Swing the Gates 5k and 10k

Race Overview

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

• Start Time: The 5K fun run will kick off at 9:00 AM.
• Early Arrival: We recommend coming early to cheer on the 10K team scavenger hunt participants at 8:00 AM.
• Course Details: The course will primarily be on paved surfaces, featuring a 400 ft elevation gain with a steep incline at the beginning.
• Aid Station: The race aid station is cup-less again, so be sure to bring your own water bottle or cup.

The course will close at 11:00 AM.

10K Team Scavenger Hunt

• Unique Experience: Challenge yourself and your friends to solve various challenges along the way.
• Team Formation: Find three other people to join you at 8:00 AM on race day.
• Course Navigation: Distances and elevation will vary based on your team’s ability to navigate the trails of Deception Pass State Park.
• Important Note: The race will NOT cross the Deception Pass Bridge.

This is a difficult course run primarily along unpaved trails and roads within the park. We expect the course to allow park staff to CLOSE the gates to the Park for the season at 10:30 AM. 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.

Registration Fees

• 5K Fun Run: $30
• 10K Team Scavenger Hunt: $120.00
• Team Fees: No matter the day or number of people on your team, the 10K Scavenger Hunt is the same price.
• Parking: 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 the 5K Fun Run and the first place team in the 10K Scavenger Hunt will win a special prize!

Volunteering

Volunteers are critical to making 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.

Event Details

Date: 2026-10-31

Location: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA

For more information, visit the official race page: Swing the Gates Race Page.