A Whale of a Run Logo

A Whale of a Run

Kitsap Running proudly presents the A Whale of a Run. 2026 brings the 44th A Whale of a Run on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

A fun, family-friendly race event held as part of the Whaling Days celebration in Silverdale, Washington. Featuring a 4-mile run, 1-mile walk/run, and kids/special olympics dashes.


General Information - A Whale of a Run

Event Details

The Whale of A Run has been a staple of the Whaling Days Festival for over four decades. This community-oriented event brings together runners, walkers, and families of all ages for a fun and scenic day in beautiful Silverdale, WA. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a fun event with friends and family, there's a race for everyone!

What Makes Whale of A Run Special?

  • Scenic Routes: Enjoy beautiful views as you race through Silverdale’s vibrant community.
  • Family-Friendly: Whether you’re competing or cheering on friends and family, there’s something for everyone.
  • Post-Race Celebration: Enjoy snacks, awards, and a festive atmosphere to celebrate your accomplishment. Stay and enjoy the Whaling Days Parade and all that Whaling Days has to offer.

Come Celebrate with Us!

Don’t miss out on this long-standing tradition. Register today and be part of a race that has brought together the Kitsap community for over 40 years. We can’t wait to see you at the starting line!

Package Information

Our goal is to host afforable events with as many of the frills as possible, but not the unbelievable price. This registration goes to cover our costs and donate some back to the local community. We appreciate you joining us in supporting running in Kitsap.

Prices may vary depending on when you register - register early for the best deal!

  • AQUA MD 4-Mile Run (The IV Run): The main event of Whale of a Run, this scenic 4-mile course, sponsored by Aqua MD Mobile IV, winds through Silverdale and welcomes both serious runners and casual participants.
    Event Time: 8:20 AM
    $35.00 - Registration between April 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026 (Pacific)
    $40.00 - Registration between June 1, 2026 and July 23, 2026 (Pacific)
    $50.00 - Registration between July 24, 2026 and July 25, 2026 (Pacific)

  • 1 Mile Walk/Run: A competitive or fun, easygoing mile for all ages and abilities—great for families, walkers, and first-time racers.
    Event Time: 8:20 AM
    $25.00 - Registration between April 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026 (Pacific)
    $28.00 - Registration between June 1, 2026 and July 23, 2026 (Pacific)
    $38.00 - Registration between July 24, 2026 and July 25, 2026 (Pacific)

  • Kids Dash: Short, energetic sprints just for kids. Come join us for cheerful, fast-paced fun for our youngest runners.
    Event Time: 9:10 AM
    $5.00 - Registration between April 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026 (Pacific)
    $7.00 - Registration between June 1, 2026 and July 23, 2026 (Pacific)
    $10.00 - Registration between July 24, 2026 and July 25, 2026 (Pacific)

  • Special Olympics Dash: A joyful, inclusive dash celebrating our athletes from Special Olympics. This race is open to participants of all abilities.
    Event Time: 9:15 AM
    $0.00 - Registration between April 1, 2026 and July 25, 2026 (Pacific)




Registration - A Whale of a Run

In consideration of your acceptance of this race entry, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assignees do hereby release and discharge any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the Whaling Days Committee, Kitsap Running, Sponsors, Race Directors, Volunteers and Officials in this event, that I assume those risks, and that I am physically fit and trained to participate. I understand photos may be taken during the event and hereby give my permission for any and all parties named above to use my image. I understand that entry fees are non-refundable.


Registration Add-ons

The items listed below are optional and can be added to your registration (additional fees may apply).

A Whale of a Run Shirt

T-shirt for A Whale of a Run road race.

Locations - A Whale of a Run

Friday Night - Early Check-in

Times: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM

Location: Kitsap Mall - Food Court (10315 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale ) 

Come join us Friday for an early check-in and smoother day race morning. Early check-in encouraged!

Race Day Check-in/Starting Line 4-mile/1 mile

Times: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM

Location: Kitsap Mall (10315 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale ) 

Check-in race morning. Check-in closed exactly at 8:00 A.M. Please arrive early if using this check-in.

Starting Line - Kids/Special Olympics Dashes

Times: 08:50 AM - 09:20 AM

Location: Silverdale Antiques (9490 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale ) 

Join us on Silverdale Way in front of Silverdale Antiques for the Kids Dashes.

Finish Line

Times: 08:15 AM - 09:45 AM

Location: Silverdale Antiques (9490 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale ) 

Finish line for all races will be in front of Silverdale Antiques. Parking in this area will be closed during the race and afterwards for the parade. Please park at the mall in order to avoid being block in after the race.



Maps/Directions - A Whale of a Run

AQUA MD 4-Mile Run (The IV Run)
Course Description: Start at the intersection of Kitsap Mall Boulevard and Silverdale Way, prior to the parade. Run along Silverdale Way parade route, continuing on Newberry Hill Road under overpass to Provost Road. Turn right and proceed to Anderson Hill Road. Turn right at Anderson Hill Road and follow to Silverdale Way. Turn left and finish at Silverdale Antiques in front of parade review stand. Course closes at 9:20am.
Event Time: 8:20 AM
AQUA MD 4-Mile Run (The IV Run) Map

1 Mile Walk/Run
Course Description: The 1 mile route keeps runners on closed roads for the entire race. COURSE: Start on Silverdale Way and Kitsap Mall Blvd. Run parade route along Silverdale Way until Anderson Hill Rd. Make a U-turn and run back on Silverdale Way to Linder Way. Complete an out and back on Linder Way, following signs for turn-around location. Take a right at Silverdale Way. Run down Silverdale Way and turn right for a finish at Silverdale Antiques in front of parade review stand. Course closes at 9:10am.
Event Time: 8:20 AM
1 Mile Walk/Run Map

Kids Dash
Course Description: On Silverdale Way at the parade review stand in front of Silverdale Antiques.
Event Time: 9:10 AM

Special Olympics Dash
Course Description: On Silverdale Way at the parade review stand in front of Silverdale Antiques.
Event Time: 9:15 AM


Volunteer - A Whale of a Run


Check back for volunteer opportunties soon!

Sponsors - 44th A Whale of a Run


Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event possible!

Blue Whale Sponsors

AQUA MD Mobile IV

AQUA MD Mobile IV: AQUA MD Mobile IV delivers premium, physician-directed IV hydration and wellness services throughout Kitsap County, bringing personalized clinical care directly to your home or workplace. Our responsive mobile treatments are designed to support hydration, relaxation, performance, perioperative hydration and comfort support, illness recovery, and overall physiologic balance — all in a comfortable, convenient setting. Same-day appointments may be available for urgent wellness needs. Experience one of our tailored treatments for stress relief and discover why patients continue to choose AQUA MD for mobile IV support. Aqua MD Mobile IV will be sponsoring our 4 mile race this year, as the Title Sponsor, so come join us for the AQUA MD 4 mile Run (The IV Run).


Orca Sponsors

Central Valley Animal Hospital

Central Valley Animal Hospital: At Central Valley Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of veterinary services tailored to meet the unique needs of the pets in Kitsap County. This year Central Valley Animal Hospital is supporting the race by helping provide a stuffed animal whale for all the kids in all events, 12 and under, and our Special Olympics participants. Kids, come grab a whale at the finish line!


Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics

Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics: Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics is a group practice, owned and operated by a majority of its physical therapists. We specialize in orthopedic, work and sports-related injuries. In addition, we have many board-certified specialists offering an array of specialty programs and preventive care services. Our staff is committed to working with patients and their physicians to establish a hands-on, one-on-one customized treatment plan to help patients return to their highest level of function in a timely manner. We have been servicing the community since 1979 and are proud to be the most recognized physical therapy provider in Kitsap County. Kitsap Physical Therapy will be supporting the race by providing a snack for our runners at the finsih line as well as helping with any minor 1st aid needed.


Dolphin Sponsors

BEMER Group

BEMER Group: Do you want to enhance your Athletic Performance and your after-workout Recovery? Enhance your circulation. Come by the Orange BEMER Rest and Recovery Station after the race and experience an 8 min session. We've got zero gravity chairs so you can put your feet up, and celebrate your accomplishment! BEMER is a FDA Class II Cleared Consumer Medical Device. BEMER enhances healthy microcirculation, and better circulation helps Everything.


H2O Refined

H2O Refined: At H2O Refined, we are your premier destination for pure, revitalizing hydration in the heart of Western Washington. Our store is a veteran, local family-owned business and stands as a beacon of quality and convenience, dedicated to quenching your thirst with the purest water available. Step into our store and discover a haven of freshness, where each drop of water is meticulously purified to perfection using Reverse Osmosis filtering, ensuring that every sip you take is not only refreshing but also safe and free from impurities. Whether you prefer crisp, refreshing alkaline water, pure distilled water, or classic purified hydration, we have the perfect solution to tantalize your taste buds and replenish your body. At H2O Refined, we're not just a store - we're a community hub, dedicated to enriching the lives of our customers and supporting the local community. So come, and embark on a journey of hydration with us at H2O Refined. Visit our store today and experience the difference that pure, revitalizing water can make in your life. Drink Healthy! Water at the race is provided by H2O Refined.


Hemley's Septic

Hemley's Septic: Hemley's Septic Service provides septic pumping, inspections, repairs, and installations for residential and commercial properties across Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce counties. Locally owned with over 60 years of experience. We are proud to help provide Hemley's Handy-Kan portable restrooms at the race.


Life Long Dental

Life Long Dental: We are a general and cosmetic dental practice that specializes in family care and implants. Our team pays special attention to the individual needs of each patient, and takes care to make their experience as comfortable as possible.


R.E.I.

R.E.I.: We are Recreational Equipment Inc., a consumer co-operative that exists to inspire and equip everyone to get outside. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. R.E.I. will be supporting the race by hosting our Friday Night Check this year on July 24th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Ronnie Glover Photography

Ronnie Glover Photography: Ronnie is a freelance event and sports photographer in Gig Harbor, WA providing service in the Seattle/Tacoma metro areas and beyond. He provides sports action photography coverage for individual athletes or entire teams for all levels from youth through college sports. Ronnie will be capturing all your moments during the Whale of a Run this year. Smile!



Become a Sponsor!

In order to secure your sponsorship, please contact us and let us know how you'd like to support the A Whale of a Run!

Blue Whale Sponsor
Title Sponsor

Lead the pod and headline one of our races with top-tier visibility and perks.

Price: $ 1000.00

  • Name/logo included in race title (shirts, flyers, website, announcer mentions)
  • Large logo on participant shirts
  • Featured in social media campaign promoting “your” race
  • Booth or table at start or finish line
  • 5 free race entries
  • Opportunity to speak or cheer at the start line of your race
Available: 2 - Filled: 1
Orca Sponsor
Mid-Level Sponsor

Bring smiles to our big and little runners by helping us provide finish line food, whale plush giveaways, or traffic control (certified flaggers only). Support the run with impact and lots of joy!

Price: $ 500.00

  • All Dolphin Sponsor perks
  • Booth at the finish for the Whale give-away or Finish Line Food
  • Highlighted in a social media story or sponsor spotlight
Available: 1 - Filled: 2
Dolphin Sponsor
Base Sponsor

Join the pod and contribute through in-kind support (aid stations, course assistance, and more) or a financial sponsorship.

Price: $ 250.00

  • Logo on race T-shirt
  • Shout out on social media
  • Logo and description on website
  • Logo on printed flyers
Available: 11 - Filled: 5


Results - A Whale of a Run

Check back for results after race day!