about the Lake sammamish half
The Lake Sammamish Half Marathon takes runners along the smooth trail that connects Marymoor Park in Redmond to Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah. This interurban trail is very popular with runners; about 30% of the course will be on smooth gravel surface and 70% on pavement. We offer a generous 4 hour time limit for all participants. This flat run is perfect for a half-marathon personal best whether you’re running or walking!
The Lake Sammamish Half was started in 2010 by Roger Michel and Yumay Chang, and in later years Dana Anderson directed the race to great success. Orca Running is thrilled to be producing this season opener.
Orca Running acknowledges that the Lake Sammamish Half Marathon takes place on the Indigenous Land of Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe (sdukʷalbixʷ). We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived and continue to live here since time immemorial.
Learn more about the culture and lands of the sdukʷalbixʷ with this Interactive Story Map
registration prices
Half Marathon
October: $77
November: $82
December $87
January: $92
February: $97
March: $102
Packet Pickup/Race Day: $112
Important
Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. Be sure to review our race policies.
Prices do not include processing fees. Online pre-registration closes the day before the race at 8:00pm.
If you’re planning on doing multiple Orca Running races in a year, consider using our Bundle and Save!
Please note the new information on bib pickup below under ‘Packet Pickup’.
Youth Discounts
Participants under 22 automatically receive a discount of 15% on registration fees.
race info
The course
USATF Certified Course!
**For 2025 we are applying for permits with new start and finish lines that are near the current start and finish lines. Stay tuned for updates!**
Start Line Location: Redmond Central Connector Park, 160 161st Ave NE, Redmond, 98052
Finish Line Location: Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027
Aid Stations are located every 2-3 miles and are stocked with GU gels and Tailwind Endurance Fuel.
PACERS! Seattle Green Lake Running Group is providing pacers for the following finish times: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30
Due to the width of the pathway for the first half mile the race will start in 5 waves, approximately 90 seconds apart.
Shuttles
We provide free shuttles for participants from the finish line back to the start line area. The shuttle is free for all participants. The shuttles leave when full or every 15 minutes, whichever occures first. The shuttles are heated.
Don’t forget to pick up your gear check bag before you board the shuttle!
Runner Viewpoints
The majority of the course is accessible via private driveways. To respect the residents who reside along the trail we ask that friends and/or family use the recommended runner viewpoints:
Awards
Overall awards will be given to the top 3 men, women, and non-binary runners based off of gun time not chip time. So, you should start in the front of the pack. We also give out age group awards in 5 year increments, so be sure to check your results at the Orca Running tent. We DO NOT MAIL OUT AWARDS after the race, they must be picked up at the race.
PARKING
Start Line Parking: There is parking around the start line in downtown Redmond, and also in the parking garages at Redmond Town Center. Plan ahead and arrive early.
Finish Line Parking: Your friends and family are welcome to park at Lake Sammamish State Park to watch you cross the finish line. However, because it’s a state park, every vehicle is required to display a Discover Pass (good at all state parks and other state lands). You can purchase a pass in advance online or at the park’s automated pay station. Both one-day and annual passes are available.
Traffic to enter and exit the park during the race gets VERY backed up. We have secured use of the parking business parks parking lots across the street from the entrance to the park located at the Lake Place Office Complex. You are not required to have a Discover Pass if you park in these lots, and the walk to the finish line is about .4 miles.
*If you have loved ones coming to see you finish who want to park at the start park please have them arrive at the state park BEFORE 8:45am, and understand that trying to leave the park before 11:00am will be slow going.
Lodging
We recommend the Seattle Marriott Redmond.
gear check
Free gear check is available at the Lake Sammamish Half. In an effort to reduce waste, we will not be providing drop bags, so PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAG. We will have identification tags for you to use. Drop bags will be available to pick up at the race finish at Lake Sammamish State Park.
Policies
We have a clear set of policies that we uniformly follow for all races. Entries are not refundable, but you can defer your entry, transfer it to another race, or transfer it to another participant. You can review our full set of policies here.
Cupless Racing
Orca Running is committed to reducing waste and protecting the environment. As part of this commitment, we are making all events cupless. The tiny little cups that are used for an instant generate tremendous amounts of garbage. We recommend you purchase a handheld bottle, a hydration pack, or we can provide you with a small re-useable cup that folds easily into your waistband to use during the entire race and future races.
Chairty Partner
Time outside and connection to nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. But millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and far too many people do not feel a sense of belonging or safety outside.
That’s why REI founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund. It directly supports organizations working to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through time spent outside. Thanks to REI Co-op’s generous support, 100% of your gift goes to grantee partners.
PACKET PICKUP
To pick up your race packet, you have three options:
- Opt to have your race bib mailed to you. This costs $3.50 and can be selected during the registration process.
- Pick up your bib on race morning. Please consult the schedule below for times, and plan on long lines.
- Pick up your bib at pre-race packet pick-up. You can also pick up bibs for your friends and/or family members.
Packet pick-up:
Date: Thursday, March 6th
Time: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Location: REI Bellevue, 410 116th Ave NE, Belleue, 98004
REI will be offering special discounts at packet pick-up!
race day schedule
6:15am: Packet pick-up opens at Redmond Central Connector Park*
7:30am: Race Starts, in 5 waves each 90 seconds apart
8:42am: First finisher arrives
9:00am: Shuttles begin to run from finish to start
11:30am: Course closes
12:00pm: Last shuttle departs
*Start line subject to change to Redmond City Hall, about .5 miles away
Virtual Race
The Lake Sammamish Half now has a virtual option! Here is what you need to know:
- Cost is $50
- Limited to 5o participants
- Run and log your race anytime after you receive your swag!
- Virtual run participants will receive a shirt, medal and bib in the mail.
- Swag will ship out the week after the in-person race
- Counts towards your R-Pod medal!
Sponsors
FAQs
Q: How can I confirm that I am signed up?
The best thing to check first is to look in your email inbox for a confirmation email from RunSignUp for the race in question. You can also look up your registration in your RunSignUp account by logging into your account then go to your “Profile” page where you can view your current registrations under Upcoming Events. Click HERE for more information on accessing a registration in RunSignUp.
Q: How can I confirm what shirt size I ordered?
A: Your t-shirt size that you selected appears on your confirmation email. If you did not receive your confirmation email, try checking your spam folder.
Q: I cannot participate! What are my options?
A: Please check out our refund/transfer policy by clicking here.
Q: I cannot participate, but I would still like to pick up my swag. Can I pick it up?
A: Yes. You can send a friend or family member to packet pickup to get your race packet & swag.
Q: Are walkers welcome?
A: Absolutely yes!
Q: Are dogs welcome?
A: No, dogs are not allowed to participate in the Lake Sammamish Half. They are welcome at the start and finish line areas, however.
Q: Are strollers welcome?
A: While the Lake Sammamish trail is still under construction and detours are required, strolles will not be allowed. This aplies to the 2023 race. If construction is done before the 2024 race, they will be allowed then.
Q: What time does the course close?
A: The course closes at 12:00pm.
Q: Will there be porta-potties at the start/finish? What about out on the course?
A: There will be porta-potties available at the start line and finish line area. There will be porta-potties out on the course at several areas.
Q: When does online registration close?
A: Online registration will close at 8:00pm the day before the race.
Q: What/who does this race benefit?
A: The Lake Sammamish Half benefits the REI Cooperative Action Fund. Time outside and connection to nature is fundamental to the health and well-being of all people. But millions of Americans lack access to the outdoors, and far too many people do not feel a sense of belonging or safety outside. That’s why REI founded the REI Cooperative Action Fund which directly supports organizations working to improve the health and well-being of people and communities through time spent outside.
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
A: Yes! You do not need anything special to have someone else pick up your packet. Just be sure to coordinate!
Q: Can I sign up in person at packet pickup or on race day?
A: If the race is not sold out, yes you can register in-person. You can pay with cash (exact change only), check, or credit card.
Q: Is there gear check?
A: Yes! Free gear check is available at the Lake Sammamish Half. In an effort to reduce waste, we will not be providing drop bags, so PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAG. We will have identification tags for you to use. Drop bags will be available to pick up at the race finish at Lake Sammamish State Park.
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