Athletes HI Lilac Bloomsday 12K 2008 Race Review

Lilac Bloomsday 12K 2008 Race Review

Lilac Bloomsday 12K
Thirteen Bloomsday 12K 2008 finishers. Lou (52:18), Asti (1:03), Timmy (1:05), Jeromy (1:06), Joe (1:20), Zac (1:20), Jaime (1:31), Bob (2:23), Summer (2:23), Lindsey (2:23), Mark (2:23), Wendy (2:24) & Carol (2:24) an hour before the start of the race.

By Louis Tomsic

Lilac Bloomsday 12K was run on a sunny blue day with temperatures in the 40's at the 9A race start on May 4, 2008. Lilac Bloomsday 12K is an event for the whole family to do in Spokane, Washington. The race brings out the community of Spokane to celebrate the second largest race in the United States. This years entries were in excess of 48,000 runners. As I was finishing the race, there was still many who had not started the race that I could see as I was collecting my finishers t-shirt. I was very pleased with the red shirt and design this year. I like shirts that say the city, state and date of the race. Bloomsday t-shirt designers have been coming up with many interesting designs since the race began in the 70's. I have been fortunate enough to participate in more than 10 races. Even one of my brothers who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day will get out and walk Bloomsday because it is such an increadible event.

The race course is hilly up to the 5 mile point with a run up Doomsday hill. The last 2 miles is flat with a 400m slight downhill to the finish line. The Lilac Bloomsday 12K website has an elevation map for exact details. Refreshments are provided at the finish along with finishers t-shirts. When the race is done, you walk out into Riverfront Park. If you run this race with friends or family, make sure to pick a back up location to meet because after awhile it is difficult to locate anyone in Riverfront Park because of the crowds unless you carry a cellular phone.

This years expo was the biggest I have ever seen at the new convention center in Riverfront Park. Race numbers must be picked up prior to race day. Verify your racing chip before you leave the expo. There are many free items given out at the expo including XS drinks, energy bars, doughnuts & cookies.

Lilac Bloomsday 12K is one of my favorite races in the world. If you have never visited Spokane, Washington then plan a trip for the first weekend in May because it is well run race in a friendly city.

Lilac Bloomsday 12K five guys before
Five fast Bloomsday 2008 runners. Photo by Asti Tomsic

Last Updated: May 4, 2008