SPOKANE, Wash. — For the first time in two years, Spokane residents are back out running the city's annual Bloomsday run in person. The first racers started just before 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.
As thousands of people waited for their wave to start the race, there was a lot of excitement in the air in anticipation of the return of Bloomsday traditions and they were all back. From clothes in the trees to the vulture, costumes, and the surprise finisher shirt, Bloomsday 2022 delivered.
The 2022 Bloomsday finisher shirt is red with a big 2022 and the word "Bloomsday." Underneath it says "Spokane, WA" and "Finisher."
Inside the numbers, there are iconic images of Spokane including the clock tower, pavilion, and Spokane Falls.
Bloomsday posted the unofficial results for the top runners in the race.
Elite women: Biruktayit Degefa - 38:48
Elite men: Charles Wanjiku - 35:08
Top women wheelchair: Susannah E. Scaroni - 30:20
Top men wheelchair: Daniel S. Romanchuk - 25:32
Check out photos from Bloomsday 2022 and text your photos to (509) 448-2000.
Photos: Bloomsday 2022
As the race gets started it's important to be prepared for the 7.46-mile run.
Bloomsday forecast
Dry weather is expected for Bloomsday with early morning temperatures near 40 degrees and temperatures warming to near 60 degrees by late afternoon. Skies will be partly sunny with light winds.
Race start times and starting points
The first race will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 1. However, runners will be placed into different groups, and the color of your group will determine your start time and the road you start the race.
The start line is on Riverside Avenue between Lincoln & Post Streets (approximately 801 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201).
Only participants wearing Bloomsday bib numbers will be allowed into the starting area. Families and friends will not be allowed access.
Bloomsday organizers said all runners should arrive 30 minutes before the start time listed to ensure entrance to your starting area.
Below are the starting times and areas for all groups:
- Elite (White): 9 a.m. on Lincoln Street
- Corporate Cup and Brown: 9 a.m. on Post Street
- Yellow: 9:05-9:20 a.m. on Wall Street
- Green: 9:05-9:20 a.m. on Howard Street
- Orange: 9:25-10:10 a.m. on Stevens Street
- Blue: 9:25-10:10 a.m. on Washington Street
- Lilac: 10:15-10:25 a.m. on Bernard Street
- Red: 10:30 a.m. on Browne Street
For a look at the entire course map, click here.
Water stations
A total of five water stations will be located periodically along the course:
- Greenwood Cemetery
- Spokane Falls Community Collefe
- Pettet (Doomsday) hill
- Broadway and Nettleton
- Past the finish line
Medical aid stations
Medical Aid stations are spread throughout the course near each water aid station. There are four Medical Aid stations along the course, one at the finish line, and one past T-shirt distribution.
Medical Aid volunteers will be wearing red vests.
WATCH MORE: Bloomsday brings the return of Doomsday Hill