Running News Daily

44th running of Lilac Bloomsday Run postponed to September 20th says race organizers

Each May for the past 43 years, Spokane has welcomed the coming of spring and the sense of rebirth through the personal journeys of thousands of Bloomies through the streets of Spokane.  This year, when COVID-19 began to make its way into our consciousness, we at Bloomsday worked with our local health officials, clinging to the hope that we could keep our first Sunday in May date alive. However, developments which have come at lightning speed over the past few days have made it crystal clear that it will be impossible to hold Bloomsday as planned.

We are passionate about organizing an event that has become part of the fabric of Spokane.  We cherish each and every participant and volunteer because collectively they make Bloomsday what it is, a true community celebration that connects us all to the best part of what it means to be human.  We don’t want to lose that, even for a year.  In collaboration with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Regional Health District, we are proud to announce that we are going to bloom on Sunday, September 20, 2020. 

We want all Bloomies to know that your entry into Bloomsday 2020 will carry forward to the new date of September 20th including, of course, Corporate Cup.  It is our fervent hope that the world will have COVID-19 well in the rear-view mirror by then and that Bloomsday will be the same great event - - just on a different Sunday.  If you already registered but will be unable to join us in September, your entry will be extended to Bloomsday 2021.  Soon, we will send an email to those who have registered themselves, their family members, and/or their friends for Bloomsday 2020 to provide additional details and instructions. Again, no action will be necessary for those who already registered and will join us on September 20th. 

Just as we’ve had to postpone Bloomsday, we’re also having to postpone Marmot March and Jr. Bloomsday.   As we explore options for those events, more details will follow.   

Bloomsday 2020 will be an event to remember.  Be a part of that, celebrate with us, and show the world that Spokane is a special place that rises up even in the most unsettling of times.

Last minute changes are never easy, especially for an event as large as Bloomsday.  We are grateful for your patience and understanding as our team works to make the process as painless as possible for everyone.