Traffic Alert for Oct. 17: Lake Washington Half Marathon

Published on October 06, 2026

Media Contact:
Sudie Elkayssi, Special Projects Coordinator
Parks and Community Services
selkayssi@kirklandwa.gov

The Lake Washington Half Marathon is Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, starting and finishing at Juanita Beach Park. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. A course map is available at OrcaRunning.com. Please note: Vehicles parked on the course will be towed prior to the event.

From 7 to 11:30 a.m., eastbound NE Juanita Drive from 93rd Avenue NE to 98th Avenue NE will be closed with a detour in place. From 8 to 10 a.m., southbound Lakeshore Plaza will be closed. The City Boat Launch will remain open with minor delays. Lakeshore Plaza parking lot will remain accessible via Kirkland Avenue.

Event organizers expect 1,000 athletes to participate in the 13.1-mile race/walk, which benefits charity partner Rise Up and Read. The organization strives to ease toxic stress in refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking children by fostering literacy and emotional connection through shared reading.

Eventgoers are encouraged to carpool and plan their parking in advance. For bus transportation, see the King County Metro Trip Planner. For event information, see ExploreKirkland.com. For permit information, contact Sudie Elkayssi, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services, at 425-587-3347 or email selkayssi@kirklandwa.gov.

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