Race: Bloomsday Run
Runner: Adrienne D
Race Date: 05/05/2019
Location: Spokane, WA
Results: 01:17:08
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2344702385
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Community
- Varied course
- Entertainment
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- Needs more water stations
- Energy gels or small snacks at stations would be appreciated
- Crowded (as expected)
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
People run in costumes
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I beat my last year’s time by 9 minutes, ran the entire race (even the dreaded Doomsday hill), and stayed positive!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Unless you’re in the corporate cup group, expect to be crowded the entire race, especially the first 2 miles. This isn’t a race that should be done for time.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Get there extra EXTRA early to start as close as possible the front of your color group. Even though I got there 30 minutes early, I still started towards the back of my group and it’s REALLY difficult to get around people.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There are 3 hills between miles 1-5, the most difficult being between mile 4-5.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
With so many people and entertainment (bands, booths, onlookers, etc.) it’s hard to focus on the aesthetics of the course, but it does overlook the beautiful Spokane Falls during a portion of the race.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Definitely! The hills make it tough, but it is absolutely doable for all activity levels.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very organized! With 40,000-60,000 people running, it’s surprising how organized it is. From packet pickup, to starting group colors/times, course signage, after race distribution, it’s easy peasy for runners; they send out informational emails prior to the race with directions, parking info., race etiquette, everything else you need to know prior to the race.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, but only in the elite group. That group travels the country to run this race and it is very competitive, that is why they have their own group.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Race registration opens up January 1st every year and ends the day before the race (which is always the first Sunday of May by the way). Online registration is made simple, but if someone is traveling for this race a hotel will need to be booked in advanced as this race attracts 40,000-60,000 runners.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Just water is available at the aid stations with a total of three stations along the course. Medical stations are also available throughout the course.
Weather and typical race conditions
This race has seen all kinds of weather throughout the years, so it is best runners prepare for any and all possibilities. Fortunately, the past two years have been sunny and 65-70 degrees.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Just prepare for the weather; sunscreen/sunglasses for warm weather, waterproofing for rain, etc.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Lots of spectators on this race! There are bands, local business booths, families, pets, anything you can imagine on the sides of this entire course.
How’s the Swag?
Every year there is a new shirt design (that isn’t released until race day), that has gained quite the tradition.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give it 5 stars!