Pigtails Challenge

Join us for one of the top early premiere triathlons in the region. Get an edge on your triathlete competitors by performing well in this super sprint triathlon. You start off with a quarter-mile swim in Lake Wilderness, typically the first week in May is in the 80s but the water is still a chilly 60F (wetsuits are allowed and encouraged). Next you start your 14-mile trek on 3 miles of road/asphalt followed by a hard packed dirt/limestone Cedar River trail. Slight downhill to the turnaround point which is also 2 miles of asphalt/bike path. Scenic views of the Cedar River as you speed across the trestle. This year we are eliminating the staircase and have a smooth transition onto the Cedar River Trail. All entrants get a super deluxe long sleeve mesh t-shirt, and all finishers get a forged Cedar River medallion. Apple, bananas, and oranges await you at the finish with festive Cedar River music. Photo finish - Smile ;).

Event details and schedule

Plenty of parking at the Lake Wilderness Park. There will be certified life guards in the water, and certified flaggers on the first time getting you through the intersection. Water, Gatorade, Gel, first aid on the course. AED and lifeguards are in the water for your safety- raise your hand if you can if you are having trouble. All bike handles must be plugged. Police and Search and Rescue have been notified. Brush off those running shoes and score your big finish this year at the 2026 Cedar River Tri!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!

$35 for adults; kids 12 and under are FREE, thanks to our sponsors, when you register online by May 31st (a small handling fee will apply for all registrations). Participants 8 years old and younger must register with and be accompanied by an adult or participant 13 years or older.

SCHEDULE FOR RACE DAY, 6/27/2026

7:30am - 8:30am Packet pick up and day-of registration*

9:00am 5K race starts

10:00am Awards

*Day-of registration (until 8:30am) using your personal mobile device, then come pick up your bib from us! No on-site payments will be accepted.

RACE COURSE

5K Run/Walk Race Course map

PARKING

Parking will be available at Lake Wilderness Park. We highly encourage carpooling with others. Arrive early so you have enough time before race start!

Please see attached map for specifics. Parking and Race Day Map

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK UP

Pre-race packet pick up will be offered at Road Runner Sports in Kent. Come and get your race bib and t-shirt* before the race. Grab all of your race day needs when you come in to grab your race bib!

*T-shirts only guaranteed for those who register by May 31st.

CHIP TIMING

Chip timing will be provided by Tortoise and Hare Timing. Disposable chips will be placed on back of bib numbers.

AWARDS

Awards for both males and females will be given in the following age groups for in person race only.

Age Group Awards will be given based on Chip Time

0-5

6-9

10-12

13-15

16-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85-89

90-94

95-100

100+

1st place in each age division wins the coveted Bear Run Bear!

2nd-3rd place in each age division receive Bear Run Bells

Special awards for top 3 overall men and women will be based on gun time.

RACE RESULTS

Official race results will be posted on our website and online at Tortoise & Hare Timing. Results will be based on chip time (crossing start line to crossing finish line).

STROLLERS, DOGS & WATER

We encourage the use of jogging strollers along the trails of this family-friendly 5K! Out of consideration for other participants, dogs will not be allowed on the course (with the exception of service dogs). We do offer water at the end of the race.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Proceeds from the Bear Run will benefit Tahoma High School distance running programs administered by the Tahoma Cross Country Running Club. The funds fill a wide range of needs for our large team of athletes including support for athletes and families who need help with team participation and summer camp fees, multiple scholarships awarded each year, and travel expenses beyond that available from the school district budget. These kids work hard and run hard all year while maintaining exceptional grade point averages. They deserve our support!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Send email to Katie Leh at mvbearrunwalk@gmail.com

Register Now for the 7th Annual Fly Away Run

Join us in 2026 for the 7th Annual Fly Away Run, a family-friendly community event featuring both a 5K run/walk and a 10K run. The race will begin in Kenmore and follow a marked course along the Burke-Gilman Trail toward Bothell.

Additional event details, including schedule, packet pickup information, and race-day amenities, will be shared as the event approaches.

The Fly Away Run is part of Kenmore’s Oktoberfest celebration, now in its 3rd year, bringing even more energy and excitement to this annual tradition.

2026 Day of Event Schedule -

The Fly Away Run launches from the Burke-Gilman Trail access point in Kenmore, located at 192 Brewing Co. Lake Trail Taproom & Copperworks Distilling. (7324 NE 175th Street, Kenmore).

Course: Timed, marked out-and-back route on the Burke-Gilman Trail, heading east toward Bothell

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

8:00 AM | Packet Pickup Begins

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Launch 10K & Kid Run

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | 5K Line Up & Run/Walk Begins

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM | Finisher Awards and Community Celebration

Event Details

Giveaway, Medals & More

All registered participants will receive a commemorative medal, and those who register by September 1 are guaranteed an event giveaway. After September 1, giveaways will be available while supplies last.

Giveaway: Guaranteed with registration by September 1; limited quantities thereafter

Medals: Awarded to all registered race participants

Pets Welcome: Leashed pets, pet strollers, or wagons are welcome on the course. Please ensure pets remain on a short leash and that owners clean up after their animals.

Parking: Parking is available on nearby streets and at the Kenmore Park & Ride, which offers crosswalk access at the traffic light for convenient entry to the event.

Bib Pick-Up Week of Race:

Wednesday - Thursday @ Bothell Kenmore Chamber Office (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

Friday @ launch location 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Day of Event 8:00 AM