Pick up the pace, Pierce County runners — these 5 races are coming up

As spring moves on in Tacoma, the mountains are surrounding us, the sunny days are getting longer and local runners are gearing up to hit the streets. If running a set distance in an organized fashion appeals to you, lace up, dear runners, and read on. Tacomans are no strangers to running, and the Northwest has an overabundance of trails, loops, parks and urban sidewalks to scamper on. Whether you are new to running, getting back into it or an old seasoned gym sock, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite upcoming races around Pierce County and slightly beyond.

Tacoma City Marathon and Ghost Marathon

*Dates: May 2-3, 2026* *Race options: 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon* *Registration: This event ranges from $10 - $190. Registration is available until race.* The grandaddy Tacoma marathon of them all is the Tacoma City Marathon, and it’s coming up the first weekend of May. The Tacoma City Marathon typically draws 2,000 finishers across events and is popular statewide. The marathon course this year begins at Tacoma Narrows Airport, crosses the Narrows Bridge into Tacoma, then heads up into Point Defiance Park, down by the Thea Foss Waterway, and back, finishing at Dune Peninsula Park. The half-marathon follows the same course, but stops at Dune Peninsula Park without going to the waterway. The 5K and 10K races begin and finish at Dune Peninsula Park, with the course running down Ruston Way and back. Sunday is the big day, but what Tacoma City Marathon considers “Ghost of Tacoma” races are also available on Saturday for those who would prefer fewer participants and fewer road closures. Races are available both days for the hardcore who enjoy running multiple races over one weekend.

Mud Mountain Dam Marathon

*Date: May 30, 2026* *Race Options: half-marathon, marathon*R *Registration: This event ranges from $115 - $145. Registration is available until race day.* The Mud Mountain Marathon is on this year, and it’s a fully paved race beginning at the Mud Mountain Dam with a net elevation loss of 1,200 feet. So, it’s a downhill race. The Mud Mountain Dam marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, so expect to see some competition at this one. The half-marathon begins in South Prairie and runs along the Carbon River before finishing with the full marathon at the historic McMillin Bridge. There is also another Mud Mountain Dam marathon on Sept. 19, 2026, if you happen to miss this one.

The Big Run by Fleet Feet and sponsored by Brooks

*Date: June, 3, 2026* *Race Options: 5K only* *Registration: Sign up here. This race is free.* Fleet Feet in Tacoma puts on this free 5K annually, and all you have to do is show up at the store on June 3. On its website, Fleet Feet describes the race as a “community 5K,” a great place for runners to meet and network. June 3 is Global Running Day, and Fleet Feet celebrates it nationwide with this event in every store. With an easy course set up near the store, breeze through this 5K with newcomers and pros alike. This race is sponsored by Brooks.

Sound to Narrows

*Date: Jun 13, 2026* *Race Options: 2K, 5K, 12K* *Registration: This event ranges from $10 - $45. Sign-ups are available until sold out.* Brainchild of The News Tribune’s own sports reporter Dick Kunkle in 1973, the Sound to Narrows race is famous for being formidable, even at its less-than-marathon distance, thanks to its grueling hills. One of Tacoma’s oldest races, the Sound to Narrows is arguably Tacoma’s most famous. Runners come from all over the state, and the event generally hosts 4,000 to 6,000 runners. The race starts at North Vassault Drive and 37th Street, before heading to Point Defiance Park and looping around it. There’s a bit of a detour this year due to construction in the park, adding a bit more distance and an additional hill, but that only adds to the fun. Right?

Independence Day 5K

*Date: July 4, 2026* *Race Options: 5K only* *Registration: This event ranges from $10 - $65. Registration available until sold out.* The Tacoma City Marathon Association has been hosting the Independence Day 5K race for 12 years now. TCMA describes the race as a “fast, flat, and downhill course” which starts at 37th and Vassault St, near Vassault Park in Tacoma, and finishes at Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park. There’s also a kids 1K walk/run at Owen Beach at 9:15am.