Baby Steps 5K 2026

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this one-of-a-kind course set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Rainier. Enjoy a fast, scenic route along the Carbon River, surrounded by lush greenery and that perfect PNW sunshine—ideal conditions for runners ready to get outside and chase a personal best!

Run from Buckley to Orting, WA, featuring a gentle 700’ descent along the beautiful Foothills Trail.

The charming small towns along the way welcome you with open arms as you cruise down a smooth, paved trail connecting vibrant communities and celebrating the joy of movement.

The 10k is an out-and-back that starts in Orting, where the finish line is.

Runners enjoy all the fun of the half marathon but with about half the running!

Earn your shirt and custom medal. Delicious snacks await you this summer in a fast course.

Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information: B&O Half Marathon and 10k

Join us for this Summer Classic! Run the Trestle. The half 13.1 goes over five trestles overlooking the the beautiful Cedar River. Grab a buddy and come out and compete on this hard packed lime stone course under the cool summer breezes, and shaded course. All registrants get a cool racing t-shirt and all finishers get a custom designed 'I ran the Trestle in Maple Valley WA' medalion. Good Luck!

Event details and schedule

There is plenty of parking at Frank V. Habenict Rotary park. Portable potty on site. We have the shelter reserved for hamburgers, hot dogs and Apple Pie after the race. Don't miss the excitement of Sammamish Running. Sign up today! Use code 'trestle' for six dollars off.

Foam Glow 5K™ is a fun filled experience exposing runners to Glowing Foam and a ton of Blacklight’s all over the course. Glowing runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds. Whether you are a long term runner or a walk around the park stroller, the 3 miles of the Foam Glow 5K™ course will have you shining bright and waiting for the next run.

The Foam Glow 5K™ has been setup with very simple rules:

• 1. White shirt (any white T-shirt will work) worn at the start line. The more white you wear the better.
• 2. Foam Glow 5K™ runners sprinting through Foam Glow™ Zones to the Finnish line!

Runner/walkers begin the 5k at the start line like a brand new canvas. By the end, they look like they fell into a tye-dye machine and are covered with different colored foam that glows under black lights.

WHAT IS THE FOAM GLOW™?

Along the running path you will find Foam Glow™ Zone’s, which are associated with a designated color: orange, pink, or blue. As the runners/walkers reach the Foam Glow™ Zones, They they will run through different color foam that Glows in the Dark under our high intensity black lights. All products are 100% natural and non-toxic. At the end of the race there will be a Foam Glow 5K™ after party filled with Music pumping from the stage, Foam Glow™ and tons of black lights!

EVERY REGISTERED RUNNER GETS:

– Foam Glow 5K™ Event T-Shirt

– Get blasted by foam at our Glow Zones

– The best night of their life

WHAT ABOUT THE FINISH LINE?

Are you ready for the best After Race party in the world? After the finish, participants are encouraged to stick around, celebrate, and see exactly how much fun one person can handle. In most locations we will have food, Foam Glow 5K™, and festivities that will make your Foam Glowed head spin.

Don’t forget to get the latest updates on our Facebook page!

Event details and schedule

PACKET PICK-UP DATE AND TIME WILL BE EMAILED BEFORE THE EVENT.

*Please bring a photo ID to pick up your race packet. There is a $5.00 fee to pick up your packet on race day. This fee was instituted to encourage people to attend pre-packet pickup so we can minimize lines and wait times on race day. Yes, we do allow people to pick up packets for other people (team member, family, friends). As long as their waiver has been signed online (generally done during registration) you will just need to present their confirmation email. That way, we know you have permission to get your friends’ stuff!

PRE-ORDER MERCHANDISE

All items that have been pre-ordered MUST be picked up by start time on race day or at packet pickup. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to mail items to you after race day any items that have not been claimed will be forfeited and donated. Please make time to go pick up you pre-ordered GLOW Gear. Pick up your pre-ordered GLOW Gear at the packet pickup location or the event.

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP

If you are unable to pick up your race packet and/or register on either of the packet pickup dates, you will be able to do so on race day. However there is a same day race check in fee of $5 (Cash Only) per registration.

Please arrive early to have ample time to park and line up at the start line. Don’t stress out if you are stuck in traffic. We will leave the start line open for everyone to be able to run the race.

PARKING

There is a up to $20 fee (cash only) for parking. Please arrive early to avoid traffic.

NO BAG CHECK

(no lockers, etc.)

Please note that there is NO bag check. So leave your valuables in the car or take what you want with you!

STARTING LINE

We will be releasing waves of runners every 2-5 minutes at the starting line.

RACE BIB

Be sure to attach your race bib to the front of your shirt with the safety pins provided. You will NOT be allowed on the course without a race bib.

PRE-RACE PARTY

Starts 45 minutes before the race. This is the best pre-party in the country. Music to blow you away and a chance to get a ton of free glow gear given away at the stage!

Get ready for an evening of fun, UV foam and memories. DJs to be announced soon!

SPECTATORS

There will be no charge for spectators. An open area for spectator viewing will be available on both sides of the start/finish line. Be sure to carpool!

WATER STATIONS

There will be a water station on the course and at the finish line.

AFTER RACE PARTY

Please stay after the race for an amazing Foam Glow After Party. The most amazing Foam Glow’s (foam cannon’s around stage shooting glowing foam out into the crowd) will happen every five to ten minutes at the stage area.

REFUNDS

Please note we do not offer refunds, if you are unable to join us, please transfer your ticket to another athlete or contact [email protected] for more information.

If you have any further questions, please be sure to check out our FAQ’s HERE

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WHAT IS UNLEASHED?

Grit City Effort + Shared Struggle = Kindred Connection.

GRIT CITY EFFORT:

Tacoma is Grit City. Grit means, ‘indomitable spirit, strength of character, unyielding courage in the face of danger or hardship’. Grit must be earned through effort.

SHARED STRUGGLE:

Unleashed at Stadium Bowl is a challenge for all participants regardless of age, gender, build, etc. On the stairs we are one.

KINDRED CONNECTION:

We are a group of diverse individuals who are choosing to challenge ourselves to do our best in what feels like an impossible feat. We don’t quit on each other or ourselves. We finish. And when we cross the finish line and high-five each other we are the same in that moment.

Participants will run the stairs in a competitive timed event or walk (untimed). The race will cover the entire Stadium Bowl, ‘weaving the stairs’ by running up one staircase, and down the other. Total steps climbed 814, total descended 814 for a grand total of 1,628 steps. Double the pain and double the glory by choosing the 2 Lap Option for a grand total of 3,256 steps!

WHY?

To build character, connection, and community. Proceeds go to the rescue animals of Kindred Souls Foundation. Kindred Souls Foundation provides sanctuary to abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats, a holistic approach to their care, and education on the rewards and responsibilities of animal companionship.

WHO?

Anyone 8 years or older. Each participant under 18 must have a parent/guardian at the race to supervise and make medical related decisions on his/her behalf should that be necessary.

If pre-registration is closed, do not worry! On-site registration will be available on day of race for $15.

Come join us for the annual Paul Ruston Memorial Run at Thomas Jefferson High School!

Lace up your sneakers and honor the memory of beloved community member Paul Ruston. All proceeds will be donated to the Ruston Family Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on making the sport of cross country understandable and memorable for young athletes & families. Bring together friends, family, and neighbors for a morning of fun and fitness. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just enjoy a leisurely walk, we would love you to join us in honoring Coach Ruston's legacy at the Paul Ruston Memorial Run.

View the course map and check out our website to learning more about the foundation and what we've been up to!

Race will be chip-timed by GC Racing and bibs will be available for pick up on race day during check-in (7:00AM-8:30AM).

Free swag for all participants 18 and under. All pre-registrants will receive a BOGO free Cold Stone Creamery Voucher! **Valid only at Kent and Covington locations and expires before Sep. 2025!

Awards will be at 9:45AM. Prize money to overall top-3 male and female racers!

Don't miss out on this special event! Please email [email protected] for questions, concerns, or details on special student and group priced tickets!!