards must be picked up at the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
