Event Description
2023, Year 2 Updates: In honor of Ballard native and our friend / husband / brother / dad / son Tim Nygard who his wife Alicia so beautifully stated "was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus - his body restored, healed & whole again" on March 18th 2023, we are making a few changes to the event this year. Tim's peace and calm throughout his 3 year battle with colon cancer was an inspiration to so many, and we aim to honor and remember Tim, and others our Ballard Beast community has lost. Rx event will be run at half-staff, removing the bike loop. We are also adding a 5.2K "In Honor Of" run / walk.
The Ballard Beast is a unique event*, celebrating the seafaring origins, geography, and community of Ballard - fueled by a belief that fitness and shared experiences are vital to the strength of our communities. Rx Athletes will take on four beautiful loops that includes Shilshole beach, Shilshole marina, and Sunset Hill park. Athletes will be challenged physically and mentally as they take on new modalities each loop: run (1 loop), bike (2 loops) REMOVED FOR 2023, run with a weighted backpack or vest (1 loop). Hydro-burbees (wade in mid thigh, and drop down to bottom of a push up) will greet the participants at each modality transition. The race creator is a Ballard native, and grew up on the course. Years running, walking, and riding the course have inspired bringing the Ballard Beast to life. Join us in this 2nd annual event!
5.2K Run / Walk "In Honor Of" Athletes take on one lap of the run course described above. In addition to honoring loved ones with outfits, participants are encouraged to bring quotes, prayers, or other positive thoughts inspired by those they're walking in honor of. At Sunset Hill park words will be collected, and then upon completion at Golden Garden beach they will be read aloud if desired, and added to the bonfire.
If you'd like to participate, but don't to want break a sweat, we need volunteers! See sign up details in "Volunteer" tab above.
*Open course, following rules of the road. Given this, not an officially timed race. Completion and community are the goal. In future years, based on athlete and community input, we may evolve event to include a closed course / officially timed race.
