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; as of late 2023 it is 100% 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 was thrilled to be chosen to take over the race in 2021.
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: $99
March: $104
Packet Pickup/Race Day: $114
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
NEW USATF Certified Course!
USATF Certification # WA25004RMB
Start Line Location: City of Redmond – City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052
Finish Line Location: Lake Sammamish State Park – Soccer Fields, 1464 NW Sammamish Road, 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 mile the race will start in 3 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!
Your friends and/or family are also welcome to pick you up.
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:
Sammamish Landing Park – mile 3.4
Lake Sammamish Boat Ramp – mile 10.6 * Discover Pass Required
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 street parking around Redmond City Hall in downtown Redmond, and in the parking garage at the Redmond Senior Center. This parking garage will fill quickly. There is also parking at Redmond Town Center (if you are going to feast or drink afterwards), it is about a 15 minute walk away. There is NO parking at the Redmond Library. Plan ahead and arrive early. We recommend using transit, or being dropped off.
Finish Line Parking: Please note the new finish line for 2025. There is NO parking at the finish line. Your friends and family are welcome to park at Lake Sammamish State Park. 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. The parking at Lake Sammamish State Park is about a half mile/15 minute walk from the new finish line.
Parking is also allowed in the parking lots across the street at Lake Place II and I-90 Lake Place. We recommend not parking in any other lots, and we are not responsible for any tickets or tows received anywhere outside of these two lots.
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 and the more identifiable/colorful it is the easier it is for our volunteers to find! We will have identification tags for you to use. Drop bags will be available to pick up at the finish line.
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.
Charity 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 City Hall
7:30am: Race Starts, in 3 waves each 90 seconds apart
8:42am: First finisher arrives
9:00am: Shuttles begin to run from finish to start
12:00pm: Course closes
12:15pm: Last shuttle departs
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: Strollers are allowed in the Lake Sammamish Half. However, we kindly request that you start in the very last wave, in the back of the pack of runners.
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: The race will sell out, so unfortunately no. Register ahead of time, or get on the waitlist once it sells out.
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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