2027 The Great Ferry Race
The Great Ferry Race: a scenic ferry start, then hilly island half.
Expected Race Date
~Jun 2027
Date not yet announced — this is when the race usually runs.
Location
Bainbridge Island, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- around June 2027 (expected)
- Location
- Bainbridge Island, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Great Ferry Race begins where no other half marathon does: on a Washington State Ferry. Runners board in downtown Seattle, enjoy a 35-minute cruise across Puget Sound, then assemble on the car deck and walk onto Bainbridge Island. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a seamlessly integrated start to a race that draws roughly 600 runners from 25 states each year, with about 16% returning for another ferry ride and run.
The course is a hilly tour of Bainbridge Island, running two-thirds on roads and one-third on groomed trails. The trails are non-technical but add a welcome change of surface, and the hills earn the event a reputation as a challenging course compared to other Orca Running races. After crossing the finish line on the ferry dock, runners enjoy a post-race festival before catching a return ferry—any sailing—back to Seattle. It’s a destination-worthy, one-of-a-kind experience.
Race-provided description
The Great Ferry Race is a half marathon unlike any other race you’ve ever done. Participants will board the ferry in downtown Seattle by walking on, enjoy the scenic crossing to Bainbridge Island, and then assemble on the car deck and walk off.
Logistics
Race Day
around June 2027 (expected)
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
208 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Coastal, Small Town
Difficulty
Hilly
Quality Score
Standout666 years running
~522 finishers a year
growing or steady
16% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 25 states
winner 1:26:27
typical high 69°F
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 The Great Ferry Race?
The 2027 The Great Ferry Race hasn't announced its next date yet, but it typically takes place around June 2027 (expected).
Where does the 2027 The Great Ferry Race take place?
It takes place in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
What distances does the 2027 The Great Ferry Race offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2027 The Great Ferry Race course flat and good for a PR?
The 2027 The Great Ferry Race is a hilly, point to point course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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