Swing the Gates 5K and 10K takes place on October 31, 2026, in Oak Harbor, Washington. This trail running event offers both 5K and 10K distances, starting at 8:00 AM from the venue at 41229 State Route 20. Whether you're training for endurance or looking for a shorter trail effort, both distances are available. Entry fees range from $30 to $120 depending on registration timing and options. If you're traveling to Oak Harbor for this Halloween-weekend race, you'll want accommodation close to the State Route 20 location for an early morning start.
From the Race Organizer
Swing the Gates is back for a 4th year! And this time we are CLOSING the Park on Halloween! This year will include the popular 10k Team Scavenger Hunt and the classic 5k Fun Run- costumes encouraged . Come hang out with an amazing community of nature lovers, runners, walkers, and their K-9 companions while exploring the beauty of Deception Pass State Park 5K Fun Run The 5K fun run will kick off at 9:00 AM , but we recommend coming early to cheer on the 10K team scavenger hunt participants as they complete their first challenge as soon as they cross the start line at 8:00 AM. The course will be run primarily on paved surfaces, however does include 400 ft elevation gain with a steep incline at the beginning of the race. Strollers, small children, and dogs are welcome! The race aid station is cup-less again, so be sure to bring your own water bottle or cup. Course will close at 11:00AM . 10K Team Scavenger Hunt Challenge yourself and your friends to a unique race experience. Teams will set off along the trails to solve various challenges along the way which will help them uncover the racecourse as they go. Scavenger hunts are more fun with friends, so find three other people to join you at 8:00 AM on race day. Distances and elevation will vary based on your team’s ability to navigate the trails of Deception Pass State Park. This is a difficult course run primarily along unpaved trails within the park. If your team is able to navigate the trails efficiently, we expect this year's course to be 6.2 miles and a 1200' elevation. Each clue station will have cutoff times. The final clue station will close at 11:00 AM to allow park staff to CLOSE the gates to the Park for the season. If you are still running at this time, we ask that you head to the finish line and check in. This is an unsupported 10K race. Plan to carry your own water and snacks. *The first participant will pay the initial fee and then all other teammates are free. Be sure to share your team’s name and password with your teammates so they join the correct team and aren’t paying another fee. If your teammate(s) does/do not register, they will not be allowed on the course for safety reasons. **For safety reasons, substitutions are not allowed for any races after October 28, 2026 including the 10K team scavenger hunt. Prices (processing fees not included) 5K Fun Run $30 10K Team Scavenger Hunt $120.00 (No matter the day, or number of people on your team, the 10K Scavenger Hunt is the same price. The first participant will pay the initial fee and then all other teammates are free. Be sure to share your team’s name and password with your teammates so they join the correct team and aren’t paying another fee.) A Discover Pass is required to park in the lot for the race and can be purchased online at www. discoverpass.wa.gov or at the entrance booth on the day of the event. Prizes The top three finishers of each race category in 5K Fun Run and the first place team in the 10K Scavenger Hunt will win a special prize! Volunteering Volunteers are critical to make this race successful. We need people managing different 10K clues, aiding the check-in process, manning our water station, and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@deceptionpassfoundation.org to get more information.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 31.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Oak Harbor, WA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Swing the Gates 5k and 10k 2026 — Oak Harbor, WA?
Swing the Gates 5k and 10k 2026 — Oak Harbor, WA takes place on October 31, 2026. The race is held in Oak Harbor, Washington.
Where is Swing the Gates 5k and 10k 2026 — Oak Harbor, WA held?
Swing the Gates 5k and 10k 2026 — Oak Harbor, WA is held at 41229 State Rte 20 in Oak Harbor, Washington.
Where can I find hotels near Swing the Gates 5k and 10k 2026 — Oak Harbor, WA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Oak Harbor. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
