The Great Ferry Race

Event

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 downtown Seattle ferry and crossing to Bainbridge Island; the crossing is described as about 35 minutes. After disembarking from the ferry, runners start on the ferry dock and follow a course that loops around Bainbridge Island. The race supports Kid’s In Concert and Bainbridge Youth Services.

Course and logistics

The course is mostly on paved roads with a significant portion on groomed trails, described as roughly two thirds road and one third trail. Total elevation gain for the course is about 1,400 feet. Organizers provide five aid stations spaced along the route supplying water, GU gels, and Tailwind electrolytes. The event is cupless; participants are encouraged to use handheld bottles, hydration packs, or a small reusable cup.

Practical details include free gear check (bags are not provided) with drop-off possible on the ferry vehicle deck and pick-up at the finish. Packet pickup for ferry riders is at the Orca Running table at the ferry terminal; t-shirts are distributed at the finish. Awards are given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers by gun time, plus age-group awards in five-year increments; awards must be collected at the race. Parking options include on-street parking in downtown Seattle and a paid lot at the Winslow Ferry Terminal. Address: 208 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Events nearby