Seattle Cherry Blossom Run

BE PART OF THE LEGION OF BLOOM!

Come run, walk, stroll, or crawl with us through Seward Park and along South Lake Washington Boulevard, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms.

APRIL 18, 2026: 5K, 10K, & HALF-MARATHON

2026 will offer 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon runs! All runs will extend onto Lake Washington Blvd to take in the blossoms along the outer stretch of the park.

We are happy to announce this year we will have parking options available within the park!

Cross the finish line under our signature inflatable arch and celebrate spring in full bloom!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to tag #CherryBlossomRun in your photos and videos.

Let’s bloom together in this exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to see you there!

You've got questions, we've got answers! 

For general questions, sponsorship / vendor inquiries email: info@cherryblossomrun.com

Please do NOT call the University of Washington regarding the Cherry Blossom Run / Cherry Blossom Marathon.

Thank you for your understanding,

Cherry Blossom Run Team

Course maps will be available soon!

Visit our Official Website FAQ for up to date info!

2024 PACKET PICKUP LOCATIONS:
*There is NO DAY-OF PACKET PICKUP FOR MARCH 23 & 24 EVENTS*

FOR 3/23 and 3/24 EVENTS ONLY:

March 20 - Kent, WA - Road Runner Sports - Wednesday - 12 PM to 7 PM 
444 Ramsay Way, Kent, WA 98032

March 21 - Bellevue, WA - Road Runner Sports - Thursday - 12 PM to 7 PM
12200 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98005

March 22 - Seattle, WA - Road Runner Sports - Friday - 12 PM to 7 PM 
7020 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

FOR 3/30 EVENTS ONLY:

March 29 - UW Center for Urban Horticulture - Friday  -  12 PM - 5 PM
3501 NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98105
*We suggest parking at parking lot E16.

Day of race packet pickup will be available for 3/30 events only. Please arrive half an hour before your wave to join the packet pickup line near the start area. Ensure you have your QR code ready to go for a quick and easy packet pickup! 

Please do NOT call or email University of Washington or the UW Botanic Gardens / Center for Urban Horticulture regarding the event or packet pick up. Instead, email us at info@cherryblossomrun.com

*If you're unable to pick up your race bib and swag, you can arrange for a friend to collect them on your behalf. Be sure to send your friend your registration confirmation QR code! (Send them your registration email with QR code for a smooth process.) Packet shipping is available for a flat fee during registration until March 1st.

*If you have questions regarding packet shipping or pick up email us at info@cherryblossomrun.com

Please visit www.seattlecherryblossomrun.com to sign up for official updates!

Forget to add packet shipping?
Can't attend packet pick up and now need packet shipping?

No problem! Follow these instructions:

1. Login to your www.runsignup.com account and click profile.
2. Scroll down to the race, and off to the side click "manage registration."
3. On the next screen at the top click "add-ons."
4. Next, find the shipping option and fill out 1 from the drop down menu and follow the prompts for shipping address.
5. Pay and you're good to go!
6. Each registrant that wants their packet shipped has to pay for shipping. One packet per shipment.

Cut off date for packet shipping add on is March 1st at midnight!

Greetings, Legion of Bloom!

For MARCH 23 + 24 EVENTS:

March 20th - Kent Road Runner Sports, WA - Wednesday - 12 PM to 7 PM

March 21th - Bellevue Road Runner Sports, WA - Thursday - 12 PM to 7 PM

March 22th - Seattle Road Runner Sports, WA - Friday - 12 PM to 7 PM

For MARCH 30th EVENTS:

March 29th - Center for Urban Horticulture - Friday (for those are in 3/30/24 events).

 
*There is NO event day packet pick up due to large size of event for the 23rd and 24th. Packet Pickup will be available for the 3/30 runners. Please prepare for enough time to pick up packet if you cannot make it to the March 29 pickup.

Day of race packet pickup will be available for 3/30 events only. Please arrive half an hour before your wave to join the packet pickup line near the start area. Ensure you have your QR code ready to go for a quick and easy packet pickup! 

What to bring to packet pickup:

Your registration QR Code in your confirmation email for all registrations you are picking up for, either on your phone or printed out. Can't find your confirmation email? Here's how to resend it: https://runsignup.com/Profile and click "Resend Confirmation" for the Cherry Blossom Run.

• You can pick up for others, but you must bring their QR code as well!

Shirt Exchanges

• Shirt exchanges are available at the finish area at the merchandise tent.  

Race Day Schedule:

Saturday, March 23th, 2024
5K Run/Walk Start @ Red Square / George Washington Statue (upper campus)

8:00 AM - Wave 1 (Runners planning to complete the race between 14 Minutes and 29:59)
8:10 AM - Wave 2 (Runners planning to complete the race between 30 Minutes and 34:59)
8:20 AM - Wave 3 (Runners planning to complete the race between 35 Minutes and 39:59)
8:30 AM - Wave 4 (Runners planning to complete the race between 40 Minutes and 44:59)
8:40 AM - Wave 5 (Runners planning to complete the race between 45 Minutes and 1:00:00)
8:50 AM - Wave 6 (Runners planning to complete the race 1:00:01 and UP)

9:00 AM - Sip n' Stroll 5K
8 AM - 11:00 AM (Red Square, Spokane Lane, cherry blossom viewing at the Quad).

 
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
Half Marathon START @ UW Golf Range (lower campus)

8:00 AM - Wave 1 (Runners planning to complete the race between 1 Hour and 1:44:59)
8:05 AM - Wave 2 (Runners planning to complete the race between 1:45:00 and 1:59:59)
8:10 AM - Wave 3 (Runners planning to complete the race between 2:00:00 and 2:14:59)
8:15 AM - Wave 4 (Runners planning to complete the race between 2:15:00 and 2:29:59)
8:20 AM - Wave 5 (Runners planning to complete the race 2:30:00 and UP)

8 AM - 12 PM (Red Square, Spokane Lane, cherry blossom viewing at The Quad).
 
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
10K START @ UW Golf Range (lower campus)

8:30 AM - Wave 1 (Runners planning to complete the race between 59:59 and Under)
8:35 AM - Wave 2 (Runners planning to complete the race between 1:00:00 and 1:09:59)
8:40 AM - Wave 3 (Runners planning to complete the race between 1:10:00 and 1:19:59)
8:45 AM - Wave 4 (Runners planning to complete the race 1:20:00 and UP)

8 AM - 12 PM (Red Square, Spokane Lane, cherry blossom viewing at The Quad)

 
Saturday, March 30th, 2024
5K Run/Walk Start @ Red Square / George Washington Statue (upper campus)

8:00 AM - Wave 1 (Runners planning to complete the race between 14 Minutes and 30:00)
8:10 AM - Wave 2 (Runners planning to complete the race between 30:01 and 44:59)
8:20 AM - Wave 3 (Runners planning to complete the race between 45:00 and 1:00:00)
8:30 AM - Wave 4 (Runners planning to complete the race 1:00:01 and UP)
8:40 AM - Sip n' Stroll 5K
9:00 AM - Blossom Kid's Run
8 AM - 11:00 PM (Red Square, Spokane Lane, cherry blossom viewing at the Quad).

*Half Marathon Note:  

Half Marathon course is open for six hours.

If you fall behind pace ~20 minute per mile pace your race may become unsupported and your bib may be taken. At ~20 minute / mile pace please adhere to normal right of way traffic laws crossing roads unless instructed otherwise by Seattle Police. You may also be asked by City of Seattle Police to adhere to normal traffic laws when crossing any streets as appropriate upon entering the University of Washington Finish Line too. Thank you for helping us minimize the impact on our shared trails and the crossing of University of Washington.

Race Day 

• Your bib is key. It tells you what race you are in, the wave number and start time you are in; it allows you to redeem your bib ticket for your shirt, and has QR code on the bottom front. This QR code tells you (and us!) everything (main website, maps, race results, parking options, etc.).

• For participants who live more than an hour away or if you paid for shipping of your shirt and bib but didn't get it, we can accommodate you at the info tent before the race.

Parking

Directions to Central Plaza Garage:

Click on link: Click HERE

Directions to UW Parking Lot E1:

Click on link: Click HERE

Instructions on how to pay for UW parking:
Click here: Click HERE

Starting the Race:

There is ONE starting corral. Staff will let participants into the corral based on your bib wave number and start time on your bib. You are allowed to drop down to a later start time to join any friends/family, BUT they are not allowed to move UP in start time.

Course Race Maps

Map Links:

1. 5K Run/Walk and Sip n' Stroll map: Click HERE
   

2. 10K map: Click HERE

3. Half Marathon map: Click HERE

Half Marathon Aid Station / Water Stops: 

• Aid Station #1 / #8 (water, Gatorade, snacks)

  • Click HERE
    
    

• Aid Station #2 / #7 (water, Gatorade, snacks)

  • Click HERE

• Aid Station #3 / #6 (water, Gatorade, snacks)

  • Click HERE

• Aid Station #4 / #5 (water, Gatorade, snacks)

  • Click HERE

    
    

10K Aid Station / Water Stops: 

• Aid Station #1  (water, Gatorade, snacks)

  • Click HERE
    
    

U District Cherry Blossom Festival + FINISH LINE

• We will have bananas, partners crackers, and water for you at the finish. Bring a method of payment (phone) for any vendor merchandise, food and drink.
  
  Once you finish, come see the famous yoshino cherry blossoms in the Quad. Take your picture at our photo backdrops. Hashtag #uwcherryblossoms #racethebloom #legionofbloom #cherryblossomrun #uw_cherryblossomrun your photos posts, reels, stories, and then engage with the many vendors! Remember, 100+ ornamental cherry trees spread out on the UW campus too! We included a map / PDF file HERE to show your where are at!
  
  

• When you are ready to go, here's how to get back to your car. Signs will guide you on the way! (unless you parked the Central Plaza Garage, in the U-District streets, or took public transportation). 
  
  

• In partnership with the U District Cherry Blossom Festival, take advantage of so many amazing cherry blossom themed food specials, drinks and shopping in the U District Cherry Blossom Marathon Finish area! There are many discounts for treats and drinks awaiting! Mmm. Visit their website to take advantage.
  
  

Walking Directions / Map back to E1 Parking Lot if you there park there:

• Click HERE

Have More Questions?

Please read the FAQ Page  or Contact Us.

OFFICIAL PRIZES FOR 2025 TBD!

TOP FINISHERS FROM EACH RACE will be announced by the DJ or announcer. Awards categories are Female and Male. No age group awards.

Half Marathon (3/24/24) (USATF Certified, New York Half Qualifier) :

1st Place = $500 Visa Card, FREE Shoe Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

2nd Place = $300 Visa Card, FREE Shoe Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

3rd Place = $150 Visa Card, FREE Shoe Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

10K (3/24/24):

1st Place = $300 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom themed gnome trophy!

2nd Place = $150 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

3rd Place = $100 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

5K (Both days of the 5K Run/Walk- 3/23 or 3/30):

1st Place = $200 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

2nd Place = $100 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

3rd Place = $50 Visa Card, FREE Apparel Certificate from Road Running Sports, Cherry Blossom Run themed gnome trophy!

Random Cherry Blossom gnomes giveaways at the event announced by the DJ. Be sure to wear your race bib and hashtag your photos & videos with #uwcherryblossoms #racethebloom #cherryblossomrun #uofwa or #legionofbloom to win at the event finish area.

Japan Trip Drawing!:

One lucky winner for a 8 day trip to Japan, is already getting pre-booked for Saturday, Jun 29, 2024 from Gate1travel.com! The DJ will announce the winner at the conclusion the last race. All inclusive with a tour group with all the bells and whistles! Must be registered in any Cherry Blossom Run race to enter the drawing. No need to be present to win. We will include every participant in the drawing. If your current yearly plans conflict we'll choose a different winner. Click HERE for exciting info about the trip! And watch their short Vimeo video about the trip at the bottom of page ↓

Not Included:
Gratuities.

Accommodation Details:

Hotel rooms in Japan comfortably accommodate double or single room configuration.

Your Japan tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM, Saturday, Jun 29, 2024. We recommend that you select premium economy flights which arrive no later than 4 PM.

Included Escorted Tours:
Classic, Enchanting, Crown tour offers first class centrally located accommodations, several meals and a perfect balance of sightseeing and free time.
 
Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check out the Visas page.

Performance unisex technical tees are included in the 5K Run/Walk, Sip and Stroll 5K, and Blossom Kids Run. Long sleeves shirts are included with the 10K and Half Marathon!

Also included with event registration is a finisher medal and ribbon!

2024 Finisher Medal

THE WORLD’S BEST CYCLING CLASS!

During those winter months, step out of the rain and cycle instead as you train for the Seattle Cherry Blossom Run!

Locations:
South Lake Union
Redmond Town Center

Looking for a more personal and dedicated Seattle metro area running/training group to connect and train with, make new friends and join in on many local 5K runs and events and race discounts? 
We look to the PNW Ladies Running Group and Run 2 Be Fit to keep new and seasoned runners connected and fit all year round!

View PNW Ladies Running Group and Run 2 Be Fit HERE