10 running events in Tacoma, Washington

The half marathon is a gorgeous out-and-back course starting in downtown Tacoma, with a few rolling hills to keep those legs awake and working. You'll run along the waterfront until it connects to the Ruston Way Path, where you'll head towards the Point Ruston Waterwalk and Tacoma's Dune Peninsula Park. Before turning around, you'll go up the Wilson Way Bridge for a bird's eye view of the area, and then make your way back down the waterfront to finish downtown.

The 10K is an out-and-back following along the half marathon route, starting in downtown Tacoma and running along the waterfront.

The 5K is an annual tradition and fun for the whole family, runners and walkers are welcome to join in this 3.1 mile event.

All finishers will receive one of our famous St. Paddy's Day Run medals.

Join the Pearl Foundation of Puget Sound for the 5K Run/Walk on April 25, 2026 at Judge Jack Tanner Park on Ruston Way. Participants can choose an in-person 5K run or walk along a scenic waterfront setting, or complete the Virtual 5K during the 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) window. This event brings the community together through movement, encouragement, and shared purpose—welcoming runners, walkers, families, and supporters of every pace and experience level.

Event details and schedule

Event Details and Schedule

Event: 5K Run/Walk (In-Person + Virtual)

Date: April 25, 2026

In-Person Location: Judge Jack Tanner Park, Ruston Way

Virtual Participation Window: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Event Schedule (In-Person)

7:00 a.m. – Arrival window opens (recommended)

7:15 a.m.–8:00 a.m. – Check-in / Waiver confirmation / Packet pickup

8:00 a.m. – Welcome, safety notes, and course reminders

8:15 a.m. – 5K Run start

8:20 a.m. – 5K Walk start

9:15 a.m.–9:45 a.m. – Finish window + post-event refreshments (as available)

9:45 a.m. – Closing announcements / community photos

Schedule times provide a strong, practical event-day flow. If you publish a final start time different from 8:15/8:20, keep the same structure and shift the blocks accordingly.

Virtual Schedule (April 25, 2026)

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT – Complete your 5K anytime within this window

By 12:00 p.m. PT – Finish your distance and wrap up your activity safely

Virtual participants should select a safe route and comply with all local rules, traffic signals, and conditions.

Course Information

• Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

• Format: Run or walk at your own pace

• Surface: Expect typical park/waterfront walking and paved pathway conditions

• Course Etiquette:

• Keep right when walking; pass on the left when safe.

• Stay aware of runners approaching from behind.

• Follow staff/volunteer directions and any posted signage.

• Safety: If you feel unwell, slow down, stop, and notify event staff immediately.

Arrival Information

• Recommended arrival: 45–60 minutes before your start time

• Check-in process:

1. Provide your name (and ticket/confirmation email if requested).

2. Confirm waiver status (and parent/guardian signature if under 18).

3. Receive any wristband/bib (if used) and final instructions.

• Late arrival: Participants who arrive after the start may be allowed to begin, but course support may be reduced later in the morning.

Parking Information

• Parking type: Public parking along Ruston Way and nearby public lots/areas

• Best practice: Arrive early to avoid delays and congestion.

• Helpful tips:

• Carpool when possible.

• Park legally and respect posted restrictions.

• Leave valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle.

• Expect heavier traffic near the park close to start time.

Waivers and ID

• Waiver requirement: A signed waiver/hold harmless agreement is required to participate and may be required to enter designated event areas.

• ID: Bring a photo ID for smooth check-in and verification if needed.

• Minors: Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian execute the waiver (and attend check-in if required).

Join us for the return of the Ghost of Tacoma on Saturday and the Tacoma City Marathon on Sunday with Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 5K, 10K and Kids 1K options also available.

Run 3 races in 2 days! Kick off Saturday morning with the 5K or 10K (8:00 am start) and afterwards, run the Ghost of Tacoma Marathon or Half Marathon (9:00 am start). Kids 1K race will be on Saturday at 9:30 am. Then complete the weekend with the Tacoma City Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday. PLUS receive a $40 Discount on the Ghost of Tacoma if you register for the Sunday Marathon or Sunday Half Marathon. Discount will be automatically applied to your cart when you add both races (must be the same registrant for both races).

Sunday’s Marathon and Half Marathon are point-to-point courses running across the iconic Narrows Bridge and finishing at Tacoma’s beautiful Dune Peninsula Park, the Northwest’s premier waterfront neighborhood. This picturesque entertainment and recreation hub is situated along Commencement Bay with panoramic views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.

Runners will enjoy a scenic, USATF-Certified and Boston Qualifying course that passes through Point Defiance Park, with over 700 acres of beautiful gardens and old growth forests. After exiting Pt. Defiance, the Marathon and Half Marathon runners will cross over the Wilson Way Bridge with a sweet half mile downhill to the Puget Sound and Dune Peninsula Park where the Half Marathon will finish. The Marathon will continue down the flat and fast waterfront with views of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound. The Marathon turnaround is along the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade and the beautiful Museum of Glass.

Celebrate five decades of running with Fleet Feet at The Big Run presented by Brooks. This community 5K on Global Running Day is all about summer vibes, shared memories and the kind of runner’s high that keeps you coming back. Register today for The Big Run and let the good miles roll!

*Online Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3. After 12:00 pm, sign ups are available at the check in tent.

DISTANCE: 5k fun run/walk

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00 pm

WHERE: Fleet Feet Tacoma- 3812 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407

PRICE: FREE, however, 100% of cash donations at the event will go to Girls on the Run WestSound.

Stay connected:

● Find community at Fleet Feet Tacoma

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● Join the Fleet Feet Rewards Program

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Who doesn’t love cramming into a vehicle in the wee early morning hours with running gear, snacks, and your favorite people — all while knowing the van is only going to get more rancid as the day goes on?

Adventure awaits as your team piles into the vehicle like clowns at the circus, chasing miles, laughs, and the unforgettable chaos that only a relay can deliver.

Teams of 2, 3, 4, or 6 runners will compete for the coveted Rainier to Ruston spikes, awarded across multiple categories. And honestly? Everyone’s a winner here. Why? Because the finish line delivers exactly what you’ve earned: a craft beer garden, finish-line food, and a front-row view of one of the most iconic backdrops in the Pacific Northwest.

Look up and take in the stunner of Mount Rainier. Grab your victory photo at the famous bell stand with that mountain framed perfectly behind you. Then feel free to sprawl out, put your feet up, and rehash the stories of the epic relay that started near the base of Mount Rainier and finished on the cool, grassy waterfront in Ruston.

Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information: Rainier to Ruston

Celebrating 54 years of friendly competition in the South Sound. Whether it's our signature 12k route with challenging hills, spectacular water views, the occasional forest critter and trees that touch the sky - or our fast 5k route, be assured that you are a part of something bigger than yourself. YOU are the fabric of Tacoma and the South Sound. YOU are our community. YOU are carriers of tradition.

And for our younger athletes, we happily offer the Sound to Narrows 2k race or the ever-competitive 20-yard Diaper Dash for the wee ones.

Join us for the Annual Independence Day 5K on July 4th for a fun and FAST 5K! This event features a fast point-to-point course that takes runners and walkers from the top of Tacoma and finishes at beautiful Point Ruston.

The 5K is a chip timed race on a fast, flat and downhill course starting at N 37th St & N Vassault St in Tacoma, close to Vassault Park, and finishing at the newly renovated Owen Beach at Pt. Defiance Park. While this is a speedy course for fast runners, it also is a fun course for a power walk before your Independence Day barbecue! Everybody is welcome to participate!

The Owen Beach finish line is also where the Kids 1K will start at 9:15 am. The kid’s run is an out-and-back, so the runners can cross the official finish line as well!