Bloomsday Memories

Do you have a favorite Bloomsday memory? Rain or shine, walking or running, in sickness or in health - please share your story and photo with The Spokesman-Review. We'll display them here, and use selected entries in print leading up to the May 6 race.

NOTE: Before photos show up in the reader photo gallery, they must be approved by an editor. If yours does not show up immediately, fear not. The only likely delay is that an editor has not had a chance to approve new photo submissions yet. Thanks for participating!

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Section:Reader Photo

Fri., April 6, 2012

Photos in This Album

Scott Rivas, Kimberly Rivas, Kaitlyn Rivas, and Trevor Rivas (entire family) did Bloomsday on the Columbia Plateau Trail at Fish Lake. Here is a picture of our family at the start. We enjoyed the smoke free air and saw a number of Bloomies on the trail.

Photographer: Scott Rivas
Bloomsday 2005!

Photographer: Ken Hill
Bloomsday 2006!

Photographer: Ken Hill
Joseph and Natalie Bennett, after they had just run Bloomsday May 7th, 1995, on bridge over looking Spokane Falls in Spokane, WA

Photographer: Sharon Bennett
Bloomsday 1987: from left to right: Steve, Suzannah and Debbie Kirk, Jim Kirk, Dave Kirk, Adam and Shelley Jenkins, Jane Kirk, Dorothy Kirk, Mary Kirk and Ruth K. Rowse. Steve Kirk and Bloomsday go together. His sister, Jane, served on the board in the '90s. His parents, Dorothy and Art Kirk, hosted the label party at their home for many years. On Friday, nine days before the race, about 40 volunteers would remove the labels with participants' name info from the stacks of computer page print outs. We'd carefully stick each onto the correct colored numbered tag for each runner. Since 983, Steve added each new year's colored race tag to his office display. His missed 2006 when he was in Sacred Heart receiving chemo for acute myloid leukemia. He was proud of his 2007 time, 1 hour, 9 minutes, with his low blood hemoglobin count of 10.3. Steve was happy to run last year. He died Sept. 3. His friends and family will gather Bloomsday Eve to remember and be inspired by Steve.

Photographer: Deborah Kirk
Bloomsday 2011: from left to right: Andy Kirk, Jim Kirk, Smokey Schneider, Steve Kirk. Steve Kirk and Bloomsday go together. His sister, Jane, served on the board in the '90s. His parents, Dorothy and Art Kirk, hosted the label party at their home for many years. On Friday, nine days before the race, about 40 volunteers would remove the labels with participants' name info from the stacks of computer page print outs. We'd carefully stick each onto the correct colored numbered tag for each runner. Since 983, Steve added each new year's colored race tag to his office display. His missed 2006 when he was in Sacred Heart receiving chemo for acute myloid leukemia. He was proud of his 2007 time, 1 hour, 9 minutes, with his low blood hemoglobin count of 10.3. Steve was happy to run last year. He died Sept. 3. His friends and family will gather Bloomsday Eve to remember and be inspired by Steve.

Photographer: Deborah Kirk
I have run Bloomsday 31 times. So many of my memories are of my two sons as little boys on Riverside sitting on top of parked cars near Dodsons cheering me on. When they were in the second and fourth grade, they started training to run also. Each year by husband and I would have one of them as a partner. We switched partners each year. We were a team of two and if one stopped to tie a shoe, slow down or get a drink we both did. Even in those early years our times would be close to an hour or an hour and 10 minutes. I think running with them kept me running year after year. Now we are in the third generation of family with our grandsons running. It has become a rite of spring for all of us and a cherished family tradition.

Photographer: Kathleen Dix
I have run Bloomsday 31 times. So many of my memories are of my two sons as little boys on Riverside sitting on top of our parked cars near Dodsons cheering me on.When they were in the second and fourth grade, they started training to run also. Each year my husband and I would have one of them as a partner. We switched partners every year. We were a team of two and if one stopped to tie a shoe, slow down or get a drink we both did. Even in those early years our times would be close to one hour or an hour and 10 minutes. I think running with them kept me running year after year. Now we are in the third generation of family with our grandsons running. It has become a rite of spring for all of us and a cherished family tradition.

Photographer: Kathleen Dix
We gathered with all the runners on that first Sunday in May 1977 on the steps outside the Opera House overlooking the river. I remember looking around at the more seasoned runners. They were stretching and wearing running shoes. I had on a pair of Keds and my brother wore Converse basketball shoes. The started gave us a short welcome and then we all walked to the start on Spokane Falls Boulevard. The gun went off at 1 p.m. and we were off in the 80-degree weather. The first Bloomsday was a huge success. Don Kardong was hoping for about 500 runners but 1,300 ran the course. My brother and I made it. We took a picture on a bridge by the finish line at the clock tower in Riverfront Park and that was the start of a family tradition of running Bloomsday. Now we have good running shoes. We stretch and train like seasoned runners.

Photographer: Kathleen Dix
Our family has run Bloomsday for 34 years, and one thing I will always remember is our pyramid. Those who ran, finishers' T-shirts on, we took a photo of all the runners in pyramid style. My brother and I were the only runners in 1977, but as the years went on, and more family and friends joined, the pyramid evolved. Some years we had probably 18 people in the photo and other years maybe 10. We never leave our post-picnic or party without a pyramid picture.

Photographer: Kathleen Dix
A favorite memory is of my mom and aunt who would put up a card table across the street from Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral on Riverside. After mass they pulled out homemade cinnamon rolls and fixed Irish coffees as they waited for the runners to race by. My family members, friends and I would throw them our sweatshirts and they would bag them up and bring them to the finish line. Then in the park, up went the card table and coolers filled with great salads, sandwiches, cookies, cold sodas and beer. Over the years we decided they deserved a T-shirt also. Their T-shirts read Bag Lady. After 35 years, my 92-year-old mom still loves Bloomsday. She still sets up across the street from the cathedral and brings the Irish coffees.

Photographer: Kathleen Dix
Bloomsday Perennials Ken Hill and Jack Snead We've run them all! May 1, 2011 Spokane

Photographer: Ken Hill
Bloomsday Party, May 1, 2011, Spokane

Photographer: Ken Hill
I was incoming President of the Spokane Jaycees when Don Kardong approached us in February 1977 regarding sponsoring a fun run in Spokane. We expected 300 runners and budgeted $1,000. Planning started in mid February and the run was May 1, 1977. Several Jaycees also ran the first Bloomsday. When we finished we helped out at the finish. Finishers were given T-shirts, a coke, a finisher’s ribbon, and a hot Stewart sandwich. My first Bloomsday was also memorable because it was my first fun run. I'd never seen so many people running at one time - 1,200 of us! We started at the Opera House, ran across the Maple Street Bridge, down Doomsday Hill, up Meenach Drive and finished at the Forestry Pavilion at River Front Park. It was great fun! May 6 will be my 36th Bloomsday.

Photographer: Ken Hill
Six years ago, my husband was watching the Bloomsday festivities on the TV. He turned to me and said, “Next year I want to do that as a family.” I just nodded, not believing it would happen. You see he was fighting tongue cancer. Thirty-six rounds of radiation and twelve weeks of chemo and the survival rate was still pretty low. Thankfully, we got the all clear and he began regaining strength. We anxiously awaited Bloomsday and on that beautiful Sunday in May, our family of four walked our first Bloomsday. We took it very slow and finished somewhere around two hours thirty minutes, but as we turned the corner onto Monroe and heard the sounds of Chariots of Fire, we reached for each other’s hands and proudly walked across the finish line together. Now Bloomsday is a family tradition that represents the victory of surviving another year.

Photographer: Jennie Bradstreet
This is a story from 1983: She didn't cry, she squeaked. Born at 28 weeks in 1976 with a birthweight of 1 # 14 oz. the cry had not developed. But against all odds, we believed, she survived. As a 35 pound 7 year old, not without struggles, she announced she wanted to walk in Bloomsday. I said, "Honey, that is a very long walk. She said," I know mom, I can do it, I believe in myself." So we signed up, and as we held hands and crossed the finish line together, she with a huge smile,me with tears in my eyes, I remembered her miracle survival. NO, she did not cry, but her mom sure did! (the photo is 28 years later and still doing Bloomsday)

Photographer: Tere von Marbod
The year was 1987 and we decided it was time for our kids to make the switch from Junior Bloomsday to the real thing – Bloomsday. Our two families (Leafs and Olsons) each had three kids – two still in strollers and the others ages 6-9. It was a beautiful day but the kids were getting tired by the time we headed up the dreaded Doomsday Hill. Imagine our delight when we reached the top to find bakers with trays of hot, fresh maple bars giving out free samples. They were starting a new bakery and this was a good day for free advertising. Wow – what a treat! Unfortunately, the kids expected the same the following year but were disappointed when the only treats at the top of the hill were a cup of water and a high 5 from the vulture!!

Photographer: Jeanne Leaf
Elizabeth Adkins

Photographer: Kerri Porter
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
Having “run” Bloomsday 28 times, there are innumerable memories, but if I had to put them into one I’d say it was the 14 or so times our youngest son brought PLU classmates and, after graduation, other buddies for the weekend fun. We would have up to 15 “kids” spend two nights. My wife, Joanne, would have Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals for all and would invite neighbors to the party. She would cook for up to 25 on Saturday night – and these were full Italian dinners – lasagna, chicken cacciatoria, or spaghetti and meatballs. Sunday, she made lunches for all the kids before sending them back to Seattle. She did all this after volunteering at the registration desk at Bloomsday with co-workers from ONB and other friends. Thanks, Bloomsday!

Photographer: Herb Limbaugh
My first Bloomsday was in 2008 – a beautiful spring morning. As we made our way across the Hangman Creek bridge, several people noticed an osprey with a large trout flying toward us. As it flew overhead, many were pointing upward and yelling, “Look, it’s got a fish!” The noise and commotion startled the osprey and it dropped the fish onto the bridge and into the crowd. A young boy picked up the flopping fish and held it up in both hands like a trophy. Everyone laughed and someone said, “Put it back in the river!” He had no other choice but to drop it over the railing into the river. Stunned, but back home, it recovered and swam downstream.

Photographer: Patty Peter
Bloomsday Finisher and sometimes poet, 2006 Ode to that Blustery Bloomsday, 2006 by Steve Johnston While it’s Bloomsday we register for Is it an athletic test we want, or Is it the Finisher's T-shirt more-so That we shall fit upon our torso? My fellow joggers cannot wait To charge through the starting gate The throng of thousands surges ahead Forgetting they could be home warm instead Walkers and runners along Riverside Make a colorful crowd as ever one's spied Downhill they speed while uphill they pant Ignoring the wind, some prefer clothes scant Around the bend, towards Meenach Bridge Up Doomsday Hill, some pause at the ridge To gaze down where they themselves had been At the surging river of people therein Each Finisher is filled with glee To hold what each has earned: a Tee This year's color is revealed -- burnt orange ...Well, there are no rhymes for orange!

Photographer: Steve Johnston
My Bloomsday 2011 began over 30 years ago. Home from WSU, I was visiting friends Jeff and Andy. Their dad Karl had just completed Bloomsday. He ran the race under his age. Wow! I’ll do that some day. I ran ten marathons, but speed was not my strength. In 2001 at age 45, I weighed over 255 pounds and ran 1:17. 32 minutes too slow. But never give up on your dreams, yourself, or the world. The people I needed came into my life. Bloomsday 2011, I crested Doomsday Hill and checked my Garmin. 1:00 ahead of pace. Relax, breath, and just keep rolling. The finish line “53:31”. I beat my age by 1:29. The joy and gratitude, for all who helped me: My wife and sisters, training buddies, Weight Watchers, Oz fitness instructors; Beth, Molly, and Lana. And especially Kelly and Max. And thank you Karl – a chance encounter sparked over 30 years of desire. You rocked!!

Photographer: Bill Franks
Meeting my son Garry Boulden's challenge that I couldn't run the course in 1980. I was 80 years old and went on to win my age group year after year. I ran with Don Kardong at the "Garden of the Gods." I ran with Dan Fitzgerald and many other notable runners. Age 81 I ran the course 7:03.4. I won 19 Bloomsday medals Continued and ran many marathons -- Las Vegas, Idaho etc. Small-town races were fun too. A leg injury made me stop running. I'm fit enough now to try the course again one more time. I am 95 years old.

Photographer: George Boulden
My favorite Bloomsday memory is Gladys Isaacson. She is my ex-mother-in-law and started Bloomsday when she was 71 years in 1997. She never missed a Bloomsday after that until she passed away last Christmas. She absolutely loved Bloomsday, so much so that she was actually buried in last year’s Bloomsday t-shirt and her running shoes. She came from Longview, Wash., her sister came from Butte and her children and grandchildren joined her, someone new every year. There are too many wonderful memories to list. She was an amazing lady and Bloomie. We love and miss her and are dedicating this year’s Bloomsday to her. (the attached picture is Gladys, her son Jerry Isaacson and grandson Josh Isaacson - last year's Bloomsday)

Photographer: Linda Winfrey
This picture was taken in July 1995 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Imagine this: Julie Weiskopf, a resident of Spokane, was greeted by a resident of Tanzania wearing a 1995 Bloomsday finish shirt. Julie was on a teaching mission. What a surprise. All unclaimed finish shirts are shipped to Third World countries.

Photographer: Jeanette Brenner (Bloomsday volunteer)
Doing Bloomsday with my mom has always been very special! My mom, Beverly, started walking with me at age 65. She loved the Bloomsday shirt and was so proud to walk together. We both had finished the 2008 race and three weeks later she suffered a massive stroke. Mom spent 151 days in the hospital, Royal Park, St. Luke's and Regency Rehab at Northpointe. She had a goal---to walk again. With compassionate care from her therapist and great determination, she progressed. At Bloomsday 2009, 20 friends helped push her through the course in her wheelchair ans she got up and walked across the finish line!! My mom finished 2 more Bloomsdays before she passed away in Sept 2011 at the age of 87. This year (my 35th race in a row) will be very different without her by my side. But I know how happy she was to spend time together, finish Bloomsday and receive that wonderful t-shirt. She was buried in her Bloomsday shirt.

Photographer: Craig Gerlack
Gladys Victoria Isaacson was 86 years young when she had a stroke. I found out mid afternoon and when I heard, I got in my car and rushed from Spokane to Portland OR. where she was being treated. Me and my dad walked in when the nurse was explaining what had happen to her and then asked her if she had any question. My grandma the Norwegian she is said “yes.” Now I just walked in when this was happening without saying hi to my grandma first I wanted to know what her question was. She asked the nurse if she could do Bloomsday this year? That was her only concern, only a few months away. Well on Christmas 2011 she passed away and was buried her 2011 Bloomsday T-shirt, blue jeans and her sneakers. My grandma loved coming over to Spokane to walk Bloomsday these last 15 years.

Photographer: Joshua C. Isaacson
After 32 Bloomsdays, I have many great memories. Favorite may have been last year with grandson Alex. At the 6-mile mark he stopped to go to the bathroom. I continued on, and when he finally caught up to me, he had his hand over one of the watercups. What's in the cup? It's the biggest earthworm he had ever seen. He protected the earthworm the rest of the race including crossing the finish line. The worm was released to a safe place. This photo was of Alex and I on our front porch, 2009, prior to his first and my 30th race.

Photographer: Nadine Hawley
Our son Travis ran Bloomsday at the age of 6 while in first grade. at doomsday hill he left both my wife and I and finished alone. Tracy Walters, a family friend, recognized Travis and announced his name as he crossed the finish line. Later Travis told us "Dad I think I won" "They announced my name!" (the picture is of college race unrelated -- just a cute story and would not let me send only a story)

Photographer: Thomas Hartanov
My favorite Bloomsday memory is of my mother running her first Bloomsday races when she was in her 60s. She was an avid runner and participated in just about every road race around town. She won many trophies and ribbons along the way as she finished in the top three of her age group over and over again. This photo is of her two Bloomsday medals that she won in 1988 and 1989. We were so very proud of her achievements and running was something she truly loved to do. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2007 from breast cancer but my daughters and I try to honor her memory every year, and her passion for running, by participating in the Komen Race for the Cure.

Photographer: Jenny Earlscourt
Bathrooms! Prior to having kids, I would wiz by (pun intended) each and every bathroom posted along the course, not giving a second thought to the lines or those poor people’s times. Most recently, my daughter has joined me in the race and she views every portapotty as an opportunity to revel in the excitement of Bloomsday and hear everyone’s stories….while waiting in line for the bathroom. This is painful to me as I watch the runners and minutes go by. I have to admit though, I do enjoy “running” Bloomsday with my 11 year old Maddie and I look forward to the hour (or more) we will take off our time when one of these years we don’t stop at even one. We are looking forward the Bathroomsday 2012!

Photographer: Craig Gendreau
Once Spokane had no Bloomsday -- but it had Don Kardong, with his vision of putting thousands of runners on the streets of the city. His "fun run" quickly evolved into a 7.46 mile event! Don called it "Bloomsday" after the Olympic stars of old. He needed some help, and recruited me to put the regulations on my "mag-card" typewriter (a computer precursor). And so began Bloomsday! After working many races at the watering station on Doomsday Hill, I tried it myself. I was pleased to do quite well in the rankings of women my age. On one race as I trudged to the finish line I was met by my son. He had finished the race; gone home; showered; and waited for me to finish! My picture is an autographed page from my prized copy of Don's book "Bloomsday: A City In Motion."

Photographer: Leta Norcross
Irma, 86, with son Larry. I have enjoyed doing Bloomsday for 24 years and have all my Bloomsday shirts. It has been a big family event and I now have four generations running it and I have several medals. We always have a big family party after the race.

Photographer: Irma Almond
Four generations, from left: son Larry, Irma, great granddaughter Ava, granddaughter Stacy and son Mel. I have enjoyed doing Bloomsday for 24 years and have all my Bloomsday shirts. It has been a big family event and I now have four generations running it and I have several medals. We always have a big family party after the race.

Photographer: Irma Almond
Irma Almond with son Larry, left, daughter Jolene and son Mel. I have enjoyed doing Bloomsday for 24 years and have all my Bloomsday shirts. It has been a big family event and I now have four generations running it and I have several medals. We always have a big family party after the race.

Photographer: Irma Almond
This is the Almond family Bloomsday picture. I, Irma (87), am second from the right with my son Larry, and I do have four generations in this picture. I have enjoyed doing Bloomsday for 24 years and have all my Bloomsday shirts. It has been a big family event and I now have four generations running it and I have several medals. We always have a big family party after the race.

Photographer: Irma Almond
Doomsday Hill 2008

Photographer: Lynn Barrett
My friend Joanne and I walked together for her first time doing Bloomsday many years ago. When we finally got started, Joanne was so excited she began walking much faster than our practiced pace. To keep up with Joanne, who was 11 years older, I too began walking faster than our practiced pace. Near the 1-mile marker my back condition caused me to start limping. As I was trying to decide to quit and turn back or go on, a lady went past me on crutches because she only had one leg. I got the message and finished the walk, limping all the way. Sadly, Joanne died a short time later in a futile attempt to save her grandson from drowning. She was a dear friend, a true hero and part of a wonderful Bloomsday memory. Joanne is wearing Bloomsday number 40448. The young girl whose hand she is holding is probably one of her granddaughters.

Photographer: Karen J. Baker
This is a picture of me at Bloomsday Run 2006 posing with the popular Doomsday Vulture at the top of the brutal hill. What I love about the Vulture is that he makes you feel relieved to finally finish to the top and encourage you to grab some water at the water tables behind him and to sprint as fast as you can to the FINISH LINE! GOTTA LOVE THE VULTURE!!

Photographer: Kim Rose
This is a picture of me and my friend Nancy. Nancy has been a "spectator" for the last few years at the annual Lilac Bloomsday Run. She is always at the bottom of Doomsday Hill; she gives me positive thoughts and a good push to make it positively to the top of the brutal hill. I love her for giving me words of encouragement and making me SMILE and GROAN all the way up the hill and very close to the FINISHING LINE!

Photographer: Kim Rose
May 1, 2010, was our wedding day. We danced all night at the reception to Six Foot Swing at the Glover Mansion. That night we both sat on the edge of the bathtub at the Davenport soaking our sore feet wondering how we would walk Bloomsday the next morning. Somehow we rallied when we woke up. We put on our newlywed T-shirts and my bridal veil and walked Bloomsday.

Photographer: Diane and Ron Rudnick
"Our Bloomsday Garden Continues to Grow": Jim and Diane Nebels picture of 28 Bloomsday T-shirts they've collected from 1982 to present, except for 1998 and 2000 they missed due to cancer.

Photographer: Diane Nebel
Spiderman scanning the 2010 Bloomsday racers. This colorful costume stood out in the sea of bloomies.

Photographer: Beverly Havens-Hardin
It was May 1, 2011, just before 8 AM, and it was 34 degrees. The Start Line of the 35th running of the Bloomsday Race was crowded with runners. As I snapped pictures, my husband, Revered Ralph J. Fishburn, stood in front of a shivering bride and groom and began the first ever wedding at the Bloomsday race. “We are gathered here at the Start Line of the Bloomsday Race to witness and bless the vows which will join together this man and this woman in matrimony." Thus the couple, Karen Fall and Michael Smith of Kent, Washington, began their married life together.

Photographer: Karen Fishburn
2010 Bloomsday these girls really ran it together! Wow, the colors man! Beverly Havens-Hardin

Photographer: Beverly Havens-Hardin
Here is Spiderman on the Bloomsday route 2010. I love the costuming during the race. Beverly Havens-Hardin

Photographer: Beverly Havens-Hardin
It was Bloomsday 1996: beautiful day, dressed in jogging gear and well trained. I belonged to a group that ran twice a week all year long. I took water at each station. About a block from the finish line, a policeman noticed that I was weaving and not doing well. He was going to take me off the course when a running friend came up from behind me and said, “I’ll get her to the finish line,” and another friend tore off my tag. My temperature was 107 degrees Fahrenheit, so a nurse, icy sheets and IVs brought my temperature back down to normal. I placed sixth in my age group of women 65-69. I was a bit late for the tailgate party my husband Bill and I hosted after the race. I’ve done 31 races -- jogged most of them, walked a couple at the beginning and the last 2-3 years since back surgery. Training with Holy Family for this year.

Photographer: Edie Wilson
In 2002, we had 23 people in bright yellow T-shirts from Fairchild AFB. I knew it would be my last chance and had my husband Denny pay the early fee. Brenda Wheeler picked up my packet and I had been given an Elite number. They all laughed at me. They needed more honeypots—who wants to wait in line—but when we got to the Doomsday hill, we waited. Someone behind me pushed a wheelchair into my legs and it was my butt in someone’s face and had us both yelling. I heard someone say, “Vina had a free ride up the hill and all she did was yell.” We got our T-shirts and it started to pour. We ran for cover—some people had free showers. I was 71 years old, had blisters on both feet but it was still a fun day. My time was 3:37:16.

Photographer: Vina Mikkelsen
It's hard to resist the urge of the Dark Side as Gina Boysun and daughter Grace Pinnock passed through the West Central neighborhood during Bloomsday 2009.

Photographer: Gina Boysun
Cancer survivors Gary Boysun and Pat Forster show off their scars.

Photographer: Gary Boysun
Our Montana contingent joined us for Bloomsday 1996.

Photographer: Gina Boysun
This is my sister Sandi walking her last Bloomsday with my daughter Ashlyn in 2009. My sister Sandi passed away in 2010 after having a seizure. We miss her so much. Every year, we do Bloomsday with her in mind.

Photographer: Sarah Dahl
ONE of the wedding photos with Bloomsday spirit @ our lovely hometown, Taiwan.

Photographer: Angela Chang
ONE of the wedding photos with Bloomsday spirit @ our lovely hometown, Taiwan.

Photographer: Angela Chang
To honor my wife of 54 years, Marlys Ann Garcia, who passed away April 26, 2011, I ran for Marlys. She permitted me to coach baseball and remain in the U.S. Army until I retired in 1994 at age 60. At 77 I completed my first Bloomsday and will be running/walking in 2012!

Photographer: Jerry Garcia
2010 was my 15th consecutive Bloomsday, but my first barefoot one. It was my fastest time ever. This was taken after returning to Riverfront Park after getting my shirt.

Photographer: Hank Greer
2010 was my 15th consecutive Bloomsday, but my first barefoot one. It was my fastest time ever. This was taken after returning to Riverfront Park after getting my shirt.

Photographer: Hank Greer
My favorite Bloomsday memory happened last week -- and I haven’t run Bloomsday in 20 years! Bloomsday stories came up recently during an evening spent with our daughter’s friends and coworkers. Several were avid runners, as is my “perennial” husband. Last week I received a call from our daughter, Jonica. Excitedly, she told me her co-worker, Ross, who had been at the party and was one of those avid runners, had just walked into her office with a 1980 Bloomsday Special Edition. “Mom,” she asked, “Did you really run Bloomsday in 1:01:14? I paused, though I knew the answer. I could pick up “ street cred” with a simple yes… I laughingly replied, “Many runners’ times were incorrectly reported as an hour faster. How sweet that error was... My time was better than those ‘running for time’. It was in print. It must be true. I reveled in it!”

Photographer: Lynda G. Parry
Two unidentified Bloomsday participants show some sole in front of the convention center in 1985.

Photographer: Spokesman-Review
Chad Driesbach and Katie Derthick of Seattle leap as they cross the finish line of Bloomsday 2010. "We like to make good finish line photos," said Derthick.

Photographer: Spokesman-Review
Spokesman-Review photographer Dan Pelle after the 2008 race.

Photographer: Spokesman-Review