‘Lots of excitement’: Bloomsday is back and better than ever after 2-year hiatus

April 21, 2022 4:51 PM

Vanessa Perez,

Posted: April 21, 2022 4:51 PM

Updated: April 21, 2022 8:09 PM

by Vanessa Perez

SPOKANE, Wash. — For the first time since 2019, runners will soon embark on a scenic course through Spokane for the Bloomsday run.

Despite being held online the past two years, all the bells and whistles for the 12-kilometer run are back.

Runners will still be able to high-five the vulture at the top of the Doomsday Hill and get their finisher t-shirts on Main Street. Many have been waiting for their moment to line up at the starting line since 2020, when the race took its first hiatus.

“Just lots of enthusiasm, lots of excitement, and just everyone ready to put on the road race,” said Bloomsday race director Jon Neill. “That’s definitely the buzz around here at Bloomsday.”

This year’s race will be hybrid, meaning runners can participate in the event both online and in person. Health and safety are still a priority for the run, so while masks are optional, there will be ample spacing.

“We certainly feel that the structure that we have for the start line, as well as for course aid is an ideal situation for us as we emerge from what we experienced over the last two years,” Neill said. “We’re very excited to be able to put on an event that has the public health safety in mind.”

Bloomsday says 25,000 people have registered for the race already with 5,000 planning to run virtually. These numbers are similar to what the event had back in 2019.

“The spring weather is improving,” Neill said. “We experienced that surge of entrance so it’s looking good for Bloomsday, and certainly the numbers are there to celebrate spring among all your friends and family, right there in downtown Spokane.”

This year, the race is featuring a new app where you can keep track of your time and location throughout the run. Bloomsday will also announce the Elite Seeding next week, which features the top runners for the event.

There’s time to sign up for the race online, with registration closing on April 30. The entry fee is currently $35, but rises to $50 after April 28.

READ: More than 2,000 kids take part in Jr. Bloomsday