The Lilac Bloomsday Run, born during the late 1970s running boom, emerged from the vision of local runner Don Kardong. With support from Spokane Mayor David Rodgers, the Jaycees, and sponsorship from Medical Service Corporation (now Premera), the inaugural race took place on May 1, 1977, attracting over a thousand runners. The event gained national recognition, experiencing exponential growth and peaking at 61,298 participants in 1996.

Bloomsday’s success is attributed to dedicated volunteers who implemented logistical systems to ensure a smooth experience for runners. Over its history, Bloomsday added prize money for top runners in 1982 and embraced wheelchair racers, consistently attracting world-class competitors. As a member of the ARRA and PRRO Circuits, Bloomsday hosted the first PRRO World Road Running Championships in 1996. The race gained national exposure in publications like Runner’s World and The Runner magazines, as well as on television on ESPN, Fox Sports Northwest, and the Outdoor Life Network.

Beyond its impact on the running community, Bloomsday touches the lives of youngsters through initiatives like the “Fit For Bloomsday” program, Jr. Bloomsday race, and marmot march fun run. Since 1993, the Lilac Bloomsday Association has provided airline tickets for top high school cross country runners to attend the Footlocker Western Regional Cross Country Championships in California. Nearing 5 decades, Bloomsday has become an integral part of life in the Inland Northwest, symbolizing the arrival of spring in Spokane and leaving an enduring legacy of community engagement and fitness promotion.