deception pass 50K & 25k
DecemBER 13TH & 14TH, 2025 oak harbor, WA
Overview
Taking place at Deception Pass State Park which is named for the narrow and dramatic channel of water that separates Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in the northern Puget Sound. The area is famous for it's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, dense forests and great views. The race covers just about every inch of the park, running at times right at sea level and other times high above on bluffs and hills and twice crosses the pass itself via the historic Deception Pass Bridge which sits about 180 feet above the water. There are no mountains or long climbs like many of our other Rainshadow Running Races but make no mistake Deception Pass races are still tough with it's technical footing, narrow, twisty trails and at times steep grades. They maybe be some of our faster courses but it's still a good challenge!
Taking place at Deception Pass State Park which is named for the narrow and dramatic channel of water that separates Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in the northern Puget Sound. The area is famous for it's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, dense forests and great views. The race covers just about every inch of the park, running at times right at sea level and other times high above on bluffs and hills and twice crosses the pass itself via the historic Deception Pass Bridge which sits about 180 feet above the water. There are no mountains or long climbs like many of our other Rainshadow Running Races but make no mistake Deception Pass races are still tough with it's technical footing, narrow, twisty trails and at times steep grades. They maybe be some of our faster courses but it's still a good challenge!
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Distance: 50K
Date: Saturday December 13th Elevation Gain: 4,300 ft Elevation Loss: 4,300 ft Aid Stations: 4 Cutoff Time: 8 hours Price: $160 |
Distance: 25K
Date: Sunday December 14th Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft Elevation Loss: 3,000 ft Aid Stations: 1 Cutoff Time: 6 hours Price: $135 |
Distance: 1K Fun Run
Date: Sunday December 14th Elevation Gain: 30 ft Elevation Loss: 30 ft Aid Stations: 0 Cutoff Time: unlimited Price: Free for All Kids |
Timeline
Saturday December 13th - 50K
***Every year we seem to be short on time at the end of the day for the 50K and have to rush the last few finishers out the door because the Park Rangers are pretty strict about having everyone out of the park at dusk (about 5pm). So to give the folks at the back of the pack, those who think they'll take 7 or more hours to finish the race, enough time we've created an early start option. If you think you'll take 7 or more hours we highly suggest that you take our early start option at 7am. If you haven't run the race before you can look back at past results to help figure out what your finishing time might be.***The early start is not an option for someone who just wants to get finished earlier. For everyone who thinks they'll run less than 7 hours please do not take the early start as you'll arrive too soon at the various course marshal locations and therefore you'll run the risk of getting lost or injured or arrive at the aid stations before they are ready. Please don't use this option if you really don't need it to make sure you finish before the cutoff times. If people abuse this option we won't offer in the future and that will only hurt the slowest runners in the race so don't be a jerk. Thanks!
Saturday December 13th - 50K
- 6:30 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 7:00 am: 50K Early Start ONLY for those who will take 7 hours or more***
- 8:00 am 50K Regular Start for those who will take less than 7 hours
- 10:00 am: Cut off at Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
- 1:00 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 21.4 (second time through)
- 2:30 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 28.2 (third time through)
- 8:00 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 8:30 am: Kids 1K Race Start
- 9:00 am: 25K Race Start
- 12:15 pm Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
***Every year we seem to be short on time at the end of the day for the 50K and have to rush the last few finishers out the door because the Park Rangers are pretty strict about having everyone out of the park at dusk (about 5pm). So to give the folks at the back of the pack, those who think they'll take 7 or more hours to finish the race, enough time we've created an early start option. If you think you'll take 7 or more hours we highly suggest that you take our early start option at 7am. If you haven't run the race before you can look back at past results to help figure out what your finishing time might be.***The early start is not an option for someone who just wants to get finished earlier. For everyone who thinks they'll run less than 7 hours please do not take the early start as you'll arrive too soon at the various course marshal locations and therefore you'll run the risk of getting lost or injured or arrive at the aid stations before they are ready. Please don't use this option if you really don't need it to make sure you finish before the cutoff times. If people abuse this option we won't offer in the future and that will only hurt the slowest runners in the race so don't be a jerk. Thanks!
Driving Directions & Parking Pass & Camping/Overnight Parking
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park, these directions should help. Please park in the West Beach parking lot. The amphitheater is just to the east of the parking lot.
Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass, you can also buy them online and in person at various retailers such as REI. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass. The annual pass is only $35 and the proceeds go directly to the park system. You can buy annual and day passes online here
No overnight parking or camping at the West Beach Parking lot/start/finish area. There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park, these directions should help. Please park in the West Beach parking lot. The amphitheater is just to the east of the parking lot.
Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass, you can also buy them online and in person at various retailers such as REI. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass. The annual pass is only $35 and the proceeds go directly to the park system. You can buy annual and day passes online here
No overnight parking or camping at the West Beach Parking lot/start/finish area. There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Course Details
The course will be well marked with yellow and black arrow signs at each junction and pink/yellow confidence ribbons every 1/2 mile or so. Both races start at the West Point Amphitheater and run out along Cranberry Lake and run for about 1 mile on paved park roads before getting on single track trail. Both courses are mostly single track trails, sometimes smooth trail but just as often they're rocky and or rooty. The hills are relatively short but can be steep at times.
The 50k starts out the same way as the 25k course but after going up and over Goose Rock the 50k does two lollipop-shaped loops in the Hoypus area before heading back to the finish.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Kids 1K Fun Run course is a loop that runs partly through Cranberry Lake Campground(closed for the season) and partly on North Beach and finishes the same way as the 25k and 50k race courses.
The course will be well marked with yellow and black arrow signs at each junction and pink/yellow confidence ribbons every 1/2 mile or so. Both races start at the West Point Amphitheater and run out along Cranberry Lake and run for about 1 mile on paved park roads before getting on single track trail. Both courses are mostly single track trails, sometimes smooth trail but just as often they're rocky and or rooty. The hills are relatively short but can be steep at times.
The 50k starts out the same way as the 25k course but after going up and over Goose Rock the 50k does two lollipop-shaped loops in the Hoypus area before heading back to the finish.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Kids 1K Fun Run course is a loop that runs partly through Cranberry Lake Campground(closed for the season) and partly on North Beach and finishes the same way as the 25k and 50k race courses.
Aid Stations
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
Cornet mile 14.6
Cornet, mile 21.4
Cornet, mile 28.2
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
Cornet mile 14.6
Cornet, mile 21.4
Cornet, mile 28.2
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
Cut-offs
In order to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits, we have cut off times at the aid stations. If you are not leaving the aid station by the cut off time, you will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4 -- 10:00am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:00pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 2:30pm
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4 -- 12:15pm
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to leave the course after cut off and end up getting lost or injured, requiring search and rescue, our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end (allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people). We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
In order to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits, we have cut off times at the aid stations. If you are not leaving the aid station by the cut off time, you will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4 -- 10:00am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:00pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 2:30pm
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 7.4 -- 12:15pm
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to leave the course after cut off and end up getting lost or injured, requiring search and rescue, our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end (allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people). We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
Drop Bags
Runners can have a drop bag at Bowman Bay Aid Station for both the 50K and 25K. 50K runners can also have a drop bag at Cornet Aid Station.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Runners can have a drop bag at Bowman Bay Aid Station for both the 50K and 25K. 50K runners can also have a drop bag at Cornet Aid Station.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew Access
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at each of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables.
Driving Directions to Bowman Bay Aid Station:
From the start/finish parking lot drive back out to HWY 20 and turn left at the traffic light. Go across the bridge and turn right onto the first road on the right and then immediately turn right again and head down to the boat ramp/trailhead parking lot. The aid station should be easily spotted by the water/boat ramp.
Driving Directions to Cornet Aid Station:
From Bowman Bay aid station go back to HWY 20 and turn right, go across the bridge and turn right at the traffic light onto Cornet Bay Rd. Follow the road about 3 miles to the end of the road. The aid station is at the end of the road by the gate.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified.
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at each of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables.
Driving Directions to Bowman Bay Aid Station:
From the start/finish parking lot drive back out to HWY 20 and turn left at the traffic light. Go across the bridge and turn right onto the first road on the right and then immediately turn right again and head down to the boat ramp/trailhead parking lot. The aid station should be easily spotted by the water/boat ramp.
Driving Directions to Cornet Aid Station:
From Bowman Bay aid station go back to HWY 20 and turn right, go across the bridge and turn right at the traffic light onto Cornet Bay Rd. Follow the road about 3 miles to the end of the road. The aid station is at the end of the road by the gate.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified.
Volunteers
We always need volunteers on race day and it is a great way to be a part of the event if you are not running. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us at [email protected]
We always need volunteers on race day and it is a great way to be a part of the event if you are not running. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us at [email protected]
Post Race Party
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out and cheering for each other at the finishline.
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out and cheering for each other at the finishline.
Videos, Photos, Results & Race Reports
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to [email protected]!
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to [email protected]!
2022 50K Results & Photos
2022 25K Results & Photos
2021 25K Results 2021 25K Photos
2021 50K was cancelled due to extreme weather
2022 25K Results & Photos
2021 25K Results 2021 25K Photos
2021 50K was cancelled due to extreme weather
Lodging & Camping
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
Cancellations
Please fill out this form before event day to let us know you will not be participating. We do not issue refunds, but depending on when you fill out the form you may be eligible for a rollover or credit. The amount of credit is based on when your cancellation form was submitted (see below). The credit can be used for any Rainshadow event and will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you cancel 31 days or more in advance, you have two options:
Option 1, you can rollover 100% of your entry fee to the same event the following year, including any other add-on charges you selected (merch, meal tickets for guests, etc.). You cannot be rolled over to a different event, only to the same event the following year, and you may only use the rollover option one time per registration. If you select a rollover and that event is not happening the following year, your option will default to a 50% credit that you can apply towards any of our events.
Option 2, receive a 50% credit that you can use for any of our events + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you may have ordered.
If you cancel less than 31 days before the event, rollovers are no longer an option, but you may be eligible for a credit based on when you cancel:
30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
Less than 7 days before event day or after the event: No credits will be issued. This includes entry fees, merchandise and anything else you ordered.
No Bib transfers:
We do not allow folks to transfer or sell their bib or registration to another person. Any participants who give away their bib, or run under a different name, are subject to being permanently banned from our events.
Merch pick-up:
If you ordered merchandise for your event, you must pick it up at check in on the day of the event. All merchandise items not picked up are subject to being sold or given away. We do not hold onto your merch or ship it to you, you must be present at event check in to pick it up unless you have made prior arrangements with us.
Rollovers:
Please note that it is never a guarantee that we will be able to hold these events the following year. If you select a rollover and that event is not happening the following year, your option will default to a 50% credit that you can apply towards any of our events. You cannot rollover your registration to a different event.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Please fill out this form before event day to let us know you will not be participating. We do not issue refunds, but depending on when you fill out the form you may be eligible for a rollover or credit. The amount of credit is based on when your cancellation form was submitted (see below). The credit can be used for any Rainshadow event and will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you cancel 31 days or more in advance, you have two options:
Option 1, you can rollover 100% of your entry fee to the same event the following year, including any other add-on charges you selected (merch, meal tickets for guests, etc.). You cannot be rolled over to a different event, only to the same event the following year, and you may only use the rollover option one time per registration. If you select a rollover and that event is not happening the following year, your option will default to a 50% credit that you can apply towards any of our events.
Option 2, receive a 50% credit that you can use for any of our events + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you may have ordered.
If you cancel less than 31 days before the event, rollovers are no longer an option, but you may be eligible for a credit based on when you cancel:
30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
Less than 7 days before event day or after the event: No credits will be issued. This includes entry fees, merchandise and anything else you ordered.
No Bib transfers:
We do not allow folks to transfer or sell their bib or registration to another person. Any participants who give away their bib, or run under a different name, are subject to being permanently banned from our events.
Merch pick-up:
If you ordered merchandise for your event, you must pick it up at check in on the day of the event. All merchandise items not picked up are subject to being sold or given away. We do not hold onto your merch or ship it to you, you must be present at event check in to pick it up unless you have made prior arrangements with us.
Rollovers:
Please note that it is never a guarantee that we will be able to hold these events the following year. If you select a rollover and that event is not happening the following year, your option will default to a 50% credit that you can apply towards any of our events. You cannot rollover your registration to a different event.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Contact Us
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at [email protected]
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at [email protected]