The Great Ferry Race

The Great Ferry Race begins before the running: participants board a ferry in downtown Seattle, travel for about 35 minutes to Bainbridge Island, assemble on the car deck, and disembark for the start at the ferry dock. It is a half marathon on Bainbridge Island, open to runners ages 12 and older, with a morning race window and a format that incorporates the trip across Puget Sound into the event. The course circumnavigates Bainbridge on a mix of approximately two-thirds road and one-third groomed trail. It is hillier than most Orca Running events, and the trail sections are not technical, meaning runners do not require trail experience. However, those who find trails challenging might prefer a different race. After finishing, runners can visit the post-race festival before choosing their return ferry to Seattle. Local runners from Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County can participate without using the ferry by selecting the resident registration option.