This was one of my favorite runs because of two reasons: it was flat and you run alongside the water nearly the whole run. What more can you ask for? The starting line and finish line are at different spots, so when you first arrive, you park at the finish line (Madison Park) and then shuttle to the starting line (it differs depending on whether you're running the 5K or 10K). It was easy to find the shuttle pickups; just look for the long line of people. Surprisingly, it didn't take long to get on the school bus. They could cram a lot of people on the buses with runners awkwardly trapped in the aisle as the bus took us away. Upon arrival, check-in had no line, so it was very easy to pick up my bib. The bathroom line was super long though with 15 porta potties and a bunch of anxious runners. The race itself started on time. I know I said this was flat, but there was one TINY incline and then one actual hill you run up around mile 5. For the most part though, super flat. There were race photos taken during the run, water stations, friendly volunteers, and festivities at the finish line. I even won a raffle prize! Overall, great race, would highly recommend. read more

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35 years of this event and nobody has Yelped it yet?!?!? I was in town for my niece's graduation from Seattle Pacific University, so I looked on the calendar for any running events that might be going on this weekend. Luckily, I was able to come across the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Shore Run/Walk. For my family, this event was perfect. They offer a half mile kids fun run, a 5K walk for the non-runners of the family, and a 10K for those of us that are a little more competitive and enjoy a little smack talk. From the 10K perspective, this is a small race. The entire group looked to be now more than 250-300 runners - a STARK contrast from the 40,000 + from the San Diego Rock N Roll Half Marathon I ran 7 days prior. It was actually really nice to be a part of such a small and intimate run. With regard to the course, it was absolutely beautiful. The 10K begins at Ferdinand Park - be careful not to get confused with the 5K Furry Run that starts only yards away at Seaward Park (what was that all about?) - and continues along Lake Washington Blvd with beautiful vistas of the lake, through McGilvra Blvd and neighborhoods out of my tax bracket, and on to the finish at Madison Park. Beware the "hill" at about the 4.5 mile mark. Though a bit steep, its relatively short, so a little preparatory hill work should help you beyond that without too much issue. On the topic of water stations, there was one at approximately the 3 mile mark, and one more about the 5 mile mark (just a bit beyond the "hill"). The finish line at Madison Park was festive with booths and activities. The gear check was a bit difficult to find because the event is so small, there wasn't exactly a "booth", it was more like a volunteer holding bags in the back of her car. So to the gear check volunteers, and to the woman that volunteered her SUV, thank you! Thanks to all the sponsors, especially The Old Spaghetti Factory. I'm not one to dine at such establishments, but our bibs were good for a free dinner. For 8 of us, our bill came to $27 and a "congratulations" from our server - it continued to carry the intimate sentiment from the race through dinner (don't worry, we tipped her well). A chance to run a beautiful course with my family and to contribute to an amazing cause, I wish I could say I'll be back. The truth is, now that my niece has graduated and is now coming home, I'm not sure if I ever will. But what I will say is thanks to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and to the people and communities of Seattle. You have a beautiful gem of a run here and if you've never participated in it, mark your calendars for next year. Oh, and this is the first time I've ever run with my phone in hand, hence the pictures. You're welcome. ;) read more

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