SPOKANE, Wash — Bloomsday 2020 is about to kick off in style, but there's still plenty of time before racers hit the road in May.
Here are a few things you need to know to prepare.
1. Bloomsday 2020 is bringing out the color: And you can coordinate in just about any color you'd like with new tie dyed racing bibs. Start groups will also have color assignments like blue, orange and lilac. Jack Farrell of Rainbow Racing designed this year's bibs.
Racing medals will also be brightly colored, just like the Pavilion at Riverfront Park. It also glows in the dark. Racers can purchase the special medal when they register online - but don't delay! There's only a limited quantity available.
Racers can also personalize their bibs with their first name if you register before March 1st. Check out the registration deadlines below:
- Jan. 1 - March 15:
Online entry fee: $22 + $2.49 processing fee
Mail-in Entry Fee: $25.00 - March 16 - April 14:
Online Entry Fee: $24 + $2.69 processing fee
Mail-in Entry Fee: $27.00 - April 15 - April 30:
Online Entry Only: $40 + $3.89 processing fee - May 1-2:
Online Entry Fee: $45
Paper Entry: $45
2. Bloomsday's official 2020 charity is Ronald McDonald House: Race participants can donate to RMHC through their online entry.
Entrants can also purchase limited edition Ronald McDonald red and white socks to show their support. Those socks cost $10 when racers get them online, and everyone is encouraged to wear them during race day.
RMHC has recently completed construction of its new house located at 1028 W. 5th and race donations will provide financial support for this new facility. And as an added boost: Community Cancer Fund has generously agreed to match all Bloomsday donations to RMHC.
3. Little ones can participate in their very own Bloomsday events: If your little one wants to participate in the race, but can't quite run the full route, there are a couple Bloomsday events just for them.
Jr. Bloomsday is open to kids from 3rd to 7th grade, and it'll be held on April 11th. The entry fee is only $20 if you register by March 13th. That gets participants a ticket to Silverwood, a Papa Murphy's mini-pizza, Gatorade, a Garland Theater movie pass, a Ben & Jerry's ice cream scoop, a Laser Quest game and a Jr. Bloomsday Finisher shirt.
Parents will want to move fast to sign kids up, the race is only open to the first 3,000 entries.
Bloomsday is also offering the Marmot March for toddlers and little kids, on May 2nd in Kendall Yards. Kiddos will be able to wear shirts they painted the night before on their way down the route.
4. Bloomsday is greener than ever: Race organizers have coordinated with the Spokane Transit Authority to help everyone get down to the race, while being kind to the earth. On race morning, participants can load on buses at five convenient locations around the greater Spokane area. Racers can unload at convenient drop off locations near the start line. Bus passes can be purchased with online registrations, they're $2 total round trip.
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