Seattle: Three Days of Racing

Despite the weatherman calling for a bit of showers and clouds this weekend, runners will be treated to a wide variety of races starting tonight with the Fremont 5k & Relay in Fremont. The 5k, which is a pre-weekend party that features costumed runners, a briefcase relay and a beer garden(opens at 6pm) is both fast and flat and welcomes strollers, dogs and runners fleet of foot or slow of step. Guaranteed to be a blast, the relay kicks off at 6 pm and the 5k Run/walk gets going at 7pm. Race day registration will still be available tonight at the Solstice Plaza in Fremont on the corner of North 34th Street and Fremont Ave. The Fremont 5k benefits Solid Ground and Family Works.

If the Friday night party isn't too much for you in Fremont, get up early Saturday morning and journey out to Lake Youngs in Renton to join area runners at the Lake Youngs Ultra. You can choose how many times that you want to complete the 9.6 mile unpaved trail loop.The hardcore will do 3 laps for 28.8 miles starting at 7 am, but more or less is fine. It's a little hilly and with the expected overnight weather, it will also be a little muddy. Runners should expect a pretty low-key event, but should look forward to enjoying a finish line BBQ that will surely replace any calories that you may have lost out on the trail.

For track and field athletes, the Pacific Northwest Association of Track and Field(PNTF) will be hosting its annual NW Open Track and Field Championships at West Seattle Stadium in West Seattle On Saturday. Athletes can run, jump and throw all day long starting at 10:20 am with the men's 10,000 meter run. The meet will conclude at 3:15 pm with 4x400 meter relay and offers both men's and women's events. On-site registration is available at the stadium and will be $30 for the first event and $10 for each additional event. Athletes that are not members of the PNTF are welcome to compete as guests. Fuel up and get your run, jump and throw on.

Rounding out the weekend is the 35th Annual Shore Run 5k and 10k on Sunday morning along Lake Washington. Billed as the one of Seattle's most family-friendly and scenic races, the race celebrates the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The races, which finish in Madison Park, will cruise along Lake Washington and feature finish line festivities like music, food, awards and prize drawings. Race day registration will still be available on Sunday at Ferdinand Park for the 10k  from 7-9 am and at Leschi Park from 7-8 am for the 5k. The 5k goes off at 8:15 am and the 10k starts at 9:00 am. Information regarding shuttle buses, dogs and strollers can be found here.

Whether you're running in one of these wonderful events, cheering someone on or volunteering, have a great weekend!!!