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 downtown Seattle ferry for a roughly 35 minute crossing to Bainbridge Island. After disembarking on the car deck, runners continue around Bainbridge Island and there is a post-race festival on the island. The race lists charity partners and beneficiaries including Kids In Concert, Bainbridge Youth Services, and Snake River Savers.
Course and logistics
The course runs mostly on paved roads with a portion on groomed island trails : organizers describe it as approximately two-thirds road and one-third trail. The route uses local parks and trails including Grand Forest and Battle Point Park and has about 1,400 feet of total elevation gain. There are five aid stations spaced along the course supplying water, GU gels, and Tailwind electrolytes. Orca Running operates the event as cupless racing; participants are advised to use a handheld bottle, hydration pack, or a small reusable cup. Free gear check is available; drop-off is possible on the ferry vehicle deck and bags can be retrieved at the Orca Running booth at the finish. Awards are given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers by gun time and there are five-year age-group awards; awards must be picked up at the race. Bainbridge Island residents may register under a discounted option that does not include ferry passage. Registration is non-refundable under the race policies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.