Galloping Gertie

GALLOPING GERTIE!
Join us for a half marathon, 10K and 5K that shows off Tacoma’s and Gig Harbor’s finest views. Each race will run on the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Galloping Gertie), which features stunning views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the surrounding cities of Tacoma and Gig Harbor. This is one of the few races that traverse the bridge span to span. All participants in the race will receive a custom finisher medal, free downloadable race photos and a cool tech tee! The best part? It all supports great local charities! 

WHAT IS GALLOPING GERTIE?
Galloping Gertie is the nickname of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a local icon that spans the Puget Sound between Tacoma and Gig Harbor, Washington. Crossing it provides breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains.

The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge suffered a catastrophic collapse in November 1940, just four months after it opened. It earned its nickname while it was under construction, when workers observed the bridge deck jump during periods of high wind. A fatal error in the engineering of the bridge resulted in its collapse when the winds caused something called aeroelastic flutter. At the time, Gertie was the third longest suspension bridge in the world.  

The replacement bridge opened in 1950 (this is the existing westbound bridge) and the newer eastbound bridge (the one you will run across) opened in 2007. The engineering disaster that resulted in the collapse of the bridge makes the Tacoma Narrows Bridge one of the more famous in the world.

Aid stations will be serving water and Gatorade. For the half marathon, aid stations at Mile 5.2, 8.8 and 10.8 will have Gu energy gels (assorted flavors). Aid Station Locations are as follows:

Half Marathon Aid Stations:
1 - Mile 2 at Point Fosdick Road Turnaround
2 - Mile 4.1 on Stone Drive
3 - Mile 5.2 at Cushman Trail Entrance
4 - Mile 6.7 at Cushman Trail and Olympic Drive
5 - Mile 8.5 at Cushman Trail Entrance
6 - Mile 10.7 at Tacoma Narrows Bridge Turnaround
7 - Mile 12.2 at Stone Drive

10K Aid Stations:
1 - Mile 1.8 at Stone Drive
2 - Mile 3.9 at Tacoma Narrows Bridge Turnaround
3 - Mile 5.3 at Stone Drive

5K Aid Stations:
1 - Mile 0.8 at Stone Drive
2 - Mile 2.2 at Stone Drive

Porta Potty Locations:
Stone Drive and Point Fosdick Roundabout (Half Marathon Mile 0.8/3.2, 10K Mile 0.8)
Stone Drive just west of Jahn Ave (Half Marathon Mile 4.1/12.2, 10K Mile 1.8/5.3, 5K Mile 0.8/2.2)
Cushman Trail-head off 14th (Half Marathon Mile 5.2/8.5)

Bag check will be available at the start line and runners can pick them up at the finish line. Race bibs will be equipped with bag tags to attach to your drop bag for your convenience.

Parking is available on-site at the airport (Hub Parking Lot) and along 26th Ave NW and Stone Dr NW. We encourage you to carpool with friends and family to limit the number of cars parked along the road. Parking controls will be on hand to direct, please follow their directions. You can only park on the dirt shoulder of the area roads. Please do not park on paved surface. DO NOT park on the section of 26th Ave between the Airport Gate and Stone Drive. This section is part of the race course. You may park in areas shown in Green on the map as there is plenty of room on the dirt shoulder. 

Tacoma Narrows Airport: 1202 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

6:30AM - 7:45 AM - Packet Pick-up ON SITE ONLY

Race start times:
8:00AM - Half Marathon Start
8:15AM - 10K Start
8:30AM - 5K Start
12:00PM - Official Timing Concludes 
*Please note there is no advance packet pick-up

All participants will receive a Tech race shirt, Complimentary Downloadable Race Photos, Post Race Party and a custom Galloping Gertie Finisher Medal for all distances!
 

This event is USATF sanctioned.