Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bloomsday: First 10 years

2019 will mark Bloomsday's 43rd year. Started in 1977, the race grew into the region's signature athletic event. Here's a gallery from the first 10 years of Bloomsday.

1,198 people finish the first Bloomsday in 1977.

The start of Bloomsday in 1977.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners cross the Maple Street bridge during Bloomsday in 1977.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners make their way down Pettet Drive during Bloomsday in 1977.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners participate in Bloomsday in 1978. The U.S. Pavillion can be seen in the background.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners cross the Maple Street bridge in Bloomsday in 1978.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


People cover the hills in Riverfront Park waiting for the finishers during Bloomsday 1978.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Don Kardong approaches the finish in Riverfront Park during Bloomsday in 1978.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Over 10,000 people crossing the Maple Street bridge make the lamp posts sway back and forth in 1979.

Runners head down Riverside Avenue during Bloomsday in 1979.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners head north as traffic heads south on the Maple Street Bridge during Bloomsday in 1979.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


The Maple Street Bridge is full of runners during Bloomsday in 1979.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Doomsday Hill on Pettet Drive makes its debut on the new course in 1980.

Runners conquer Doomsday Hill in Bloomsday in 1980.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners cool off at a water station during Bloomsday in 1980.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners make the turn at Fort George Wright and Government Way during Bloomsday in 1981.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


A Bloomsday couple share a kiss in 1981.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Bloomsday runners cross the river on Post Street and hear the music from “Rocky” in 1981.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


An aerial view of the finish line in front of Riverfront Park during Bloomsday in 1981.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


The Corporate Cup competition is added to the race in 1982.

Runners participate in Bloomsday 1982.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Candace Cable competes in Bloomsday 1983.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners celebrate their finish in Bloomsday 1983.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners’ signs are put up during Bloomsday in 1984.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Runners cross the Riverside overpass bridge that crosses the Maple bridge route during Bloomsday in 1984.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


A first aid station on Spokane Falls Boulevard is staffed by Deaconess Hospital during Bloomsday in 1984.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


“The Joy of Running Together” by David Govedare is installed in Riverfront Park in 1985.

View of the Peaceful Valley portion of the Bloomsday course in 1985.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


A helicopter flies near trees while covering Bloomsday runners on Government Way in 1985.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


A runner takes a leap into a refreshing spray of water during Bloomsday in 1985.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


A finisher relaxes on the grass in Riverfront Park during Bloomsday 1985.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


The first Fit for Bloomsday…Fit for Life program for youth gets over 30 elementary schools in 1986.

An aerial view of runners merging at Government Way during Bloomsday in 1986.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Cathy Delago, Shannon Coffin and Sadie the dog watch Bloomies head for the finish line during Bloomsday in 1986.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


Bloomsday passes the 50,000 mark in entrants and finishers in 1987.

The California Raisins assemble before the start of Bloomsday in 1987.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review


In 1987, one runner showed his Canadian colors as he motored up Doomsday Hill.

Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Share on Social Media

Recently in Picture story