4 running, triathlon, duathlon, and other events in Medical Lake, Washington

Welcome to the 48th Annual Only Fools Run at Midnight! We will continue to offer both live and virtual options this year.

Our live event will take place on March 28th with a start time of 11:30 pm.

Runners will once again be able to run the mean streets of Medical Lake at midnight. We will start at Medical Lake High School and have race monitors throughout the course with our finish line at the Barrel to celebrate our achievements. They will be open late just for the race.

For virtual runners, you can run and post your times any time between March 28, 2025, and April 5, 2025.

Our race sponsors this year include TNC Ramps, Farm Salvation, and Johnson Homestead. Please be sure to check them out. We thank them for their support. If you are interested in being a race sponsor, please contact Kim Headrick at [email protected] or 509-304-4891.

Let's get racing!!

This run/ruck is a great way to prepare for your wildland pack test. Due to complexities of verification amongst different fire districts, this event is unable to serve as an official pack test. For those interested in seeing if they are as "Fit as a Firefighter"; To qualify as a wild-land firefighter, you must complete 3 miles in 45 minutes or less while carrying 45lbs (weighted vest or backpack both allowed). This event is free to first responders, but open to the public for $35 entry fee. If you are a first responder, email [email protected] OR use the "Question?" button in the contact section to get a coupon code. Be sure to provide your name, fire agency, and best method for contact.

People looking to complete a "pack test" practice are responsible for obtaining their pack or vest for the event. Packs and weighted vests can be weight checked during check in the day of the race, if needed for bragging rights. Participants will be started in waves every 30minutes to ensure that traffic jams don't take place and interfere with participant times. If you expect to be one of the faster participants, it is recommended that you be in one of the first heats of the day, 8am-9:30am. If you plan to be slower, or just want to support the cause and have a nice walk around the lake, please plan to come after 10am.

WARNING: Walking/Jogging/Running with a pack or weighted vest adds a significant amount of impact to bones and joints. If completing this event with a pack or weighted vest, it is important that you have trained with weight to avoid possible injuries. Individuals are responsible for their own wellbeing/safety. The race organizer assumes no responsibility for any injuries sustained during this event.

Join us the last weekend in May - Sunny skies and cool temps make for a perfect Sprint and Super Sprint Triathlon - one of the finest in the early season of 2026. Start off with a cool 1/4 mile or 1/2 swim in beautiful Medical Lake with certified lifeguards and search and rescue personnel on jet skis in the water. Transition into a cool 11 mile or 22-mile countryside fast and flat road bike on SR902. Gorgeous scenery awaits your trek. Final transition to a mostly flat asphalt trek for a race around Medical Lake - approximately 5k around 10k will do twice. Starbucks gift cards to the winners. This is a USAT Sanctioned event. All participants must be a member (1 day membership is available). God Speed!

Event details and schedule

Plenty of parking at the Medical Lake Park. Race starts promptly at 8 am in knee deep water. You will receive 6 scores Swim, Bike, Run, T1, T2 and final. USAT ranked event. All bike handles must be plugged. Relay'ers will pass off the swim ankle bracelet in the transition to the cyclist and cyclist will hand off to the runner relay'er. We have festive music at the start/finish/transition area. Apples, Bananas and oranges at the finish. Also as requested by our athletes steak and veggie sandwiches at the finish. Forged medal Medical Lake Triathlon to all finishers and custom designed T-Shirt for all entrants. Kids sprint will be 100 m swim followed by a 1.5 mile run (ages 7-15). Kid's Splash n Dash starts ~8:30 am.

Mandatory (Zoom call/recorded) Safety Briefing on May 27, 2026, 7 pm PDT. Race packet pick up will be Saturday May 30, 2026, 4 pm or race day starting at 7 am at the race site. We will also send out a pre-race instructions on May 26, 2026.

The Medical Lake Trailblazer Tri/Du/5k is one of the many things to do in Medical Lake on Founders Day weekend. This is an athlete-friendly race with a point-to-point open water swim, bike, and run on paved roads & trails.

Trailblazer Triathlon

A 350m swim, 12.2mi bike ride, and 2.92 mi run starting and ending at Waterfront Park.

Trailblazer Duathlon

A 1mi run, 12.2mi bike ride, and 2.92 mi run starting and ending at Waterfront Park.

Trailblazer 5k

A traditional 2.92 mi run around Medical Lake Trail starting and ending at Waterfront Park.