Washington’s thriving running scene, splendid scenery and vibrant communities make the Evergreen State a great place to get your jog on. Best of all, it is also home to some of the country’s oldest, largest and most distinctive gatherings for runners. Here is a list of Washington running events worthy of dashing toward this year.
1. Bloomsday 12k
May 3, 2015, Spokane
Venture to Spokane to run alongside 50,000 others in the third-largest timed race in North America.
2. Mother's Day Half Marathon
May 10, 2015, Kirkland
Celebrate mums everywhere with a sprint along the idyllic shores of Lake Washington.
3. Rhody Run 12k
May 17, 2015, Port Townsend
March across a mix of flat and hilly terrain through Fort Worden State Park as you savor the sweet scents of rhododendron blossoms.
4. North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half Marathon
June 7, 2015, Port Angeles
This point-to-point course takes runners through shadows of the Olympic Mountains and along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
5. Sound to Narrows 5 and 12k
June 13, 2015, Tacoma
Speed demons, youngsters and tots join members of the armed forces on races through Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park.
6. Vancouver USA Marathon and Half Marathon
June 21, 2015, Vancouver
Start in Ester Short Park in the heart of downtown Vancouver, roll beside the mighty Columbia River and wave to historic sights like Fort Vancouver along the way.
7. Discovery Trail Half Marathon
June 20, 2015, Long Beach
Trace portions of Captain William Clark’s (of the famed Louis and Clark) historic coastal walk as you scuttle through ocean dunes.
8. Seafair Torchlight 8k Run
July 25, 2015, Seattle
Sprint along spectator-lined downtown streets and dart along the Alaskan Way Viaduct; pirate garb is recommended, but not required.
9. Bellingham Bay Marathon
Sept. 27, 2015, Bellingham
Race along Bellingham Bay under the snowy eye of majestic Mount Baker.
10. Seattle Marathon and Half Marathon
Nov. 29, 2015, Seattle
Feast on energy bars on Thanksgiving Day weekend with more than 15,000 runners and walkers during 40-year-old holiday tradition.
For more information on all events in Washington State, visit our events calendar.
—Craig Romano
Photo: Bellingham Bay Marathon
