History of Bloomsday

The first Bloomsday Run far exceeds expectations with 1,198 finishers, launching what would become one of the largest road races in the world.

The first official finisher T-shirt is introduced, designed by local artist Brian Henderson.

More than 10,000 runners cross the Maple Street Bridge, with television footage capturing the bridge’s lamp posts swaying under the weight.

The course is adjusted, introducing Pettett Drive — soon to be known as “Doomsday Hill.”

New Zealand’s Anne Audain wins the first of her seven Bloomsday titles.

The Corporate Cup competition is added, encouraging workplace teams to participate.

Eastern Washington University wins the inaugural Corporate Cup.

Future NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton runs Bloomsday, finishing in 46:03.

“The Joy of Running Together” sculpture is installed in Riverfront Park, commemorating the spirit of the race.

The Fit for Bloomsday…Fit for Life youth training program launches in more than 30 schools.

Participation surpasses 50,000 entrants and finishers.

Dorothy Kirk is named the first Volunteer of the Year.

Jean Driscoll begins a streak of 12 consecutive wheelchair victories.

The entry fee increases to $7.

Entries exceed 60,000 for the first time.

Bloomsday is recognized as the largest timed road race in the world.

The event begins sending top regional high school runners to the Foot Locker National Championships.

The elite women’s start time moves to 8:45 a.m.; the Bloomsday poster is named best of the year by Runner’s World.

Race officials begin using cellular phones for real-time communication on race day.

A record 61,298 entrants register, with more than 56,000 finishers.

Bloomsday becomes one of the first road races to offer online registration.

Due to River Park Square construction, the finish line is temporarily relocated to the courthouse area.

Rain falls on race day for the first time in event history.

The entry fee increases to $10.

“Silver Stars,” later known as Perennials, are formally recognized for completing every Bloomsday.

Dana Gaber is recorded as the one-millionth Bloomsday finisher.

Colleen De Reuck sets an American 12K record of 38:53.

A Gonzaga University study estimates Bloomsday’s economic impact at $9.5 million.

The event is designated tobacco-free; The Inlander begins publishing the official results booklet.

The Marmot March is introduced, creating a race experience for younger children and families.

Race check-in and the Bloomsday Trade Show move to the Spokane Convention Center; the first collegiate wheelchair competition is held.

Participation remains strong despite a harsh winter; Micah Kogo sets a men’s course record of 33:51

The “Getting Greener” initiative launches, introducing recycling and composting efforts along the course.

Lineth Chepkurui runs a world-best 12K time of 38:10.

Misiker Mekonnin becomes the first Ethiopian to win Bloomsday; a wedding is held at the race start line.

RFID timing is fully implemented with chips embedded in bibs; runners are also timed on Doomsday Hill. Operations are consolidated with a new storage facility at 1414 North Belt.

In response to the Boston Marathon bombing, Bloomsday distributes more than 50,000 “Bloomsday Stands With Boston” wristbands. Tekoa native Susannah Scaroni becomes the first local women’s wheelchair winner.

Spokane Convention Center construction reduces parking and complicates packet pickup logistics.

Cynthia Limo of Kenya wins the women’s race in 39:27, edging Ruti Aga (39:28) and Jane Kibii (39:29) in one of the closest finishes in Bloomsday history.

Limo returns to set a new women’s course record of 38:03; a Perennial Run is held on the original course 2 weeks prior to race day.

Post-race events are relocated to Main St. due to construction of a 2.2 million-gallon stormwater tank near the downtown library.

Ongoing Riverfront Park construction impacts the course area; the Howard Street Bridge reopens just before race weekend.

Founder Don Kardong retires with an Ice Cream made in Don’s honor with huckleberries and chocolate in honor of his most famous quote “Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.”

COVID-19 shuts down in person gatherings and the race is postponed to September and ultimately held as a virtual event, with approximately 22,000 participants.

Bloomsday remains virtual, though many participants continue to run the course independently.

The event returns to the streets of Spokane, offering both in-person and virtual participation.

The Kardong Bridge is re-opened after major renovation, 4 months ahead of schedule. The College Cup division debuts, modeled after the Corporate Cup.

Registration surpasses pre-pandemic participation, with more than 34,900 registrants.

Veronica Loleo sets a new women’s course record of 38:02; former Seattle Seahawk Justin Britt serves as the celebrity starter.

Bloomsday celebrates its 50th running with community-wide recognition, including art exhibits at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) and Terrain. Ken Spiering returns to create the commemorative 50th poster, and 68 Perennials complete all 50 Bloomsday races.