Bloomsday 2015

For fans of famed Irish writer James Joyce, this is not a post about Bloom’s Day. Instead I am talking about the annual road race founded on May 1, 1977 by former Olympic athlete, Don Kardong, in Spokane, Washington. That first year brought just over a thousand participants. This year’s 7.4 mile race occurred on May 3rd under a clear blue sky with over 42,000 participants.

This year’s male winner was Kenya’s Lani Kiplagat Ruggo who ran the race in 34 minutes and 22 seconds.

Kenya’s Lani Rutto Wins Men’s Heat

The ladies’ race was also won by a Kenyan, Cynthia Limo who ran it in 39 minutes and 27 seconds.

Elite Female Runners

As inspiring as the elite runners are, nothing touches the soul as much as the perseverance of the wheelchair racers, especially as they hit the 6.5% uphill grade of Doomsday Hill.

Young Wheelchair Racer

Bloomsday brings millions in revenue to the Lilac City and is embraced as a fun time with many runners showing their personalities.

Runners Having a Good Time

Bloomsday Superheroes?

I participated in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1997 and 2008. I just might have to add 2016 for the race’s 40th anniversary.