From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find walking events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
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.
Arrival Information
Recommended arrival: 45–60 minutes before your start time
Check-in process:
Provide your name (and ticket/confirmation email if requested).
Confirm waiver status (and parent/guardian signature if under 18).
Receive any wristband/bib (if used) and final instructions.
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).
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
● Sign up for our newsletters
● Join the Fleet Feet Rewards Program
● Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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!
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.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who've served our nations since. We activate & unite communities and empower local veterans, active duty, first responders, and families of the fallen. TMF is proud to partner with GORUCK again with rucking divisions at every run. Rucking is a sport based on special forces training in which participants walk or run while carrying weighted rucksacks. All participants registered for the GORUCK division will earn this year's exclusive TMF GORUCK patch. Learn more about GORUCK here.
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Silver. Safe Sport Recognized. 179 members.
USA Swimming Club. 210 members.
Founded in 2018 by Ejay and Jared, Tacoma Run Club grew from a shared desire to overcome personal challenges through running, evolving into a welcoming community anchored at Anthem Coffee & Tea in Point Ruston. The club embraces runners of all levels and paces, offering groups from easy jogs to fast intervals along scenic waterfront trails and city streets that highlight Tacoma’s natural beauty and vibrant neighborhoods. With a focus on mutual encouragement over competition, the crew fosters genuine connections and steady growth, making running a social as well as physical experience. Tacoma’s blend of urban energy and outdoor spaces provides an inspiring backdrop, while local races like the Tacoma City Marathon create opportunities for members to engage with the broader running scene. Rooted in inclusivity and shared effort, Tacoma Run Club continues to invite newcomers to explore the city’s trails and build community one step at a time.