Race: September 12, 2026
Start: Long 10:00 AM, Short 11:00 AM, Optional early start: 9:00 AM
Level: 3
Distance: 26/12 miles
Meeting: Zoom meeting Sept 11th at 6PM
Director: Kelly Johnson
Phone: 425.985.2247 (call or text)
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Review of the race rules is mandatory to ensure all participants are fully prepared. Safety is our top priority, and we want everyone to be equipped for the challenge.
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A Zoom meeting will be held the evening before the race to address any questions. All registered participants will receive an email on Friday, September 11th with the link to join the pre-race meeting.
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An optional early start for the Long Course (from Fay Bainbridge) at 9:00 AM is available for slower watercraft.
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The race will be based out of Fay Bainbridge State Park. Camping is available, contact Fay Bainbridge.
Race registration and number pickup will be at Fay Bainbridge State Park. Car pickup after the race is done on a self-organizing basis
Directions
Fay Bainbridge Park is on the northeast end of the island.
Race Registration
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/