Event Description
Ready. Set. Race the Bloom!
Spring into action at the beautiful UW Center For Urban Horticulture and finish at Red Square. Then head into an amazing oasis of iconic cherry blossoms in The Quad. Hurry before they're gone!
The Quad at UW possesses one of the nation's most stunning displays of cherry blossoms and is Seattle's most renowned display. Every year thousands of people come to the campus to view them. Don't miss out on the short window of time.
*Sign up soon as this event is expected to sell out. We will not be hosting same day event packet pick up or registration due to the size of the event.*
*Have you been putting in speed work and hill training!? the Top 3 male and female finishers in respective age categories will earn exclusive "Legion of Bloom" award medals!*
--- Pricing ---
- Starting at $28 with price increases every 2 weeks.
- Check out our Facebook event page, share the event to your page using the share button, direct message a screen shot of that as proof to our main FB page, and receive a 20% discount code if done by February 28th, a 15% discount code between March 1st and March 15th, 10% discount code between March 16th and March 30th!
- Participant medals will be sold separately (at cost of medal) since some people don't want medals while others love them!
- Unisex participant shirts are included with registration! Tip: if questioning your size, go with a slightly larger size instead of smaller. You may exchange your size at the event before the start only and if supplies last. No shirt size exchanged are allowed at packet pickup!
--- About the 5K Course ---
Your senses will delight! And we promise this to be one of the prettiest runs you'll ever do.
Start:
The race will start at the UW Center For Urban Horticulture in the Laurelhurst, Seattle neighborhood on the eastern edge of campus. Purchase coffee and explore the grounds (Yesler Swamp, Soest herbaceous gardens, Fragrance Garden, Goodfellow Grove, and McVay Courtyard). Warm up. Stretch. Faster runners will start in the first wave. If you are slower or want to take your coffee on a "sip 'n stroll" through campus please start in the second wave.
Mile 1:
The first half mile is teeming with wildlife! Please stay on the path within Union Bay Natural Area. Do not step on plants! You'll cross the Ravenna Creek bridge and head onto pavement to go by the golf driving range and go around the outdoor track. You'll circle back onto gravel road and along more Union Bay shoreline.
Mile 2:
You'll go around the newly renovated Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, pass by the new UW Link Light Rail Station, and heading up the ramp to cross Montlake Blvd over the new Pedestrian Overpass! Continue up Rainier Vista and turn right on Stevens Way.
Mile 3:
Is a brutal uphill climb on Stevens Way! But it's worth it, we promise. Pass by historic and unparalleled gothic-style architecture. Turn left into the main entrance when you arrive at Memorial Lane and finish downhill towards Red Square.
Finish:
We'll have top Legion of Bloom awards, refreshments for all, and professional photographers in the Red Square and Quad waiting for you. We can't promise no photo bombers!
*Please DO NOT climb the trees in The Quad at UW!*
--- Sponsorship & Charity ---
The UW Botanic Gardens is a major sponsor of the event. You'll learn about their UW Center For Urban Horticulture and have an opportunity to experience their beautiful grounds and venue while learning about the great things they do. Thank you for helping us raise funds for their foundation!
--- Schedule ---
7 AM - There will be no same day packet pick up or registration. Instead, arrive early for parking, warm up, stretch, purchase coffee, and immerse yourself in the UW Center For Urban Horticulture venue.
7:50 - Gather near the start as we make more announcements and prepare for take off!
8 AM - 5K run/walk start
8:30 AM -10 AM - Refreshments, Vendors, "Legion of Bloom" award announcements, free professional event photography at the Red Square and in The Quad!
--- Parking ---
We are working hard on arranging for convenient parking options with UW Transportation Services. But the run/walk finish won’t mark the end of the campus tour by foot for many of you! For now, plan to take advantage of free parking at University Village and in the surrounding neighborhoods until we know more. We also encourage you guys to carpool, take Uber/Lyft/taxi, or public transportation if you can!
--- Packet Pick Up Location, Date & Time ---
Road Runner Sports
7020 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Saturday, March 30th
10 AM to 3 PM
--- FAQ ---
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, please make sure they have all-terrain wheels as the first 3/4 of a mile are mostly gravel trail.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash of course! Please pick up after your pet and start near the back of the last wave. If you do not have poop bags, one will be provided for you.
May I step on plants in the Union Bay Nature Area?
NO!
May I climb the trees for amazing photos anywhere on campus?
NO!
