For Immediate Release—July 29, 2020

THE 44THRUNNING OF BLOOMSDAY WILL BE VIRTUAL!

RACE ORGANIZERS WILL MAIL 2020 RACE NUMBERS AND FINISHER SHIRTS SO THE TRADITION OF BLOOMSDAY LIVES ON.

Spokane, WA—Bloomsday race organizers announced to its participants and volunteers this morning that it will not be able to hold the in-person race on the re-scheduled date of Sunday, September 20 due to health concerns related to COVID-19. “While it’s a disappointing announcement to make, we are excited that we may continue the race’s proud tradition of a finisher shirt,” said Mark Starr, Lilac Bloomsday Association President. “We at Bloomsday feel strongly that 2020 cannot pass without a finisher shirt worn by our beloved Bloomies.”

This is the first year in the race’s 44-year history that Bloomsday will not have an actual race. This is also the first time in race history that Bloomsday is allowing its entire field of entrants to participate virtually.

Over the past several months, Bloomsday has worked closely with health officials from the Spokane Regional Health District and also city leadership in monitoring the likelihood of holding the race on September 20. The health and safety of Bloomsday participants, volunteers, and the Spokane community have always been Bloomsday’s top priority and was the deciding factor in whether to proceed with the race.

For all registrants signed up for the September 20 12k, their entries will automatically be moved to the Virtual Bloomsday race. On July 2, Virtual Bloomsday was introduced to runners and walkers who preferred an option different than participating in the actual race.

Entry into Virtual Bloomsday is just under $25, and registration remains open through August 26 atwww.bloomsdayrun.org.

Virtual Bloomsday will allow participants to run any course – 7.46 miles in distance – anywhere in the world. Virtual Bloomsday is open to everyone and provides an opportunity to “Earn Your Shirt.” This is an especially appealing option for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to travel to Spokane.

Between September 18 – 20, runners and walkers can complete their 12k and then report their finish time on the Bloomsday website. In late September, race organizers will mail all finisher shirts to those who have submitted their time. It will be the most ambitious mailing project in Bloomsday history.

“We have already been contacted by runners in England and New Zealand who are thrilled that this is their year to do Bloomsday and secure the famous Bloomsday finisher shirt,” said Jon Neill, Bloomsday Race Director. “We are looking forward to seeing where people do their runs and walks, and likewise encourage participation all over the United States and the globe.”

Bloomsday is no stranger to doing an event on a global scale. Once proudly known as the world’s largest timed road race, Bloomsday already attracts runners from around the world during its typical May date.

Additional information about Virtual Bloomsday can be found on the Bloomsday website atwww.bloomsdayrun.org.

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