August 15th, 2026
Seattle, WA
Welcome to One Step Closer. An exciting summer endurance event created by Orca Running. Part whale, part trail, full of vibrant community- 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. All ages and running levels welcome. We have a little bit of something for everyone.
New for 2026:
Teams! Start or join a team during registration for our “battle of the run club” challenge. Teams can have 2-5 members and the top 3 teams with the most loops will earn a special finisher’s plaque. You don’t need to be a part of a run club to register as a team.
Kids Loopy Race! Choose from 30 minutes or 1 hour. Kid’s will complete as many loops around the baseball field as they can within their selected time. All of the kids will finish together in a special One Step Closer kid’s race celebration. Each Kid’s Race runner will be awarded a One Step Closer medal upon completion.
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Benefitting:
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
3 Hour
Early Reg: $55
Oct – Dec: $60
Jan-Mar: $65
Apr-Jun: $70
July: $75
Aug: $80
6 Hour
Early Reg: $75
Oct – Dec: $80
Jan-Mar: $85
Apr-Jun: $90
July: $95
Aug: $100
12 Hour
Early Reg: $95
Oct – Dec: $100
Jan-Mar: $105
Apr-Jun: $110
July: $115
Aug: $120
18 Hour
Early Reg: $125
Oct – Dec: $130
Jan-Mar: $135
Apr-Jun: $140
July: $145
Aug: $150
Kid’s Loopy Races: $20
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 22 and under or 65 and over can receive a discount of 15% on their registration fee. Please fill out this form to receive your discount if you apply.
race info
The course
Loops at Lincoln.
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 10:00pm 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
We will have a variety of snacks, water, and tailwind endurance fuel available throughout the entirety of the race. We will also offer special treats throughout the day to mix things up for you. Coffee and pastries in the morning, lunchtime sandwiches and popsicles, and BBQed burgers (with a vegan option) for dinner. Feel free to also bring the snacks that motivate you most!
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!
Packet Pickup
NEW FOR 2026: Save some time on race day and come to pre-race packet pick-up!
Date: Thursday, August 13th
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Location: West Seattle Runner
Want to practice the course before race day!? Run with West Seattle Runner on Saturday mornings on the course in Lincoln Park.
race day schedule
3:30am: Packet Pickup Opens (open all day).
4:00 am: 18 Hour Start
6:08 am: Sunrise
10:00 am: 12 Hour Start
2:00pm: Kid’s 1 Hour Start
2:30pm: Kid’s 30 Minute Start
4:00 pm: 6 Hour Start
7:00 pm: 3 Hour Start
8:19 pm: Sunset
10:00 pm: Finish!
10:10pm: 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?
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