Start: August 26, 2023
9:00 AM
Level: 2-3
Distance: 7mi
Meeting: Pre-race meeting at 8:15 AM August 27
Director: Theresa & Jeff Knakal
Phone: 425.327.3754
Getting to the Start
***CAUTION*** The West Seattle bridge is closed.
If you haven’t been to ALKI BEACH at WEST SEATTLE for a while, remember that the WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE IS CLOSED. NO High Bridge and NO Low Bridge. Traffic is detoured to cross the First Avenue South Bridge, aka the South Park Bridge.
FROM THE NORTH (I-5 Southbound): take exit 162 on I-5, merge onto Corson Ave S, turn right on S Michigan, follow signs for South 99, 509, 1st avenue South Bridge. Over the bridge EXIT RIGHT at 99 South, West marginal Way, South Park. You will be looped back northbound. Look out for, and TURN LEFT on Highland Park Way. See NOW GO (below)
FRROM THE SOUTH (I-5 Northbound): take EXIT 156, 99 NORTH. As you head north, it becomes Highway 99, then West Marginal Way South, then Highland Park Way SW. About 6 miles from the I-5 exit Look out for, and TURN RIGHT on West marginal Way Southwest.
NOW GO: about 3 miles as it becomes SW Spokane St, headed west. LOOK OUT FOR, and TURN RIGHT on Harbor Ave SW. Then 3 miles until you see the ALKI BEACH BATHROOM BUILDING.
We recommend using any mapping app if you are not familiar with the area. Leave yourself extra time to get to the start.
Race Registration
Coming soon!
Race Course
The course heads out west to Blakely rock off Bainbridge Island. After turning counter-clockwise around the rock, head southeast to Decatur Reef. Turn around the buoy off the reef and head back toward Alki Point.
Course Record
Tyler Peterson and Evan Jacobs, 49:44 in 2006 in a 2x.
Entry Fees
Pre-registration discount
Members of Sound Rowers: $10 per person
Non-members: $15 per person
Day of race registration
Members of Sound Rowers: $15 per person
Non-members: $20 per person
Boats of 3+ competitors
$10 per person (members and/or nonmembers).
Awards
Ribbons awarded for 1st-3rd by category.
Historical Note
The Great Cross Sound Race originally started at Alki and finished on Bainbridge Island. The last race to compete this course was in 1987. From 1988 to 1993, it was changed to a round trip course that started at Alki Beach, went around Blakely Rock, the mid-channel buoy and returned. The record for that course is held by Greg Barton, 50:35 in 1993 in an HPK. The current course, adopted in 1994 goes around Blakely Rock, south to Decatur Reef and returns to Alki Beach.