Cover photo courtesy of The Boulevard Race
The Boulevard Race returns to Spokane for its third year on Sept. 21, bringing runners and walkers together in the fight against cancer. The four-mile event winds through the heart of downtown’s University District. Participants will take in tree-lined streets, the sweeping Gateway Bridge and views of the Spokane River. More than just a race, The Boulevard is designed to be a lively and entertaining experience with surprises around every turn. Along the course, participants will encounter high-energy cheer zones; a marching band; DJs spinning music every quarter mile; and unique motivators like scream tunnels, bubbles, cowbells, donuts, and slush pops for kids.
Kelly Risse, director of vibe for The Boulevard Race, says the point of the event is to celebrate life, both honoring those who have passed in the fight against cancer and those who are currently battling the disease. “The race is a big party to bring the community together and have fun on a Sunday with great music, cheer squads and high fives,” he says. “Life is precious and a race like the Boulevard celebrates that. It brings out the best in Spokane.” Come race day, Risse is out there amplifying the vibe by personally delivering high fives to racers on the course.
Proceeds from the race support Community Cancer Fund (CCF), a Spokane-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to cancer patients and families while funding local programs such as Ronald McDonald House, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, YMCA Camp Goodtimes and WSU’s new pediatric residency program. Since its founding in 2014, CCF has raised more than $28 million. This year’s Boulevard Race event aims to continue that momentum, building on a huge turnout for the 2024 race that saw nearly 3,000 runners and walkers fill the course. “The race really has something for everyone. And we’ve built it so that when you finish, you’ll ask to do it again,” adds race director Jon Neill. Sign up at Boulevardrace.com. (OTO)
