By Margo Greenman
Maybe you’re already an active person or perhaps you’ve set some fitness goals for the New Year. Whatever your reason, there are countless ways to get out and stretch your legs with your like-minded neighbors in the South Sound during 2015. From fun runs and 5ks to community walks and bike rides, each month of the year offers a variety of outdoor activities to match your comfort and energy level. Mark your calendar and get ready for a year of walking, running and biking in Pierce County.
(Please note that more information will be added to events happening later in the year as event details become available.)
Fun Runs, 5K’s and More
From Metro Parks’ popular run series to Tacoma Runners’ weekly Thursday night beer runs and beyond, there are many ways to get your heart rate up while having fun in 2015.
Chili Chase
5k and kid’s dash
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 8:00 a.m.
This chip timed 5k and kid’s dash is a great way to celebrate winter. After getting in a good workout, enjoy chowing down on warm bowls of chili complete with all your favorite toppings.
STAR Center
3873 S 66th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Registration prices vary. Click here to register.
St. Paddy’s Day Run
1k, 5k, 10k, half marathon
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Celebrate this Irish holiday by taking to the streets in your St. Paddy’s Day best.
Downtown Tacoma
Registration prices vary. Click here for details.
Mud Run
2-mile fun run
Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Have a messy good time as you navigate your way through this muddy obstacle course. This year the event has moved to its new location at Swan Creek Park.
Swan Creek Park
Roosevelt & E 42nd St
Tacoma, WA 98404
$25 in advance, $35 day of. Register here.
Daffodil Festival 5k Challenge
Region-wide 5k
Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Daffodil 5k challenge is an opportunity for the cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting to come together for a day of races. Register for one or participate in all four, and enjoy as each route takes you through each city’s respective Daffodil Parade.
Races held in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Orting
Register for one or all four races here.
Fitness Combine
Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Endure a day of fitness as you navigate through Metro Parks’ Fitness Combine, new for 2015.
Center at Norpoint
4818 Nassau Ave N.E.
Tacoma, WA 98422
$25. Register online at Metro Parks.
Cinco de Mayo Run
5k and fun run
Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive fun run through Tacoma’s beautiful Wright Park.
Wright Park
501 South I St
Tacoma, WA 98405
$15. Register online at Metro Parks.
Tacky Tie Run
2-mile run
Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Show your wacky side during Metro Parks Tacky Tie Run. Wear one, two, three or more of your favorite tacky ties during this colorful run through Jefferson Park.
Jefferson Park
North Monroe St
Tacoma, WA 98406
$10. Register online at Metro Parks.
Swan Creek Demolition Run
5k and fun run
Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Whether you completed this year’s Mud Run at Swan Creek Park or just want a second helping of fun, get ready to sweat during this mid-summer Demolition Run.
Swan Creek Park
Roosevelt & E 42nd St
Tacoma, WA 98404
$10. Register online at Metro Parks.
The Color Run
Sunday, August 9, 2015 (time TBD)
“The Happiest 5k on the Planet” comes to Tacoma in August offering race participants happiness and health all wrapped up in one colorful race. New for 2015, the Color Run is introducing their Shine Tour (think glitter, sparkles and all things shiny).
Tacoma Dome
2727 East D St
Tacoma, WA 98421
Thirsty Summer Nights
5k and fun run
Thursday, August 20, 2015
After a long, hot run around Titlow, cool off with brews and other refreshments at the beach.
Titlow Park
8425 6th Ave
Tacoma, WA 98465
$10. Register online at Metro Parks.
Dog Gone Run
2.5-mile run and dog friendly pool party
Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 8:00 a.m.
Before Metro Parks closes down their pools for fall, they are inviting Pierce County pooches to jump in and cool off after this 2.5-mile run.
Stewart Heights
402 East 56th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
$20 for run with dog. $25 for run and pool party. $5 for each additional dog. Register online at Metro Parks.
Race For A Soldier
Half marathon, 5K, and kid’s dash
Sunday, September 27, 2015 (time TBD)
Lace up your sneakers and hit the ground running to honor local active duty military, veterans and military families during this annual run through Gig Harbor.
Tom Taylor Family YMCA
10550 Harbor Hill Dr
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Registration information coming soon. Click here for more details.
Black Cat
2.5-mile run and 5k
Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
This favorite twilight run around Point Defiance brings in crowds near and far. Put on your best costume and head for the finish line where prizes await for the best dressed.
Point Defiance Park
5400 North Pearl St
Tacoma, WA 98407
$30/$25. Register online at Metro Parks.
Turkey Trot
2-mile, 5k, and Kid’s Dash
Thursday, November 26, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
A Thanksgiving Day tradition, the Turkey Trot brings the community together for a healthy run before feasting on turkey and other holiday fare.
Center at Norpoint
4818 Nassau Ave N.E.
Tacoma, WA 98422
$20/$10. Register online at Metro Parks.
Jingle Bell 5k
5k and fun run
Thursday, December 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. and noon
Santa hats, ugly sweaters, and jingle bells—oh my! Don your holiday best for Metro Parks’ annual Jingle Bell Run. It’s a Christmas Eve tradition.
Wright Park
501 South I St
Tacoma, WA 98405
$10. Register online at Metro Parks.
Special Bike Riding Events
Each year more and more people seem to be taking to the streets on two wheels. Whether enjoying a weekend ride or daily commute, the City of Tacoma is making its streets more biker-friendly, adding bike lanes, specialty bike routes, and more. The cycling trend has also given rise to groups and organizations like the all female cycling group VeloFemmes, bice-centric hubs like Tacoma’s community cycle center 2nd Cycle, and more (like bike themed bar, Broken Spoke, and restaurant, The Hub). Add Bike Month and a variety of special events to the mix and there are myriad ways for bikers to get their fix in Tacoma. Did we mention that Downtown: On the Go! has declared 2015 “Year of the Bike?”
Year of the Bike Kick-off
Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Year of the Bike kicks-0ff on February 12, 2015, with a an interactive free screening of AfterMass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland at The Grand Cinema.
The Grand Cinema
606 South Fawcett Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
Bike to Business
Transportation advocate Downtown: On the Go! has partnered with local businesses to offer bikers incentive to get out and ride. Starting in January and continuing through the end of the year, visit local businesses by bike and enjoy special perks. Here’s what you can expect in February – Bike to Hop Coffee for $0.50 off your beverage throughout the month. Their house-made Hop Tarts make great ride fuel, too.
(More information will be added as it becomes available.)
Bike to Work Commuter Challenge
Throughout the month of May, Downtown: On the Go! is challenging bikers to bike to work every day in May for a chance to win prizes while having fun. You can register online here, and visit Downtown: On the Go’s! website for additional Bike Month information.
Community Walks
When you want to up your daily step count without breaking too much of a sweat, community-wide walks are a great way to boost your activity level while socializing and exploring the city. During the spring and throughout the year, the Tacoma Nature Center hosts a variety of Family Nature Walks, providing families a chance to explore local parks while learning about native plants and animals. These educational walks are perfect for enjoying with your little ones. Come summer, you can continue exploring Tacoma by foot with Downtown:On the Go’s! Walk Tacoma series.
Spring Walks with the Tacoma Nature Center
Rain or shine, the Tacoma Nature Center is your guide to exploring Tacoma’s many nature trails and parks. Bundle up the kids, grab your rain boots (just in case) and head out for some educational exploration. Tacoma Nature Center Family Walks are free, but space is limited. Register in advance for one or all Family Nature Walks (and view the calendar of upcoming walks) by clicking here.
Walk Tacoma with Downtown: On the Go! (This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Check Downtown: On the Go’s! website to verify walk dates, times and locations.) All of Downtown: On the Go’s! Walk Tacoma events are free and open to the public. No registration necessary.
Walk Tacoma Kick-off
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at noon
Wright Park
501 South I St,
Tacoma, WA 98405
Brewery Walk
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 5:15 p.m.
Location TBD
Waterfront Walk
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at noon
Location TBD
Military History Walk
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 5:15 p.m.
Location TBD
Public Art Walk
Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Architecture Walk
Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at noon
Location TBD
Family/Museum Walk
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 1:00 pm.
Location TBD
Walking Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Location TBD