Swing the Gates Fun Run: Deception Pass State Park

Name: Swing the Gates Fun Run: Deception Pass State Park
Start: 2026-10-31T07:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-10-31T11:00:00-07:00
Location: Deception Pass State Park

October 31 @ 7:00 am – 11:00 am

Poster with a Deception Pass Bridge and the word 4th Annual Swing the Gates along with details that match this listing

Swing the Gates Fun Run: Deception Pass State Park | October 31

Swing the Gates at Deception Pass State Park is back and this time we are CLOSING the Park on Halloween! Challenging Course. Beautiful Scenery. Costumes Encouraged.

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

Kicks off at 9:00am, 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 8:00am.

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. Course will close at 11:00am

Price: $30 (Student Discount $10)
Ages 5 – 18: $10
Time: 9:00am- 11:00am PDT
Registration ends October 30, 2026 at 11:59am PDT
Open to ages 5+.

10K Team Scavenger Hunt

Challenge yourself and your friends to a unique race experience. Teams will set off along the trails and roads of the Park 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 8:00am 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 and roads within the park. If your team is able to navigate the trails efficiently, we expect the 10:30am to allow park staff to CLOSE the gates to the Park for the season. 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.

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.
Race will NOT cross the Deception Pass Bridge

Price: $120 (Up to 4 participants per Team)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00am PDT
Registration ends October 28, 2026 at 9:00am PDT
Open to ages 5+.

Important Dates and Times

Friday, October 30
10:00am-2:00pm: Packet pickup at Skagit Running Company (724 S 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273)
3:00-6:00PM: Packet pickup at the Park’s admin office (41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277)

Saturday, October 31
7:00-7:45am: Packet pickup for 10k
8:00am: 10K Team Scavenger Hunt START
8:00-8:45am: Packet pickup for 5k
8:00-8:30am: DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION (5k ONLY-$40, venmo, check, or cash)
9:00am: 5K Fun Run START
10:30pm: Last 10K clue station closes and all 10K runners must return to the finish line/5k route closes

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

For additional details and to register CLICK HERE

Co-Hosted by Skagit Runners & Deception Pass Park Foundation
Benefiting the iconic Deception Pass State Park