In the winter, running in the greater Puget Sound area can be a challenge.
It’s too dark before work; it’s too dark after work; and it’s always too rainy.
Those are just a few of the excuses I’ll give for skipping out on a run. Come summer, those reasons fall by the wayside.
Summer brings glorious running conditions — plenty of sunlight but not overwhelming heat.
It’s no wonder, then, that so many races are held all summer long.
Pick one (or more) and enjoy summer running while it lasts:
Yankee Doodle Dash
Everett Family YMCA hosts the 13th annual Yankee Doodle Dash on July 4. The YMCA has families in mind in offering a variety of race lengths, including a free kid’s dash, 1-mile, 5k, and 10k options. The course begins and ends at the downtown Everett YMCA.
Race fees range from $13 to $35, depending on race distance and YMCA membership.
More info: ymca-snoco.org/ydd or 425-258-9211.
Seafair Torchlight Run
Dress like a pirate or a clown for this fun 5k or 8k run in downtown Seattle during Seafair. Unlike most running events, this one is for night runners. The race begins at 6:30 p.m., July 28 at Seattle Center. The torchlight parade begins right after the race is over at 7:30. And the beer garden for those over 21 stays open until 10.
Race fees are set to increase by $5 to $30 after today. Register the day of the race for $35.
More info: seafair.com.
Lord Hill Trail Run
Part of the Evergreen Trail Runs series, the Lord Hill Trail Run has 5 mile, 10 mile, 20 mile and 50k options. Race organizers moved this year’s event back to July 7 from March to allow runners to take in wildflowers in bloom and to take a dip in the Snohomish River at the end. The race is held at Lord Hill Regional Park in Snohomish. Race times vary.
Fees range from $28 for the 5 mile to $50 for the 50k. Add $5 if you register after July 2 and $10 on race day.
More info: www.evergreentrailruns.com/77-lord-hill-trail-run.
AquaRun and Quadrathon
This race is held during Lake Stevens’ annual Aquafest in late July. The event has options for families with a 1-mile fun run for kids as well as 5k and 10k races for adults. The courses begin and end at Lake Stevens High School at 6:30 a.m., July 28. The following day, on July 29, also as part of AquaFest, there’s a quadrathon in which participants swim 150 yards, ride a bike 5 miles, run 3 miles and paddle a boat for a mile.
Race fees: $15 for children’s 1-mile fun run; $25 for 5k and 10k; $25 for quadrathon. Register online by July 25.
More info: www.aquafest.org.
Race the Reserve
Few races can boast of a more beautiful backdrop than Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve on Whidbey Island. Race the Reserve includes a half-marathon, 10k and 5k fitness walk/run courses at the reserve near Coupeville. Start times are 8:30 a.m. for the half-marathon and 9 a.m. for the other races on August 11. The event is held during Coupeville’s Arts and Crafts festival.
Race fees vary from $20 to $45 if you register by July 20 and $25 to $55 after. Add an extra $5 for day of registration.
More info: racethereserve.com.
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