Bloomsday Run

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Sports & AdventureSpokane

DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking

DurationSpringEstimate from available data

CrowdMediumAbout 50,000 people

Best forCompetition, enduranceBloomsday's course is defined by Doomsday

LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD

CategorySports & AdventureFestival type

The story

Bloomsday Run in Spokane

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is a 12-kilometer (7.456-mile) timed road race held through downtown Spokane on the first Sunday of May each year since 1977. Founded by Olympic marathoner Don Kardong, the race has drawn tens of thousands of registrants annually, making it one of the largest timed road races in the United States, with elite fields regularly featuring East African distance runners.

The Lilac Bloomsday Run was founded in 1977 by Don Kardong, a Spokane native and Olympic marathon runner who finished fourth in the marathon at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Your trip starts here

What is special

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

Bloomsday's course is defined by Doomsday Hill, a demanding climb roughly midway through the route that has become the race's signature landmark and the subject of the event's self-deprecating nickname

The mystery stays covered

The race was founded specifically as a kickoff event for Spokane's Lilac Festival, and its name plays on that connection, with founder Don Kardong noting he also liked that it rhymed with doomsday

The city starts moving

Every finisher receives a Bloomsday T-shirt, an enduring tradition that has made decades' worth of race shirts a recognizable local artifact around Spokane, and the race has drawn elite international fields alongside tens of thousands of recreational runners since its earliest years

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Every finisher

Water and renewal

Living ritual

regardless of pace

The sacred route

Living ritual

receives that year's specially designed Bloomsday T-shirt

The local code

Living ritual

a tradition dating to the race's earliest editions that has made decades of shirts a recognizable local collector's item around Spokane

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Doomsday Hill has become an informal rite of passage for the race

Tradition 6

Living ritual

with runners frequently discussing their strategy for the climb well before race day

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Spokane to work differently.

What to wear

Athletic running attire suited to early May weather in Spokane, which can range from sunny to cool and damp.

Safety

Bloomsday Run is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Spokane you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map47.66 N, 117.43 W Open in Google Maps

Spokane, WA

Nearest airportGEG — Spokane

TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Spokane to work differently.

Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Spokane you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Spokane via local transport.Search routes Find a place to stayStays near Spokane, close enough for the event-day route.Browse stays Find flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare fares Festival gearAthletic running attire suited to early May weather in Spokane, which can range from sunny to cool and damp.Shop the kit Check visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rules Travel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Bloomsday Run?

Bloomsday Run is listed for May · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Bloomsday Run take place?

The festival is listed in Spokane, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Spokane, WA

How big is it?

Medium: 50000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbloomsdayrun.org

Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →

SourceSource link available

Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May

Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →

Bloomsday Run

Bloomsday Run in Spokane

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The mystery stays covered

The city starts moving

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Water and renewal

The sacred route

The local code

Tradition 5

Tradition 6

Essential information

When to go

Getting around

What to wear

Safety

Where to stay

Tickets/cost

Language/currency

Family friendly

Spokane, WA

Your Trip Starts Here

Quick answers.

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

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