FALL deception pass 50K & 25k
NovemBER 7 & 8 2026 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 November 7th Elevation Gain: 4,300 ft Elevation Loss: 4,300 ft Aid Stations: 4 Cutoff Time: 9 or 10 hours*** |
Distance: 25K
Date: Sunday November 8th Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft Elevation Loss: 3,000 ft Aid Stations: 1 Cutoff Time: 6 hours |
Distance: 1K Fun Run
Date: Sunday December 14th Elevation Gain: 30 ft Elevation Loss: 30 ft Aid Stations: 0 Cutoff Time: unlimited |
Registration
50K: Early bird $165 (before Apr 1), $175 (after Mar 31)
25K: Early bird $135 (before Apr 1), $145 (after Mar 31)
1K: Free
50K: Early bird $165 (before Apr 1), $175 (after Mar 31)
25K: Early bird $135 (before Apr 1), $145 (after Mar 31)
1K: Free
Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? Are you a part of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ community? Apply to the Trail Mix Fund to have your registration fee waived.
Timeline
Saturday November 7th - 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 5:30pm). So to give the folks at the back of the pack, those who think they'll take 7.5 or more hours to finish the race, enough time we've created an early start option. If you think you'll take 7.5 or more hours we highly suggest that you take our early start option at 6am. 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 7.5 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 November 7th - 50K
- 5:30 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 6:00 am: 50K Early Start (***For anyone who thinks they might take more than 7.5 hours)
- 7:00 am: 50K Race Start
- 7:06am: Sunrise
- 9:15 am: Cut off at Bowman Bay, mile 7.4
- 1:15 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 21.4 (second time through)
- 3:15 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 28.2 (third time through)
- ~4:00 pm: This is the time when we're shooting to have everyone finished by
- 4:42 pm: Sunset
- 5:30 pm: Everyone must be out of the park
- 7:05 am: Sunrise
- 7:30 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
- ~3:00 pm: This is the time when we're shooting to have everyone finished by
- 4:43 pm: Sunset
***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 5:30pm). So to give the folks at the back of the pack, those who think they'll take 7.5 or more hours to finish the race, enough time we've created an early start option. If you think you'll take 7.5 or more hours we highly suggest that you take our early start option at 6am. 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 7.5 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 this time of year). 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 this time of year). 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/black 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 high point of the race course, for the second time 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/black 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 high point of the race course, for the second time 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, Gnarly 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, Gnarly 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 -- 9:15am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:15pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 3:15pm
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 -- 9:15am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:15pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 3:15pm
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
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please let us know before event day to let us know you will not be participating. We do not issue refunds, rollovers or transfers but depending on when you fill out the form you may be eligible for a credit. The amount of credit is based on when your cancellation form was submitted. The credit can be used for any Rainshadow event and never expires.
If you cancel more than 30 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 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 rollovers or bib transfers:
We no longer offer rollovers for our events and 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.
Pregnancy Deferral:
Anyone who becomes pregnant after registering can defer their entry for up to 3 years. Please email [email protected]
How to Use Your Rainshadow Credit:
Your credit does not have an expiration date and you can choose to use it when you register for any of our events. You can also combine your credit with a coupon code if you have one from volunteering at one of our races in the past or other coupon codes we may have given you in the past. Also if you sign up for an event that costs less than your credit total the remaining credit balance can be used for future Rainshadow events. And if we give you a credit in the future for volunteering or any other reason that credit will be added to your credit balance.
At anytime you can check your Rainshadow Running credit balance by logging into your Webscorer account, navigating to your racer profile and clicking on View participant credit. Also as long as your balance is above zero you'll be shown your credit balance when you register for any of our events and you'll be given the option to use your credit.
To use your credit simply log into your Webscorer account and go through the event registration process as normal and when you get to the section that shows the subtotal and total there will be a question that asks if you want to use your credit. Select yes and hit the "Calculate" button.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Event...
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 aware of that possibility and understand that when signing up there is that risk.
In the event of a cancellation we will do our best to notify folks as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All participants will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation. If the reason for cancelling the event is something out of our control like (dangerous weather, COVID shutdowns, etc.) we will likely offer folks a 50% credit towards a future event. If we are forced to cancel an event once it's already begun no credits will be issued. We do not issue refunds for any reason.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for these events, 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 the participants, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Reminder:
By registering for one of our events you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our event rules and any other logistics or arrangements you must adhere to. Please don't ask for an exception to our cancellation policies, we've given them a lot of consideration and have tried to be as generous as we can.
If you cancel more than 30 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 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 rollovers or bib transfers:
We no longer offer rollovers for our events and 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.
Pregnancy Deferral:
Anyone who becomes pregnant after registering can defer their entry for up to 3 years. Please email [email protected]
How to Use Your Rainshadow Credit:
Your credit does not have an expiration date and you can choose to use it when you register for any of our events. You can also combine your credit with a coupon code if you have one from volunteering at one of our races in the past or other coupon codes we may have given you in the past. Also if you sign up for an event that costs less than your credit total the remaining credit balance can be used for future Rainshadow events. And if we give you a credit in the future for volunteering or any other reason that credit will be added to your credit balance.
At anytime you can check your Rainshadow Running credit balance by logging into your Webscorer account, navigating to your racer profile and clicking on View participant credit. Also as long as your balance is above zero you'll be shown your credit balance when you register for any of our events and you'll be given the option to use your credit.
To use your credit simply log into your Webscorer account and go through the event registration process as normal and when you get to the section that shows the subtotal and total there will be a question that asks if you want to use your credit. Select yes and hit the "Calculate" button.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Event...
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 aware of that possibility and understand that when signing up there is that risk.
In the event of a cancellation we will do our best to notify folks as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All participants will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation. If the reason for cancelling the event is something out of our control like (dangerous weather, COVID shutdowns, etc.) we will likely offer folks a 50% credit towards a future event. If we are forced to cancel an event once it's already begun no credits will be issued. We do not issue refunds for any reason.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for these events, 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 the participants, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Reminder:
By registering for one of our events you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our event rules and any other logistics or arrangements you must adhere to. Please don't ask for an exception to our cancellation policies, we've given them a lot of consideration and have tried to be as generous as we can.
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]