SPOKANE, Wash. — The Boulevard Race returns Sunday to downtown Spokane’s University District, with organizers expecting the event to reach maximum capacity for the first time in its four-year history.
Around 4,000 runners and walkers have signed up for the four-mile loop through the University District. The race, created by the Community Cancer Fund, is designed to be affordable while raising money to support local cancer patients, families and organizations throughout the Inland Northwest.
“The boulevard race is something where it is a very low $25 entry point and so it is designed to get as many people out here to not only have a fun fantastic day of beautiful weather like this, but also raise money for a very very important cause,” said Jon Neill, race director.
The Boulevard Race has experienced significant growth since its 2022 debut. The inaugural event drew approximately 1,800 participants. That number has more than doubled over the past four years, with this year’s turnout representing the largest participation to date.
Each of the last three races has raised approximately $250,000, according to organizers. If this year’s event meets expectations, the Boulevard Race could reach $1 million in total fundraising by the end of Sunday.
Organizers have added entertainment to this year’s course, including Bing Crosby’s original golf cart with a Bing impersonator and the original “Back to the Future” DeLorean. Race director Neill noted the entertainment is designed to be so engaging that participants may want to complete the course twice.
Race day details:
The race kicks off at 10 a.m. Sunday at the start line on Spokane Falls Boulevard near Gonzaga University and the intersection with Cincinnati Street.
Packet pickup is available Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gonzaga University’s McCarthey Athletic Center, located at 801 N. Cincinnati Street. Runners can also pick up their bibs Sunday morning from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Orange Boulevard tents near the start zone.
Organizers are urging anyone interested in participating to sign up immediately at boulevardrace.com, as the event is expected to sell out.
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