Fort Ebey Kettles Trail Run Half Marathon | Marathon

Join Northwest Trail Runs for a beautiful Fort Ebey Kettles Trail Run!

Fort Ebey State Park is a scenic destination in the middle of Whidbey Island. Originally acquired to protect Puget Sound from naval invasion, its stunning beachfront bluffs have commanding views onto the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Runners will line up at the Gun Battery picnic area, perfectly situated to take in the Olympic Mountains, which seem to rise abruptly out of the salt water.

The mostly rolling route winds through and among forested kettle depressions, seemingly created by a gigantic ice cream scoop but actually formed by gigantic hunks of melting ice. Many of the trails flow gently along the rims of these depressions, with some sections featuring tighter twists and turns.

While there are no major climbs, the overall elevation gain adds up quickly. The marathon distance reaches an elevation gain of 5500′ which is approximately 1500 more feet than you can gain running up popular peaks in the I-90 corridor. All courses include a stretch with a waterfront view along the scenic bluff-top trail.

Course Description

The mostly rolling route winds through and among forested kettle depressions, with many gently-flowing trails, as well as sections with more twists and turns. The trail surfaces are mostly a bit smoother than normal for the Northwest, probably due to the geology of this area. All courses include a stretch with a waterfront view along the scenic bluff-top trail.

The 5-km and 10-km courses each make a single, clockwise loop in the Western part of the park, while the Half-Marathon course ventures further into the Eastern reaches of the forest.

Elevation Gain
5-km, about 660′
10-km, about 1320′

Aid Stations

The 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon courses have aid stations mid-course. Marathon runners will also have access to aid where the course passes through the start/finish area between the first and second laps. Aid stations offer water, electrolyte drink, and some carbohydrate-rich or salty foods, such as cookies, pieces of energy bar, gels, chews, chips, bagel, fruity candy, fig bars, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and/or bananas.

Aid Station Locations
Half Marathon (actual 21.33k, 13.25mi): 2 aid stations, at 4.9 and 9.9 miles
Marathon (actual 42.2k, 26.22mi): 5 aid stations, at 4.9, 10.0, 13.3, 17.8, and 22.9 miles

2021 Schedule

7:00am – Check-in opens
7:30am – Marathon first start
8:30am – Half Marathon first start
9:00am – Marathon last start
9:50-10:10am – Pause in start
11:30am – Half Marathon last start
12:30pm – Cut-off for the marathon second loop
4:00pm – Course closes

Directions & Parking

Parking will be in Fort Ebey State Park. Please park where you are directed to by the staff. Carpooling is highly encouraged, and cars with 3 or more people are welcome to park in or near the Gun Battery parking lot at the start and finish with volunteers and staff while spots are still available.

A DISCOVER PASS IS REQUIRED to park at Fort Ebey State Park. You may buy a $10 one-day pass at pay stations at the park, using cash or check. Alternatively, you may buy an annual pass for $30 by ordering a pass online or purchasing it from a retailer. Visit the Discover Pass website for more information or to buy a pass. The cost of a ticket for parking without a pass is $100.

FERRY
Those approaching from the South will want to take the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry. On Saturday morning the ferry leaves from Mukilteo at 6:00am, 7:00am, and 8:00am. There is often a line at the ferry dock, so it is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure that you intend to catch. The ferry ride itself takes approximately 20 minutes. The drive from the Clinton (Whidbey Island) ferry landing to the start at Fort Ebey State Park takes approximately 50 minutes. We advise catching the 6:00am or 7:00am ferry.

Lodging

Whidbey Island is a fabulous place to spend a weekend! Consider staying in the cozy town of Langley or even closer to Fort Ebey State Park in Coupeville.

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