Registration is now open for Kent’s 35th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run set for Saturday, December 9, 2017. Starting and finishing at Hogan Park at Russell Road, the holiday tradition features a 10K run and 5K run/walk.

According to Kent Parks’ program coordinator Mark Hendrickson, the 5K is a modified out-and-back that will take runners along Riverbend Golf Course on their return trip to the finish line, while the 10K makes a big loop through the Kent Valley between Meeker Street and 212th Street.

“What’s nice about this race is the 5K and 10K runners will not ever intersect until the last 100 yards of the race, which is also the best place to watch your family and friends as they sprint to the finish. It’s fun to watch,” Hendrickson said.

Both races will be certified and chip-timed by BuDu Racing. Race day highlights include prize drawings and awards for the top five finishers in each age group, special activities and vendor booths.

The early entrance fee is $10, or $25 with a technical T-shirt before December 2. Week of race entrance fees are $20, or $35 with a technical T-shirt.

Online registration is available at Active.com. Registration forms are also available at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores.

Avoid the lines on race day; pick up shirts and bibs at RoadRunner Sports at Kent Station, Wednesday, December 6, 3 to 7 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up will also be available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m.

Parking is available at Hogan Park at Russell Road, 24400 Russell Road and Neely O’Brien Elementary School, 6300 S. 236th Street, Kent. Please allow for an additional 5 to 10 minute walk from each parking lot to the registration/starting area. Staff will be on site to provide guidance.

For more information, visit KentWA.gov/ChristmasRush or call 253-856-5050.

[Source: Dana Neuts, Communications Consultant to the City of Kent]

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter is a writer and photographer from Kent, Washington. Michelle is a contributor to iLoveKent.net. She loves to find interesting places to go and fun things to do and share them with her readers. Click links to see her writing, photography or Facebook page.