With spring in the air, plenty of soggy winter miles logged and a need for speed, many runners will seek out a 5k over the next few months. In the Seattle area alone, there are almost a few 5ks every weekend for the next several months, add in the numerous races in the Tacoma area and a few superb races in Bellingham and one could really become confused about where and when to race. Below are a few 5k's that are worth checking out.
Ruston Way 5k Tacoma-April 21st
Being billed as the “fastest, flattest and most scenic in Tacoma” can’t be a bad thing. The race itself will highlight the grand re-opening of Ruston Way and will offer great views of Commencement Bay, a ribbon cutting ceremony and a very nice point to point course that will beg you to try to set a personal best. As a new race, the Ruston Way 5k is trying to attract the best of the best by offering prize money to the Top 3 Overall and the Top 2 Masters finishers for men and women. Once you are done racing, the 702 Acres of Point Defiance Park await you for a relaxing afternoon. The race will benefit the Tacoma Waterfront Association and the Pierce County YWCA.
Top Pot 5k Green Lake/Seattle-April 29th
If you like donuts and racing, like 1870 finishers did last year, than the Top Pot 5k is for you. The race starts and finishes at the Green Lake Community Center and in addition to offering a fast and flat course, there will be a kid’s dash, plenty of spectators, roller bladders, and dog walkers and a healthy helping of Seattle. This is a great race for a post-race Starbucks visit and a browse at Super Jock n Jill or Road Runner Sports, which are all a short cool down walk from the finish. Net proceeds from the event will support Childhaven.
Haggen to Haggen 5k Bellingham-May 6th
The Greater Bellingham Running Club does a great job annually with this speedy 5K. Everybody loves Bellingham and everybody loves a downhill, so grab some friends and go run, race or walk this course. The first 2 miles are blisteringly fast, with a slight uphill over the last 1.1 miles which requires you to save a little for the end. Starting and finishing at two different Haggen stores, finishers are treated to a bountiful post-race buffet that is hard to beat. A free shuttle bus will be available to take participants back to the starting area. Over 1000 walkers and runners finishing annually, many have discovered that if you register early(by April 30th) it’s only $7 for the run or $5 for the walk.
West Seattle 5k Alki Beach/Seattle-May 20th
First and foremost Alki Beach is a wonderful place to spend the day. You can hangout by the water, people watch, fly a kite, worship the sun, shop, eat and on this particular Sunday, run a 5k. The race is a 100% flat out and back course that starts and finishes at the Alki Beach Bath House and is part of a Car-free Sunday on Alki. Given the course layout, the West Seattle 5k is very stroller-friendly; they just ask that you start towards the back of the pack. If you can’t race and have the time, this would be a great race to volunteer at. Race funds will be used to improve math, science, music and drama programs and communications at West Seattle High School.
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