August 16th, 2025
Seattle, WA
NEW FOR 2025!
What do you get when you take Orca Running and mix it with Evergreen Trail!?
Welcome to One Step Closer. An exciting summer endurance event created by Orca Running AND Evergreen Trail Runs. Part whale, part trail- and loopy. Held at scenic Lincoln Park in Seattle, WA- this race is going to be THE summer endurance event you won’t want to miss.
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NO RUNNING ON A DEAD PLANET
There are no higher stakes than being kind to the earth; we care deeply about keeping our planet viable for the next generation. To that end, we organize our events with an eye towards minimizing our impact on the planet. Read more here.
Committed to Making All Feel Welcome
Orca Running is making a new effort to make sure that everyone feels welcome and safe at our running events and in our community. We have a non-binary registration option and a non-binary category for overall awards.
If you have a suggestion or idea for how we can improve our events in this regard, please let us know!
registration prices
April: $60
May-June: $70
July-August: $80
6 Hour
April: $80
May-June: $90
July-August: $100
12 Hour
April: $100
May-June: $110
July-August: $120
18 Hour
April: $130
May-June: $140
July-August: $150
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’. Bibs will only be available on race morning for pickup.
Youth Discounts
Participants under 22 automatically receive a discount of 15% on registration fees.
race info
The course
Seattle, WA
Amazingly diverse for its size, this race experience has a bit of everything. Runners will take on a 2 mile course loop, and complete the loop as many times as they can during their selected time period -18 hours, 12 hours, 6 hours, or 3 hours. Don’t let the size of this course fool you, there is plenty to see and keep you entertained along this very special and scenic course.
For the first mile, you will run alongside the glorious Puget Sound. This portion of the run is beachside and flat with a combination of paved surface and packed gravel. Watch the ferry boats come in and out, pass Bruun Idun the troll for good luck as she calls to the Orcas, and keep your eye out for wildlife such as owls, whales, and (the many) squirrels who love to make appearances at this location.
You will then push yourself up a short but spicy single-track trail to the upper portion of the park. Here you will enjoy incredible trails and lush green forest. These trails will eventually bring you back to your homebase (the start/finish line) where you can enjoy celebration, snacks, or even a nap before heading back out for another loop.
Soak up sunrise and golden hour light through the pine trees and ferns before the sky turns to stars. We expect for summer sunset over the Puget Sound to be a huge highlight of this race. Remember, this is your summer party! Make some core memories, and challenge your unique self. But most of all, have fun!
All runners will finish together at 11:00pm with a finish line party! Because let’s be honest, challenging yourself and overcoming is one of the best feelings to celebrate- especially together -One Step Closer.
All levels welcome! We can’t wait to party with you this summer.
The Food
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.
WHO IS THIS RACE FOR?
We honestly think timed racing events can offer something to all!
1.) If you are new to trail running, and looking to try it in a fun, controlled, and safe environment.
2.) If you are “ultra” curious, and want to see how your body (or stomach) will handle time on your feet.
3.) If you are looking for a new way to challenge yourself, and want to see what you are capable of.
4.) If you want a race where you can take some pressure off of pace, and set your own goals and challenges to overcome.
5.) If you are looking for a unique way to spend a PNW summer day with all of your running buddies, or ultimate race bragging rights to post on your social media account.
6.) If you are crazy, but in the best of ways.
Awards
Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male, female, and non-binary runners in each time category (18, 12, 6, and 3 hours), based upon total mileage covered. We DO NOT MAIL OUT AWARDS after the race, they must be picked up at the race.
PARKING
Carpooling is highly recommended. There are about 200 parking spaces available in the upper Lincoln Park lot available for event parking. There is also on-street parking around Lincoln Park within walking distance. Please note, the later you arrive the further away you may need to park. Make sure to plan accordingly with your race start.
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.
Gear Check
We will have an area where you can place your items between loops. You are also welcome to set up a spot/homebase within the picnic area. We recommend using a zippered bag to keep snacks safe due to the many squirrels and wildlife found in Lincoln Park.
Bring the Family!
race day schedule
5:00 am: 18 hour start.
6:08 am: Sunrise.
11:00 am: 12 hour start.
5:00 pm: 6 hour start.
8:00 pm: 3 hour start.
8:19 pm: Sunset.
11 pm: Finish!
11:10pm: Awards Celebration.
Please note: In general, we do not pull anyone off a race course, as long as they are moving forward with determination, under their own power. However, we reserve the right to remove any participants from the race course as needed, based upon weather conditions, assessment of the participant’s physical condition, and other reasons.
FAQs
Q: How can I confirm that I am signed up?
Q: How can I confirm what shirt size I ordered?
Q: I cannot participate! What are my options?
Q: I cannot participate, but I would still like to pick up my swag. Can I pick it up?
Q: Are walkers welcome?
Q: Are dogs welcome?
Q: Are strollers welcome?
Q: What time does the course close?
Q: Will there be porta-potties at the start/finish? What about out on the course?
Q: When does online registration close?
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
Q: Can I sign up in person at packet pickup or on race day?
Q: Is there gear check?
Sponsors
