Olympia, Washington · Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Little Backyard Adventure is an ultra event held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. It is located at 3333 Morse-Merryman Road SE in Olympia, Washington.
2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Olympia Lakefair Races, which include the Jerry Miller Half Marathon, an 8K and a 3K including free entry for Kids 14 and under; taking runners on routes that circle around the town of Olympia and beyond into Tumwater and Thurston County.
Both the 3K and 8K start and finish on 5th Avenue in front of Heritage Park. They both circle Capitol Lake, with the 8K continuing into Tumwater Historical Park before returning. Both are flat and fast courses.
The Jerry Miller Half Marathon heads briefly through downtown Olympia, then along the Woodland Trial and Chehalis Western Trail biking paths. The course continues on rural streets and a short trail and tour of Squaxin Park before heading back along East Bay Drive and running through downtown Olympia to the finish line in front of Heritage Park. Runners will enjoy tree-lined trails and scenic landscapes while enjoying flat and narrow paved trails throughout.
Once runners have completed the course, there is an awards ceremony with several raffle awards as well as age group award up to 90+ for all three races. Participants, family and friends can then enjoy festival activities that are held all around Heritage Park including food and beer tents, carnival rides, booths, a parade and more.
The Valley Athletic Club is proud to be the 2026 Presenting Sponsor. The Olympia Lakefair Races are brought to you by the Lake Run Organization and the Rotary Club of Olympia, and benefit local public High School Cross Country and Track programs and Rotary Club of Olympia Scholarship and Grant recipients.
See you July 18, 2026!
STOMP OUT THE STIGMA is all about raising awareness of mental wellness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness. Join us in the fastest, flat 5k route in the area or a nice 1 mile race around Waughop Lake. Parking will be easy at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus with a short walk down a trail to Fort Steilacoom Park. The 5k race starts by the lake where you will fly through a flat course at Fort Steilacoom Park and finish back at the entrance of the lake. The 1mile race starts at the entrance of Waughop Lake and takes you on a scenic lap around the lake. Both routes are mostly paved with a short area that is dirt/gravel. This 5k race is chip timed. The entry includes a race shirt if you register by 7/21. Finishing medals will be given to the first 200 finishers. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this great event!
Sorry… no strollers or dogs at the event because of the insurance restrictions.
Loops will be an incredibly enjoyable experience while simultaneously basking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the magnificent Bay! This sensational running trail allows participants to relish every single moment, as they traverse the stunning Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington. Immerse yourself in the invigorating atmosphere as you navigate the wide, impeccably paved loop that seamlessly encompasses a mixture of flat sections, inclines, and enticing switchbacks that add an exhilarating element to the journey. Delight in the notion that these mesmerizing vistas seem infinite, inviting you to indulge in a visual feast that is unparalleled. It is no wonder that the prestigious US Open was held at this remarkable location, and now, the time has come for enthusiastic individuals like yourself to intimately experience the splendor that is held within the bounds of this extraordinary destination. Whether you prefer to gracefully run, leisurely walk, or implement a combination of
both, we are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest additions to the esteemed Run Super Series portfolio: the captivating 5k, the exhilarating 10k, and the awe-inspiring half marathon. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this unforgettable event! Each loop is about 220' of gain.
Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information: Twilight at the Bay
Ready to take on a challenge in the great outdoors? 🌲 The Millersylvania Trail Races are the perfect event for you! Nestled in the beautiful region of Washington, in Olympia, this race offers you four different distances to challenge yourself: 5 km, 10 km, 25 km, and even 50 km for the most daring! No matter your level, there's definitely a distance for you! 🤗
Take me out to the ballgame, but first run over the bridge! Feed me a bagel and electrolytes, I just hope that my hamstrings aren’t tight!
The Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon is back, featuring a Half Marathon 10K and 5K course that begins and ends at Cheney Stadium! We’re partnering with the Tacoma Rainiers, it’s going to be a weekend full of running and baseball fun!
The Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon is an out-and-back course that will start outside Cheney Stadium, you’ll then run along the Scott Pierson Trail, cross the pedestrian bridge over highway 16 and run through the quiet Skyline neighborhood* then take you across the majestic Tacoma Narrows Bridge and bring you back inside Cheney Stadium, where you’ll run on the warning track (and where you will see yourself on the jumbotron and be able to say “Look Ma, I made it!”).
*You’ll cross the Skyline Bridge again on the way back and run the neighborhood loop again on the way back to Cheney Stadium.
The Tacoma Narrows 10K & 5K course will also start and finish at Cheney Stadium and include a lap around the warning track.