Are you ready to sprint with Sasquatch this weekend?
While the famed cryptid won’t actually be making an appearance at the second annual Rainier Run 5K and block party, hosted by the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, dozens — or even hundreds — of racers will once again be running through the city’s downtown this Saturday, April 13.
The event kicks off with a Kiddie Dash at 10:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 11 a.m. (registration starts at 9 a.m.; you can register the day-of).
This year’s route takes you from Rainier Foot and Ankle at 1145 Cole Street, down one block on Monroe Avenue, and then northeast on Railroad Street. Serious runners should consider how traffic could affect their time, as Griffin Avenue (and other streets) will not be closed for this event (however, there will be police traffic control).
Runners will then head east on Battersby and head to the Enumclaw Dog Park before turning around.
Speaking of dogs, they’re also welcome to run the course (on a leash).
As of April 3, more than 168 runners have already signed up, so the event is well on its way to beating last year’s total of 188, said Chamber Director Kerry Solmonsen.
“We’re excited that this is our first big Chamber-sponsored event of 12024, and we’re excited to see all our community members come out,” she said.
There will be awards for some of the fastest runners — first, second, and third for the fastest kids in the Kiddie Dash, plus the fastest three runners 15 years old and under and 16 and older for the main race.
And whether or not you’re hoofing it or waiting for your runner to cross the finish line, all are invited to the following block party, which goes until 2 p.m. There will be vendors, kids activities, raffles, Renaissance Faire characters, food trucks (which include everything from fruit smoothies from Sunn Health Bar and Mount Peak Sweet Treats), and even a beer garden hosted by Griffin Brewing — because who doesn’t want to enjoy a cold one after running three miles.
To register, head to enumclawchamber.com/rainier-run-rally-5k; for more information, email Solmonsen at events@enumclawchamber.com.
