The end of the year is here. The end of the decade is here. And maybe you went on a run every day, did a race every month and whoopee for you. But if you’re like the rest of us, making time for that 5K was a little harder. So, grab your tennis shoes and hit the pavement for these must-do South Sound races—just before the New Year’s Eve ball drops (or maybe a bit after). Christmas Eve Dash/Ugly Sweater 5K You know what’s better than wearing the itchy, homemade (read: ugly) holiday sweater? Running as fast as you can to take it off. About a 5K distance. Best of all, no one will want you to wear ..read more

Ever heard of Cyclocross? It’s an off-road bike race that involves varying terrain and obstacles, and racers must occasionally dismount their bikes to run uphill. It’s fast and gritty; you don’t leave a race clean. And this year, nearly 2,000 athletes from across the nation will race on the ultimate course in Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood. Cyclists from ages 8 to 80 are preparing for the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championship held December 10-15, 2019. The six-day event schedule includes 37 races, matching up racers against the best in the country. The stakes are high. After all, it i ..read more

Racing and vacationing? You CAN have both. It’s called a runcation—a trip that incudes running a race. Home to a very active running community, naturally Tacoma and the South Sound knows how to host the right spread of running events (with fun ways to rack up your miles)! Take your pick of scenery, from sweeping views of Mount Rainier to the salty Salish Sea. Why run on a treadmill when we have these backdrops? Casual runner? That’s cool. Ultramarathoner? We’ve got you covered too. Bring your favorite shoes and start living the sweat life. Run like the Mountain is out: July 20: B&O Half ..read more

The 2019 SEVENTY48. In case you missed all the hoopla, here’s a recap: You (or someone of equal insanity) takes a human-powered (only) watercraft of your choice—canoe, kayak, paddleboard, outrigger, rowboat, etc.—and go from Tacoma to Port Townsend. It’s about 70 miles and you’ve got 48 hours to get it done. You cannot pre-plan any external support (your buddy can’t follow alongside you in her Bayliner) and you start and finish with whatever you brought. The fastest of the fast have cracked it in under 10 hours (two teams set those marks in 2018). This year’s top three finishers all went under ..read more

Relaxing views of Mount Rainier will contrast with the clamor of splashing oars when the SEVENTY48 sea race begins May 31 along Tacoma’s waterfront. About 200 people on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats and other craft will be in the early phase of their 70-mile journey to Port Townsend. Don’t miss the action. SEVENTY48 will start at 7 p.m. from the Thea Foss Waterway with 166 teams. Their goal: ring the bell on the Port Townsend dock within 48 hours. No motors, no sails and no support boats are allowed. This race is human powered only. Join us at the free SEVENTY48 Pre-Funk party, star ..read more