Swing the Gates (Closed)

Swing the Gates is back for a fourth year!

This year will include the popular 10k Team Scavenger Hunt, and the classic 5k Fun Run.

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

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 9:00 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 1:00 PM to allow park staff to open closed areas to the public.  If you are still running at this time, we ask that you head t:o 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.

5K Fun Run

The 5K fun run will kick off at 10:00 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 9:00 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.

Prices (processing fees not included)

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.

5K Fun Run
$30

Group Pricing
Groups of 10 or more registering for the 5K Fun Run receive 10% off each ticket no matter when they register. All participants must register together under one order.

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.

Schedule

Friday, October 30
4:00 – 7:00 PM: Early packet pickup at the Park’s admin office (41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277)

Saturday, October 31
7:30 - 9:15 AM: Packet pickup
9:00 AM:  10K Team Scavenger Hunt

9:30 AM:  Kid's Race start 

10:00 AM: 5K Fun Run starts
1:00 PM: Last 10K clue station closes and all 10K runners must return to the finish line

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!

Shirts

A long sleeve Swing the Gates race tech shirt is available for an additional fee of $20.  Size guaranteed if registered by October 15th.

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.

Substitutions and Cancellations

Cancellation and Transfer Policies:
Refunds for ticket and merchandise prices will be given until 11:59 PM on March 9, 2024. Registration processing fees are non-refundable. The race will be held rain or shine. However, if the event is cancelled due to inclement weather or other factors, we will issue full refunds.

Donations are not eligible for refunds.

You may transfer your ticket to another person until March 28, 2024, without any additional fees. The person transferring will receive a refund for the price of their ticket and the new registrant will have to pay for this ticket to confirm the transfer. Transfers can only be for the same event the original participant registered for (ie; if you are registered for the 5K Fun Run and transfer your ticket to another person, they can only register for the 5K Fun Run). Transfers will not refund the cost of any merchandise or processing fees. For safety reasons, substitutions are not allowed for any races after October 28, 2026 including the 10K team scavenger hunt.

Online registration closes at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2026. There are no registrations on the day of the event for safety reasons.

A Discover Pass is required to park a vehicle in the park for the race.