By Bradley Bleck
Cover photo courtesy of Negative Split
As you can see from this year’s race, ride and events list, the Inland Northwest is packed with running, riding, rucking, triathlon and other outdoor recreation races and events from March through October. If some of these events look like a bit more than you’d like to tackle, but you still want to get involved, you can always volunteer and support events that way. And now is the time to start training if you haven’t started already. Many of these events are coming on fast and furious.
ROAD RUNNING Note that USATF-sanctioned events do not allow strollers.
Snake River Half Marathon (March 7): The start and finish are at Wawawai Landing with an out-and-back course on the Wawawai River Road along the Snake River. The flat and paved course is USATF certified.
St. Paddy’s Five Miler (March 8): This family-friendly road run starts and finishes at Spokane Community College on the same out and back course as 2025. This is an official Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race. Free “Lucky Leprechaun Jig” for kids 6 and under.
Shamrock Shuffle (March 15): On this Ides of March, adults choose between a 5k,10k or half marathon with a free Kids’ Fun Run, organized by Negative Split. All routes stay within Riverfront Park in Spokane. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Rapid Rabbit Run (March 22): 3-mile and 5-mile runs with virtual options. Proceeds benefit East Valley High School’s senior class all-nighter. The 5-miler is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race.
Yakima River Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon (March 28): USATF-certified course traversing the Yakima River Canyon makes this a scenic, early-season Boston qualifier marathon.
Only Fools Run at Midnight 5k (March 28): Run the streets of downtown Medical Lake starting at 11:30 p.m. and finish at the Pizza Factory in this 48th annual run. Organized by Medical Lake Lions Club.
The Split Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 12): This Negative Split event is a flat, scenic run along the Spokane River. Free kids’ fun run offered. Start and finish in Riverfront Park with half marathon turn around at Camp Sekani.
Jr. Bloomsday (April 12): A 1-mile race for kids grades 3-7 that explores the Spokane Falls Community College and Mukogowa campuses. Aimed at fostering a love for fun fitness. Awesome prize pack for participants. Supports Active4Youth nonprofit.
Hauser Lake Icebreaker Run (April 18): 5k and 10k runs around the lake in Hauser, Idaho, are a fundraiser for the special-needs rescue dogs at Double J Dog Ranch. 10k course is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. Walkers and friendly dogs start at the back of the pack. Finishing medals for humans, bandanas for canines.
Wenatchee Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 18): Paved activity trails follow the Columbia River with beautiful spring views of the Cascades. USATF-certified Boston qualifier marathon. TedDriven race supports cancer research.
Run the River (April 18): Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5k and Kids’ Marathon courses run on paved paths along the Columbia River through each of the three Tri-Cities. Kids 12 and under have six weeks to complete 25 miles. Flat and fast with a Boston qualifier marathon.
Spring Dash (April 25): Take on a USATF-certified Half Marathon, 10k, or 5k from Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park on out-and-back paved routes with views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Tot Trot for kids 10 and under. The 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier.
Apple Blossom Run (May 2): 10k, 5k, and kids’ 2k are part of the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival.
Lilac Bloomsday Run (May 3): 50th anniversary of Spokane’s iconic 12k race. Challenging, fun course for runners, walkers and wheelchair participants to celebrate life and running in the Lilac City. If you do only one road race this year, make it this one! Check out the Marmot March option the day before the race, a family-friendly 1-miler for kids 3rd grade and under.
Long Bridge Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k (May 9): This Sandpoint, Idaho, race includes over 3 miles of running over beautiful Lake Pend Oreille on the eponymous Long Bridge. Starts at Sandpoint City Beach Park with Half Marathon turnaround in Sagle. Finish the Half Marathon and Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 1) to earn the Long Bridge Duathlon medal. Organized by Priest Lake Multisports.
Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf (May 10): The TedDriven Mai BlumenLauf (May Flower Run) is in its second year with half marathon, 10k, and 5k courses through beautiful Bavarian Leavenworth and its riverfront trails. USATF certified.
T9 Mermaid Run (May 11): Mermaid Series events celebrate women. Half Marathon in addition to 10k, 5k and mermaid dash (ages 6-12). Start/finish at Riverfront Park.
The Ta Ta Dash (May 16): Run through Spokane’s Manito Park in this run put on by Beyond Pink to help prevent and screen for breast cancer. 10k, 5k, and kids’ ⅓-mile distances available.
Windermere Marathon (May 17): Choose from point-to-point Marathon and Half Marathon or the scenic 10k, 5k and kids’ fun run option, all along the scenic Centennial Trail and Spokane River. Certified Boston qualifier that ends at Riverfront Park. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Race to Remember 5k (May 23): This fun run through Fairmount Memorial Park pays tribute to fallen officers on Memorial Day with a course decorated with American flags. Benefits Beyond the Call of Duty program.
Coeur d’Alene Marathon (May 24): Start and finish at McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hosted by Negative Split. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and kids’ fun run available. USATF-certified Boston qualifier. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Priest Lake Spring Fun Run (May 24): Run along the lakeshore at beautiful Priest Lake near Coolin with a 10k, 5k, or kids’ dash. Part of Priest Lake Spring Festival.
Metaline Falls Bigfoot 5K (June 14): Takes place in the historic town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County in conjunction with the town’s unique Bigfoot Festival. Additional kids’ color run option on June 13.
Missoula Marathon (June 26-28): Put on by Run Wild Missoula, the “Last Best Race” offers Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k distances over the weekend. Includes Friday night beer run and 1-mile kids’ marathon. Repeatedly named as Best Marathon in the U.S. Boston qualifier.
Spokenya Run/Walk 7k (July 18): A race that raises money to bring clean water to rural Kenya.
Wallace Huckleberry Festival 5k (Aug. 16): Cap three days of Huckleberry Festival fun with this 5k in North Idaho. A weekend with vendors, music and huckleberry pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday! Strollers and leashed dogs welcome.
Run the Night (Aug. 22): An evening glow run offering Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids’ Fun Run. Glow sticks provided. Foam party at the end! Start/finish at Spokane Fairgrounds.
Deutschesfest Fun Run (Sept. 17-20): German community festival in Odessa, Wash., includes parade, fun run, brats, brews and more.
Run the Dam Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (Sept. 19): Run across Grand Coulee Dam and along Banks Lake as part of the Run the Dam Festival in Grand Coulee, Wash., with beer garden and vendors.
Boulevard Race (Sept. 20): A fun 4-mile race benefitting the Community Cancer Fund beginning at the McCarthey Athletic Center and running downtown and the U District. Features scream tunnels, cheer zones and more fun-filled encouragement. Includes wheelchair division. Prize money attracts some talented runners.
Valleyfest River Run (Sept. 26): 10k and 5k distances start/finish at Plante’s Ferry in Spokane Valley, running out and back on the Centennial Trail. Not a Bloomsday qualifier as previously.
Leavenworth Marathon & Half Marathon (Oct. 3): A mix of paved roads, wooded trails, and dirt paths take runners through the stunning fall terrain of Leavenworth’s Icicle Canyon and downtown. A USATF-certified Boston qualifier race by TedDriven supporting cancer research.
Jackass Half Marathon & 5k (Oct. 3): Run from Wallace to Kellogg along the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes through the beautiful Silver Valley. Half Marathon and 5k mostly downhill.
Hayden Lake Marathon (Oct. 10): Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5k and kids’ fun run. Run along beautiful Hayden Lake with Honeysuckle Beach start/finish. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Spokane Marathon (Oct. 11): Proceeds from this Boston Marathon qualifier race benefit local high school cross-country programs. Includes Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and free kids’ fun run with Team Relay option for Marathon. The 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier.
Halloween Hustle (Oct. 25): Get your Halloween spook on at this Half Marathon, 10k and 5k event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and support Lake City High School Student Council. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Fall Flash of the Palouse 10K and 5K (Nov 7): Don your most colorful apparel come run the Palouse. The 10K course covers a loop on paved and gravel roads over rolling hills while the 5K is flat and fast on paved roads.
Veterans 5K Race (Nov. 9): A 5k run through Riverside Memorial Park to benefit Meals on Wheels of Spokane, with free beer and chili at the end of the race. Proceeds benefit Spokane Meals on Wheels.
TRAIL RUNNING
Badger Mountain Challenge (March 27-28): 15th annual running with ultra distances of 100 miles, 100k, 50 miles and 55k with a 15k option, all offering expansive views of the Columbia Basin. Proceeds support WTA, Friends of Badger Mountain, and Girls on the Run. USATF-sanctioned event. Register by March 23.
Ancient Lakes 50-mile, 50k, 25k & 10k (April 11-12): Run through canyon-like gorges, along the shores of ancient desert lakes and to the base of cascading waterfalls in the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy, Wash. Course follows a cloverleaf loop system anchored by an aid station.
Caveman Roar & Pour (April 25): An event for all levels, run or walk through the Cave B Winery estate in Quincy, Wash., overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Caveman/cavewoman costumes encouraged. Wine tasting and live music afterward.
Spokane River Run (April 19): This race through Riverside State Park’s trails offers many distances: 5k, 10k, 25k, 25k Challenge, 50k, 50k team relay and a 25k Tag Team (2-person relay). Garland Brew Werks Beer Garden is back! Fundraiser for Garfield Elementary A.P.P.L.E., North Central Cross Country and others.
Run Like the Wind Running Festival (April 26): 5k, 10k and free kids’ dash along the trails, paths and roads at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Ellensburg, Wash.; uphill and into the wind, both ways. What more could you want? Benefits Kittitas County Search and Rescue.
Sun Mountain Trail Races (May 16-17): Run through wildflowers, old-growth forests and along ridgetops of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys in a 50-miler, 50k, 20-miler or 25k with stunning views of the Cascades. New this year are point-to-point routes.
Kaniksu Trail Runs (June 13): Multiple lengths available: Long Walk 100k, Kaniksu 50-mile, Blister Club (Solo Ruck), Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race, Sweet 50k, Tall Trees 29k, Herman’s Half and SERE Beer Mile. Events take place in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range of Colville National Forest.
The Ultimate Ram OCR Challenge (June 13): Second annual Ultimate Ram OCR Challenge is a 5-mile, 30+ obstacle course. Located on the grounds and woods of Riverside High School.
“The Kan” Mountain Ultra Trail Race (June 6): Choose between 50k and 6,000 feet of vertical, 25k and 3,500 feet, or 10k with 1,700 feet at Mount Spokane State Park. Steep climbs and fast descents through alpine meadows and old pine forests. Fifth year and a $2,100 prize purse.
Hiawatha Trail Run (June 7): Run Idaho’s Hiawatha Trail, cruising on crushed-rock rail trail and through old railroad tunnels that require headlights. 50k, 25k, 15k or 10k available. All routes include Taft Tunnel. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Trail Rail Run (June 20): 50-mile, 50-mile relay, 50k, 30k, 12k and 5k. Run from Mullan, Idaho, to St. Regis, Mont., along the old Milwaukee and Northern Pacific railroad grades.
Race the Wolf (June 20-21): New courses for 2026. Enjoy the challenging trails on Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho, with a Marathon (two loops of Half course), Half Marathon, 5-miler or head straight uphill with the 1-mile “Sky Climb” that includes a ski lift ride down. Part of the GRIT North Idaho Trail series.
The “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run (July 31): Clothing-optional 5k trail run/walk at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park near Loon Lake, Wash.
Rams Twilight Trail Run 5k (July 29): A 5k run along the trails near Riverside High School in Chattaroy that starts at 7:30 p.m. (headlamps highly encouraged); trail marked by glowsticks. Organized by Riverside’s cross-country team.
Tartarus Backyard Ultra (Aug. 15): A “Last Person Standing” ultra race for runners and ruckers through Riverside State Park. Run or ruck until you can run or ruck no more as you strive to outlast all other runners and ruckers.
Jump off Joe Marathon (Sept. 5): Gravel roads on and around Jump off Joe Mountain near Kennewick, Wash., provide great views from the top of the hill; half marathon and marathon course make the summit. 10k option.
Mt. Spokane Trail Run (Sept. 13): Three scenic course options that start and finish at Selkirk Lodge on Mount Spokane. 25k, 10k and 5k distances. Can be bundled with other Negative Split events.
Priest Lake Marathon, Half Marathon & 50k (Sept. 19): Filling the gap between road and trail running, this gravel run courses through cedar groves and along Priest Lake shoreline. Part of The GRIT North Idaho trail run series organized by Priest Lake Multisports.
Falla Walla Marathon (Oct. 3): Includes 10k and heroes 5k run options.
Moscow Mountain Madness (Oct. 4): Challenging course of technical single-track and logging roads along spine of Moscow Mountain. Choose 31-mile, half marathon or 5-mile options. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners in Moscow, Idaho.
Sekani Trail Run 10k, 5k and 1k Kids’ Run (TBA; circa Oct. 4): Adventure run/hike/walk on trails at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane; this annual fall trail run is a fundraiser for Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program.
Fall Flash 10k Race & 5k Fun Run (Nov. 7): Course is a combination of paved and gravel roads and rolling hills of the Palouse countryside. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners, based in Moscow, Idaho.
Wild Moose Chase Trail Run (Nov. 8): 25k, 10k and 5k trail runs at Riverside State Park hosted by Eastern Washington University’s PT department students. Start and finish at 7 Mile trailhead.
ROAD CYCLING
Baddlands Cycling Club Twilight Series (April 16 and 30, May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18): The only USA Cycling-sanctioned racing in the Inland Northwest for 2026. Circuit racing at Qlispé Raceway Park. Racers under 18 and women of all ages race free. USA Cycling one-day or annual license required.
Bike Everywhere Challenge (May): An outgrowth of Bike to Work Day, Week, and Month events and activities typically include a Bloomsday bike corral, a pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park, and energizer stations for morning commuters. Organized by the Spokane Bicycle Club.
Tour de Bloom (May 14-19): The region’s most high-profile stage race with many domestic and international racers and teams. UCI women’s race. Stages take place in and around Wenatchee, Waterville and Plain, Wash.
Lilac Century Ride (May 17): Fun, scenic and challenging road tours (25-mile, 50-mile, 66-mile and 100-mile). Start/finish at Big Barn Brewing Company in Green Bluff. Info for 32-mile Gravel Flamdangle in mtb/gravel section.
Spokane Summer Parkways (June 16): A free route for bikes, pedestrians and other human-powered transportation in the South Hill Manito/Comstock neighborhoods. Family-friendly event with fun, snacks and entertainment along the way.
CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo (June 20): Gran fondo scenic ride—not a race—starting from City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho and riding along Lake Pend Oreille into Montana. Route options include road rides of 150, 80, 40 or 25 miles, a 55- or 75-mile gravel ride and a family fun ride. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary; proceeds support a literacy program benefiting Pend Oreille School District students.
Cycle Chelan (June 20): Described as the ultimate cycling adventure in Washington wine country. The full century with nearly 7,900 feet of climbing returns after a hiatus. Choose between that, the Metric Century Challenge (100 k with 4,000 feet of elevation gain), the Lake Loop (45 miles), or Cycle di Vino (30 miles) around Lake Chelan. E-bikes welcome.
Baker City Cycling Classic (June 26-28): The event’s 25th anniversary offers four tough stages in the high desert of Northeast Oregon, including two road stages, individual time trial and downtown criterium.
Tour de Whatcom (July 18): Touted as the Northwest’s most beautiful ride, distance options include Century (100 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), 44 miles or 22 miles. Start/finish in downtown Bellingham, Wash.
Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (July 26): Organized by Valleyfest, options include a 10-mile “Family-Friendly” route, 25-mile “Adventure Ride” and the 50-mile “Hills Around the Valley.”
RIM Ride (Sept. 12-13): “Rotary in Motion” routes offer flat and hilly rides. 5-mile family ride on Saturday, followed by 15-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides on Sunday; hosted by the Rotary Club of Liberty Lake, Wash.
WaCanId Selkirk Loop Ride (Sept. 7): A six-day ride over 395 miles making a supported scenic route around the Selkirk Mountains. Route includes two international border crossings (between the U.S. and Canada).
Mt. Baker Hill Climb (Sept. 13): Climb over 4,400 in a 22-mile race on one of the state’s most scenic paved roads. Social recreational categories for those who just want to beat the mountain. Benefits the Shifting Gears program.
Coeur d’Fondo (Sept. TBA): Ride along beautiful Coeur d’Alene lake and choose from five distances—Gran Fondo (116 mi.), Medio Fondo (86 mi.), Centro Fondo (47 mi.), Piccolo Fondo (36 mi.) and Family Fondo (14 mi.). Centro and Piccolo courses include a boat cruise.
MTB/GRAVEL
Echo Red to Red XC MTB Race (March 14): Cross-country mountain bike race begins in the historic town of Echo, Oregon, with most of it on trails at Echo West Ranch & Vineyard. Part of Oregon XC Series.
Real West Gravel (March 15): Experience the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape around Pendleton, Oregon. Each route is over 90% gravel.
Hub-a-Palooza (March 27-29): A three-day mountain bike festival with downhill and enduro races at Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani in Spokane, hosted by Velo Northwest.
Heaven of the South (March 29): Kicking off the Vicious Cycle Gravel Fondo Series, choose between 85 and 45 miles, with 6,300 and 4,000 feet of climbing respectively around hills and roads of Tri-Cities. Featuring big climbs, fast gravel and rolling country roads.
Gran Fondo Ephrata (April 12): Second event in the Vicious Cycle Gravel Fondo Series, ride this spring classic on remote back roads of Central Washington. Grand (85 mi.) and Medio (45 mi.) options with plenty of climbing. Register by March 20.
Hilly Nilly Gravel Series (Monthly, March 21-June 20): Self-supported free group rides monthly (usually the 3rd Sunday) in the months of March, April, May and June. Course and starting point out of the Coeur d’Alene area posted a week ahead on Facebook.
Washington Student Cycling League (April-May): Race series for youth ages 13-18. Events include Riverside Rampage-Spokane on April 12, Cle Elum on April 26, Gig Harbor on May 3, Winthrop on May 17 and championship in Leavenworth on May 31.
Wednesday MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (May 1-June 26): For nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, this popular annual event features a different race course each week. Free entry for age 18 and younger.
3/4 Minus Cykeltur (May 2): The ¾ Minus Cykeltur is a gravel gran fondo with a 52-mile route and 75-mile route starting in Sandpoint, Idaho. Concludes with party and award ceremony at Matchwood Brewing. This is the first stage of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.
Wahkiacus Gravel Premier (May 3): For this entry in the Vicious Cycle series, expect reasonably good gravel for the most part, along with some rough stuff. Choose from 88 and 50-mile routes, with 7,500 and 3,600 feet of climbing respectively.
Gran Fondo Leavenworth (May 17): Fourth in the Vicious Cycle series, a tough race with lots of climbing, Grande (82 mi. and 8,800 of climbing) and Medio (40 mi. and 4,700 of climbing). Tackle big climbs and big descents as you traverse mountain passes and forest service roads.
The Lilac Gravel Flamdangle (May 17): A 32-mile gravel ride, with half the course on unpaved/gravel surfaces. Start and finish at Green Bluff’s Big Barn Brewery. Part of the Lilac Century event.
24 Hours of Riverside (May 23-24): A Memorial Day weekend staple and the ultimate 24-hour MTB team relay at Riverside State Park with racing and camping. Ride solo if you dare. Race is Saturday to Sunday, with a kids’ bike parade Saturday night.
The Dusty Bandita (June 6): An all-women+ gravel bike race in the mountains of Western Montana with a 45-mile (2,500’ climb) and 85-mile (6,500’ climb) option. Prize purse introduced for 2026 to support women riders.
Mt. Spokane Youth Camps & Programs (July and August; dates TBA): Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park will again host summer mountain biking day camps for all levels, from beginner to advanced. These four-day camps run Monday-Thursday.
Evergreen East—Youth Camps (June-August): Five-day Dirt Camps for beginners (ages 7-12) and Intermediate and Advanced (ages 10-14) riders at Beacon Hill in Spokane, Wash. Scholarships available, possibly bikes and helmets for kids who do not have them. Local camps begin June 22; July 6, 13, 20, and 27; Aug. 3 and 10.
Climb for the Cure (June 14): A gravel and mountain bike race that starts/ends at Big Barn Brewery and summits Mount Spokane in the middle. Route options include a 22-miler with 2,600 feet of elevation gain and 50-miler with over 6,200 feet of elevation. A race to end cancer. $12,000 in prizes, gear and discounts. Pedal assist category.
Spokatopia (June 20): Spokane’s bike-centric community gathering returns to Camp Sekani Park with mountain bike demos, a trail shuttle, vendors, outdoor films, food vendors and a beer garden benefiting Evergreen East. General admission is free with passes available for demos and the bike shuttle.
Monarch Grind (June 27): This 70-mile gravel gran fondo starts and ends at Clark Fork, Idaho’s Squeeze Inn. Ride among the iconic peaks above Lake Pend Oreille. Second Stage in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.
Northwest Cup Downhill Series (July 17-19): Silver Mountain Bike Park hosts Round 5 of this seven-race series across the Northwest.
The Last Best Ride (July 26): Ride the gravel backroads of Whitefish, Mont., with challenging terrain and stunning landscapes in the state known as “The Last Best Place.” You’ll have to get on the waitlist for “The Big Horn Sheep” 95-miler, and there are a few spots in “The Mountain Goat” 51-miler open.
Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League (August-October): Twelfth season of NICA-affiliated mountain bike racing for students grades 6-12. Closest event in McCall, Idaho.
Aether’s Traverse (Aug. 15): This 35-mile route snakes through the Selkirk mountain range and tops out at Schweitzer’s Sky House. Over 6,300 feet of climbing. Third stage in Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.
Walla Walla Grit (Sept. 13): Choose from three routes of the best gravel roads the region has to offer—44, 65, and 95 miles—with 3,400, 5,800 or 9,800 feet of climbing, respectively.
Silverroxx Mountain Bike Festival (Sept. 18-20): Hosted by Silver Mountain Resort, Silveroxx features the return of top-to-bottom Super D race, with 3,400′ of vertical descent in one race. Super D races run 15-20 minutes or longer!
The Grind 2026! (Sept. 26): Celebrate National Public Lands Day with second annual RSP Foundation FUNdraiser in Riverside State Park, Seven Mile Airstrip.
TRIATHLON/WATERSPORTS/MULTISPORTS
Leadman Triathlon (April 18): Organized by Kellogg Rotary Club and based at Silver Mountain Resort, this adventure course event for solo or team competitors begins on Kellogg Peak and includes skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking and running. 100% of proceeds go to local charities.
Rage in the Sage Duathlon (May 2): A 2.5-mile cross-country run and 10-mile mountain or gravel bike section beginning at Kiona Vineyards in Benton City. Open, co-ed and women’s team relay options.
Onion Man Triathlon (May 17): Olympic distance race at the base of the Blue Mountains, USA Triathlon-sanctioned. Relay and Aquabike options.
Ski to Sea (May 24): America’s original multisport team relay race with teams of 3-8 people. Start at Mt. Baker Ski Area and finish in Bellingham Bay. The seven different sport legs include cross-country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, running, road bike, canoe, cyclocross bike and sea kayak.
Medical Lake Trailblazer Tri/Du/5k (June 20): Sprint distance triathlon with 350-meter swim, 12.2-mile bike and 2.9-mile run; Duathlon with 1-mile run, 12.2-mile bike and 2.9-mile run; and 5k run. Starts and ends at Coney Island Park in Medical Lake, Wash.
Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene (June 21): Half Ironman race based at City Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene includes 1.2-mile lake swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.
Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon (July 12): A swim in the Columbia River kicks off this sprint tri with relay options. Mountain bike leg goes from Howard Amon Park to the Chamna Natural Preserve with a final 3-mile foot path run.
Hayden Sprint Triathlon (July 11): Swim, run and bike solo in this sprint triathlon. Register with a team to compete in the relay. Starts/ends at transition area at Honeysuckle Beach on Lake Hayden.
Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 1): Enjoy the 31st annual 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille, alongside Sandpoint, Idaho’s iconic Long Bridge.
Coeur d’Alene Triathlon/Duathlon (Aug. 8): Three options for this event: Olympic triathlon (swim 1.5k, bike 40k and run 10k), scenic sprint triathlon (swim 0.5k, bike 20k and run 5k), or duathlon (run 5k, bike 40k and run 10k).
Tri-Town Float Down Poker Paddle (TBA): Paddle the Pend Oreille River from Ione to Metaline Falls, Wash. Event tentative; check Facebook for details. Raises funds for cancer patients and veterans.
Swim the Snake (Aug. 8): An open water swim, kayak or stand-up paddle across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina near the town of Starbuck, Wash. Fundraiser for Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and local youth summer swim teams.
PORPA Sprints on the Priest River (Aug. 8): Fun races for all non-motorized watercraft return to Priest River, Idaho, hosted by the Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association (PORPA), which offers free youth registration. Kayak, SUP, canoe and rowing shell races welcome all ages and abilities with a lively multi-craft relay with teams formed on-site.
Priest Lake Triathlon (Aug. 30): Choose between a sprint off-road triathlon or the sprint road bike course in the beautiful area around Priest Lake. Compete individually or as a team; start/finish near Hill’s Resort.
Jen McKenna Paddle and Run (Sept. 12): Get the best of both worlds and kayak or SUP 1.6 miles from Higgen’s Point (CDA, Idaho) before running 4 miles along the Centennial Trail. New long course route with 3-person team option (two runners, one paddler). Event honors Jen McKenna, who died of complications from cystic fibrosis. Proceeds benefit Companions Animal Shelter. Post-race food and beer, plus great race swag.
Diamond Tri Your Best Triathlon (Sept. 12): Event takes place at the Cowles Scout Reservation in Diamond Lake, Wash., and includes a SuperSprint (200-yard swim, 6-mile bike and 1.5-mile trail run; ages 11+); Sprint Tri (400-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 3-mile trail run; ages 18+); and Olympic Tri (1,600-yard swim, 23-mile bike and 6-mile trail run; ages 18+). Registration includes lunch from David’s Pizza.
OUTDOORSY EVENTS
Spokane Riverkeeper Public River Cleanups (Select Saturdays): Join Spokane Riverkeeper for four cleanups each year, all held on Saturdays. Rally friends to help keep the Spokane River clean. Events include the Earth Day River Cleanup, Summer Kick Off Cleanup (third Saturday of June), World Cleanup Day (third Saturday of September) and the Trash-o-ween Costume Cleanup (Saturday closest to Halloween). Sign up on Spokane Riverkeeper’s events page.
Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show (March 19-22): Gear and resources for fishing, boating, hunting, backpacking and shooting sports. Hosted by Inland Northwest Wildlife Council at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center.
International Fly Fishing Film Festival (March 31): Spokane Riverkeeper hosts this annual evening of fly fishing films from around the world at the Garland Theater. The curated lineup highlights angling adventures, conservation and river culture. Proceeds support Spokane Riverkeeper’s work protecting the Spokane River watershed.
Spokane Bike Swap (April 18): The biggest bike sale event of the year. Buy or sell used bikes and check out biking and outdoor recreation booths at the Spokane Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit local cycling-related nonprofit projects.
Out West Bow Fest (June 13-14): A weekend archery competition on the backside of Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. Modern bowhunter, traditional archery and youth classes.
Editor’s Note: Did we miss your favorite race, ride or outdoors event? Email [email protected], and we will do our best to include it next year.
