Overall Rating
Overall Rating (20 Reviews)
4.9
(20 Ratings) 🏆 (20 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.8
SCENERY
5
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
4.6
Run where the sea meets the sky–at San Juan Island. The course is stunning, and the island is a wonderful place to spend a weekend. Bring your family, run the race, and then stay to explore the island and make memories together. The course for the San Juan Island Half … MORE
Local Historical Weather (May 11):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  70  58  65  70  65
L (°F)  44  42  39  54  48
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):

Recent reviews

    Profile photo of Suzanne Titchenal
    slj1993 FIRST-TIMER '23

    I loved the course and everything about it until I realized my garmin was over a mile behind what the course had for mile markers. There should have been clear … MORE

    I loved the course and everything about it until I realized my garmin was over a mile behind what the course had for mile markers. There should have been clear communication and spotters signaling where to double back. Then to get to the end and have additional tough mileage to complete as you literally passed the finish point was awful mentally. A huge miss on an otherwise great race. Everyone I passed that last mile was extremely upset.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    kerry.b.decker FIRST-TIMER '23

    It is one of the most visually amazing races I have done! There is nothing boring about this one. Do be prepared for your phone to lose service near the … MORE

    It is one of the most visually amazing races I have done! There is nothing boring about this one. Do be prepared for your phone to lose service near the beginning and plan ahead by queuing up a premade playlist or podcast, else you may be stuck listening to the same episode on repeat the entire race hahaha. This is easily in my top 5 races and I will absolutely repeat it. Beware the hills and don’t use all the juice in your legs on mile 1!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    kait.carmody FIRST-TIMER '23

    It was a fun race with lots of great energy. The post race snacks were also a highlight. I was not prepared for the challenge of the hills and would … MORE

    It was a fun race with lots of great energy. The post race snacks were also a highlight. I was not prepared for the challenge of the hills and would have appreciated an earlier start time to avoid some heat.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    I've been to the San Juans before and jumped on this race for my first non-triathlon half marathon. The views are incredible and the weather was perfect. That said, I … MORE

    I’ve been to the San Juans before and jumped on this race for my first non-triathlon half marathon. The views are incredible and the weather was perfect. That said, I didn’t train on enough hills and there’s some tough ones. I train in MN along hilly Mississippi River trails, but some of the hills in this course are really long. My hamstrings are feeling it, and my very flat half next month will feel pretty easy in comparison. The stained glass medal is absolutely gorgeous. Shirt design was ok.

    There was also some miscommunication about the route and mile markers, so they tacked on a mile and a half at the end. It was all very strange. I would have thought they’d let the volunteers at the water stations know so they could give us a heads up the route had been changed. I’ve done a few dozen road races and triathlons and never encountered something like this.

    Overall, wonderful race and would do it again.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    jwrunfast8 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This race is incredibly beautiful where on a clear day you can see the Olympic National Park across the water. This year everyone cut about a mile and a half … MORE

    This race is incredibly beautiful where on a clear day you can see the Olympic National Park across the water. This year everyone cut about a mile and a half off the course and the race director was able to add the amount that was cut to the end of the race. This last minute change allowed everyone was able to complete the full distance. It was an incredible feat and shows how much they care! If you are looking for a beautiful, albeit hilly, race this is a great option!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Tailhook007 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Orca Running is the best little production team in the Pacific Northwest! The scenery: you start out at the beach looking at the Pacific Ocean. You better have your muscles … MORE

    Orca Running is the best little production team in the Pacific Northwest! The scenery: you start out at the beach looking at the Pacific Ocean. You better have your muscles warmed up as you’re immediately climbing the first of 3 ascents towards a lighthouse (too bad the course doesn’t take you by the lighthouse). You’ll make a turn with a nice reward of a descent at mile 2. You’ll get a great view of Vancouver Island (Canada) on the way down and then into some winding roads through the forest. There are several port a potties along the way and water stations every 2-3 miles. With the climb starting you off, you’d be wise to grab water up and down the first ascent/decent because the next stop is a ways a way. You’ll run through a lot of farm areas and then into the last stretch towards another beach for the finish line. A few safety notes: you are running the whole way on active roads with little or no shoulder. There are some spots with frequent cars passing, be aware. Hydration: the water spots are spread out so hydrate before the race and perhaps bring your own liquids. The hills are long inclines. This is a race worth running for the enjoyment of a challenge and epic scenery.

    Orca running had beautiful finisher medals and soft, comfy t-shirts. The race is a point to point and they had plenty of shuttles to support.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Such a cool vibe especially because we came in from flat Indiana! This year I got to run it with my son and daughter — priceless! This is such a … MORE

    Such a cool vibe especially because we came in from flat Indiana! This year I got to run it with my son and daughter — priceless! This is such a special race for us. (Also we always look forward to the MC’s commentary. He kills it!)

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    adamwarner37 FIRST-TIMER '22

    Very fun race! My first half marathon, very beautiful course. The race gets a bit hilly but never felt unreasonable. I hope to be able to do it again soon. MORE

    Very fun race! My first half marathon, very beautiful course. The race gets a bit hilly but never felt unreasonable. I hope to be able to do it again soon.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Profile photo of Natalie Warner
    nswarner113 FIRST-TIMER '21

    Absolutely stunning course from start to finish. Lots of hills along the way but this trek through beaches, island farmland, and coastline makes it all worth it. I want to … MORE

    Absolutely stunning course from start to finish. Lots of hills along the way but this trek through beaches, island farmland, and coastline makes it all worth it. I want to do it again every year! Thanks to the cheerful staff for adding to this incredible experience.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    alastairm92 FIRST-TIMER '21

    Gorgeous scenery (like wow!!), smooth race production, friendly spectators, awesome swag - this race really delivered in every way. Filing away as one of my all time favorites. Will be … MORE

    Gorgeous scenery (like wow!!), smooth race production, friendly spectators, awesome swag – this race really delivered in every way. Filing away as one of my all time favorites. Will be back!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    miarodgers FIRST-TIMER '21

    I used to do running races when I was younger and definitely took a long break from entering any races (like 30 years), so when I signed up to run … MORE

    I used to do running races when I was younger and definitely took a long break from entering any races (like 30 years), so when I signed up to run this San Juan Half Marathon before COVID, I was excited. However, my wait was almost 2 years before the event day finally came. I know for sure that I didn’t properly train but I did it! I ran the whole thing which was my goal. The race support was amazing! It was well organized and it was just an amazing feeling to be out running on San Juan Island. I liked it so much that I can’t wait to run another race with Orca running. So, yeah, I recommend it — just sign up and do it! You will be so glad that you did for yourself! 💛

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    natalieglawrence92 REPEAT RUNNER '21

    I loved this race! Turns out a ton of people hard a hard time getting over on the ferries, which of course wasn’t anyone’s fault, but led to a smaller … MORE

    I loved this race! Turns out a ton of people hard a hard time getting over on the ferries, which of course wasn’t anyone’s fault, but led to a smaller race than I expected which made it feel a bit lonely at times. The scenery was gorgeous and the post race setup was really sweet with free pizza, snacks and bananas. I rated the swag a 5 but mostly because they offered a tree planting alternative to a free tshirt. I wish races would get rid of shirts all together, such a waste but that might not be a popular opinion! Everyone at the orca running team did a fantastic job, we had signed up for this race almost 2 years ago and anytime we had questions or concerns our emails were met with such patience. I can’t imagine how hard race and event planning has been as of late, so major kudos for pulling off a great race and communicating so well with participants!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    alexjohnrunning FIRST-TIMER '21

    Traveled up from Portland, OR to run this one. Outstanding scenery and the cleanest air you can hope for on a road race. You'll run next to the ocean and … MORE

    Traveled up from Portland, OR to run this one. Outstanding scenery and the cleanest air you can hope for on a road race.
    You’ll run next to the ocean and through the countryside in wooded and open sections. Elevation changes were scattered throughout but totally crushable, with a seriously fast downgrade into the finish line chute.

    The Orca Running team knows how to put on a solid race with good communication and COVID protocols. Little to no crowds along the race route (may have been due to COVID but the island is also pretty dang far from densely populated). Highly recommend getting to the island at least a day in advance if you can and staying throughout the weekend.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    mikeytoe FIRST-TIMER '21

    This course is beautiful! There are some hills but it is a fun and dynamic course! I also saw a fox while running which was super cool! The whole crew … MORE

    This course is beautiful! There are some hills but it is a fun and dynamic course! I also saw a fox while running which was super cool! The whole crew who put this race on are very friendly and it was a lot of fun.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    AreWeThereYet FIRST-TIMER '19

    First time running the SJI Half and it was a PERFECT way to enjoy the absolute BEAUTIFUL scenery!!! I have ran in about 2 dozen half's and over 100 other … MORE

    First time running the SJI Half and it was a PERFECT way to enjoy the absolute BEAUTIFUL scenery!!! I have ran in about 2 dozen half’s and over 100 other races and this is by far, the MOST beautiful run I have ever been on!
    This is a perfect weekend getaway/destination event to participate in!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
    My Media

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Profile photo of Cristine Orr
    ccorr REPEAT RUNNER '19

    I know I am a little bias in that I get to go home to run this race, but really, the scenery is phenomenal. We see bunnies, fox, eagles, & … MORE

    I know I am a little bias in that I get to go home to run this race, but really, the scenery is phenomenal. We see bunnies, fox, eagles, & an egret & ample time enjoying the beautiful Salish Sea. You will be hard pressed to find a more stunning run setting. Orca Racing is top notch in putting on an event. It is a small race, but so well organized. Aid stations with water, electrolytes, gu, & a porta potty are approximately every two miles. There is a fair amount of climbing, but I am convinced everything else offsets the extra work & it is a fun way to see a little more of the island than you would just driving by.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Profile photo of Lindsey Elhart
    lindseyelhart FIRST-TIMER '19

    The run takes you through countryside, along the water front, and ends in downtown. It was beautiful! I loved the small nature of the race size - I felt safe … MORE

    The run takes you through countryside, along the water front, and ends in downtown. It was beautiful! I loved the small nature of the race size – I felt safe and supported individually the whole time.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    I've run various road races and this was one of the most pleasant courses that I've experienced. In spite of the road not being closed to traffic, there were spectacular … MORE

    I’ve run various road races and this was one of the most pleasant courses that I’ve experienced. In spite of the road not being closed to traffic, there were spectacular views, interesting/challenging terrain, and great staff/post race amenities.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    Was this review helpful?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    WOW JUST WOW! Orca just keeps bringing it time and time again. Every race just keeps getting better. Their races showcase the nature, diversity, and beauty of areas surrounding their … MORE

    WOW JUST WOW! Orca just keeps bringing it time and time again. Every race just keeps getting better. Their races showcase the nature, diversity, and beauty of areas surrounding their home base of Seattle. I travel from Canada and they are so worth it! I’m telling you this small personable team think of every detail! Clearly they are runners and they get this. I did this run as a quick get away with hubby who isn’t a runner. It was a bit pricey but well worth it. If that’s a concern for you, Orca has got you covered! They start the race a bit later so you can walk on the ferry and a shuttle picks you up. You have no excuse not to do this. This race is small and I can’t for the life of me figure out why? PEOPLE YOU ARE MISSING OUT! This is one of my best races ever and I’ve traveled the world for hundreds of them. This is practically in my back yard.

    Ok the view was spectacular the entire course. The scenary kept changing. At one point while chatting with another runner we felt we were in Tuscany and the Mediterranean. The medal is one of my all time favs, the shirt is soooo soft, you start and finish on 2 beaches, ice cream, pizza, candy bonuses at the end, they happily feed your support crew who didn’t pay (never seen that before) I’m sure I’m limited to how much I can say here but can’t say enough. I’m am blown away by the small numbers and would hate to see it disappear. Do yourself and the rest of us a favor and show support to this team so they continue to give us the best races of our lives. Do it next year! I can’t wait for my next one with them, they offer package pricing and payment options to do multiple races. I am doing 4 this year but will do another 4 next. Of course this will be one of them. I hope this helps you.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

    Race was fun and straightforward. Course was hilly and a little windy with amazing views the whole time. The volunteers were super nice my favorite race shirt! Liked the fact … MORE

    Race was fun and straightforward. Course was hilly and a little windy with amazing views the whole time. The volunteers were super nice my favorite race shirt! Liked the fact it was cupless… I will use my hydro pouch for other races.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

    Please login to reply to this review.

  1. Races
  2. San Juan Island Half