The 49th Bloomsday race is scheduled for Sunday, drawing thousands of participants and elite competitors to downtown Spokane. Organizers anticipate an increase in turnout compared to last year, with mild weather forecast for the event.
Around 33,500 participants have registered for the foot race, including over 31,000 for the physical course and more than 2,100 for the virtual option. This marks a rise from the previous year's count. Weather forecasts indicate a sunny and cloudy day with temperatures starting in the 40s and reaching the mid-50s by midday. There is a slight chance of rain before 11 a.m., but forecasters expect minimal precipitation.
Elite runners and wheelchair athletes have arrived in the city to compete. Defending men's elite wheelchair champion Hermin Garic returns, seeking to improve his finishing time and defend his title against a similar field.
Women's elite champion Sarah Naibei of Kenya is also back after winning last year in rainy conditions. She aims to repeat as champion and potentially set a course record. Top U.S. runner Aubrey Frentheway is expected to challenge Naibei.
The women's elite wheelchair division features new contenders this year, with past winners Susannah Scaroni and Hannah Dederick not participating. Last year's runner-up Hannah Babalola and retired Air Force Maj. Heather Sealover are expected to compete for the title.
In the men's elite division, last year's runner-up Diego Estrada is among the favored athletes. He is focused on strategic execution to win his first Bloomsday title. The wheelchair elite races will begin Bloomsday events on Sunday at 8:30 AM.
Logistical preparations include significant road closures downtown. The Spokane Police Department has advised drivers to move vehicles off the course route before midnight Saturday to avoid towing. Street closures on the course will start at 4 a.m. Sunday.
Specific downtown streets, including Ash, Maple, Division/Browne, and Hamilton streets, are planned to remain open throughout the day to facilitate travel. Authorities also advise attendees that backpacks are not permitted at the race; clear bags are allowed.
Bethany Lueck, Bloomsday communications coordinator, noted that the increased registration and favorable weather contribute to a positive atmosphere.
“The sun is out, the flowers are in bloom and everybody is happy to not be inside anymore,” Lueck said.