Early registration for Bloomsday underway; registrants have chance to win smartphone

Early registration for the 42nd annual Lilac Bloomsday Run is underway, and organizers are encouraging runners to make their fitness resolutions for the new year soon.

“We know it’s cold out and there’s snow on the ground,” said Lilac Bloomsday Association President Mark Starr. “But in four months we’ll all be enjoying spring weather and the excitement of running or walking seven-and-a-half miles along the Spokane River.”

Those who register for the run by Feb. 11 will be entered into a drawing for an Apple iPhone 8 64GB model or a Samsung Galaxy S8 64GB.

So far, 1,500 people have registered, said Don Kardong, a spokesman for the Bloomsday Association. He encourages others to get their registration paperwork in.

“I think the advantage to online registration is that people can reinforce their goals to get in shape, and it’s better to avoid a late-entry fee,” he said.

Those signing up for Bloomsday may also add a donation to the Spokane Guilds’ School and Neuromuscular Center, a nonprofit for children impacted by developmental disabilities and delays. A donation to the school will help struggling families with copays and help fund the school’s services, according to a news release sent out by the Lilac Bloomsday Association.

Bloomsday will be held May 6. Kardong said more information about the race will be released in February.