FAQ
Q: When does online registration open and when does it close?
A: Online registration opens on October 2nd. Registration will close when the race sells out or at midnight on August 22nd, whichever happens first. The race is capped at 1,800 participants.
Q: Is the course USATF certified?
A: Yes, you can view it here, course certification number WA16025RMB.
Q: How do the corrals work?
A: We have waves starting every 15 minutes to help with congestion on the trail. New for 2018 we have an “elite” corral that is the only corral that is eligible for overall awards. Runners must prove proof of time to be eligible for this corral (Female: sub 1:40 half marathon, Male: sub 1:30). All waves are eligible for age group awards. Walkers please choose the 8:15am wave or later.
Q: Are there restrooms on the course?
A: Yes, but they are extremely limited. The first restroom is located at about mile 5.5 (at Rattlesnake Lake), and the next at mile 10.5. There are also restrooms at both the start and finish.
Q: I can’t run! What is your refund/transfer policy?
A:Please view the Orca Running Race Policies here.
Q: Do you offer gear check?
A: Yes! Please read more about that on the course section of the race info page.
Q: How can I verify that I am signed up?
A: You should have received a confirmation email when you signed up. You can also check your credit/debit card statement, or email us to verify.
Q: Is there a course time limit?
A: Yes! The time limit is 1:00pm, or 4 hours from the start of the last wave. The time limit is in consideration of our hard working volunteers, as well as the safety of participants.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the race?
A: The liability insurance for the race through USA Track and Field does not cover dogs, so please leave your four-legged running companions at home for this one.
Q: Are running strollers allowed?
A: The liability insurance for the race through USA Track and Field does not cover strollers, so please no strollers. The course is also a rough gravel/dirt surface and probably would not fare very well.
Q: What kind of shoes should I wear?
A: Good question. We would say ‘whatever you run a marathon in normally’, with a few additional words of advice. The first is that very minimal shoes, like Vibram FiveFingers, are probably not a good idea, since the running surface does have a fair amount of gravel and would probably result in some very beat-up feet. The other bit of advice is that trail running-specific shoes are also not necessary, though they would work fine.
Q: Can minors participate in this race?
A: Minors are welcome to participate. Please see the Youth Participation Policy in our Race Policies HERE for participation and registration requirements.
Q: Where is the best place for my family to see me out on the course?
A: There are several locations for your family to catch a glimpse of you however we feel as though the best is at Rattlesnake Lake, where the trails switch from the John Wayne/Iron Horse Trail to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. It’s about a little before half way through the course so that extra motivation will be well received!
