Race: September 9, 2023
Start: Long 10:00 AM, Short Noon, Optional early start: 9:00 AM
Level: 3
Distance: 26/12 miles
Meeting: Online Race Rules
Director: Kelly Johnson
Phone: 425.985.2247 (call or text)
40th Bainbridge Island Marathon
Review of the Race Rules is MANDATORY. Safety is our biggest concern so we want to make sure everyone is adequately prepared for the challenge. There will be a Zoom meeting the evening before the race to answer any questions. There will be an optional early start for slower craft at 9:00 AM. After the Full Marathon start, we will shuttle to Fort Ward for the Half start at noon.
The race will be based out of Fay Bainbridge State Park. Camping is available, contact Fay Bainbridge.
Directions
Bainbridge Island can be accessed by bridge from the north, by Seattle based ferry from the south. Fay Bainbridge Park is on the northeast end of the island.
Race Registration
Coming soon!
Race Course
Bainbridge Island forms a natural 26.2 mile Marathon with spectacular Puget Sound views over the entire course. To our knowledge, this is the longest single-day race for human powered boats on the west coast. The Bainbridge Marathon is a very challenging race, presenting a varying array of strong currents, high winds and shipping traffic. When rough weather combines with the long distance, it can and has whipped the best of athletes. Do not tackle this one if you lack the skills, conditioning, and experience to be confident of completion. However, if you’re ready, the weather is often glorious and the experience nearly always exhilarating. The half-marathon is the same, only shorter.
Safety
Participants acknowledge that advanced skills, conditioning and experience are essential to safe completion of the race and that they are prepared. In addition all participants must carry a PFD and a whistle on board per Washington State law; and be capable of self-righting their boat (this usually means carrying a paddle float for kayakers.). Participants are expected to go immediately to the aid of a racer who has capsized. (The race director will make his fairest allowance for lost time).
Course Record
Long course: Jeb Besser and Grant Dull, 3:09:01 in 2009 in a 2x.
Short course: Ole Kanestrom, 1:40:28 in 1993 in a 1X-RI.
Entry Fees
Sound Rowers member: $25 per person
Non member: $30 per person
Awards
Around five hours after the start of the marathon, awards will be presented to 1st-3rd place finishers in each race class.
Camping
Fay Bainbridge State Park. There are tent and RV sites available. Contact the park for information: https://biparks.org/fay-bainbridge-park-campground/