Sounders FC fans and runners will be participating in the inaugural Rave Green Run in Kirkland on Sunday, which will include sections of the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC).
The event, sponsored by EvergreenHealth, will include a kid’s 1k, a 5k and 9k course. Jeff Orswell, president of Orswell Events, said they hope for the event to become an annual tradition. They were inspired to create the event after the Seahawks 12k Run at The Landing in Renton. The popularity of the race made them look at doing the same thing for the Sounders FC. Looking for a place to hold the event, they went with Kirkland due to the strong fanbase and popularity of running on the Eastside.
“The Sounders thought it would be fun to have an Eastside event close to home for the Eastside fans,” Orswell said. “We love Kirkland and would love to grow this event and make it a staple in the event scene in Kirkland.”
So far, they have 2,300 registered participants for the 5k and 9k, and anticipate a total 2,500 runners total. As part of the event, they are encouraging Sounders fans to show off their team support, with a spirit award going to the most enthusiastic fan.
“We think the more people show their rave green spirit the better,” Orswell said. “We want people to really don the scarves and wigs and face paint and all their Sounders gear.”
Opening earlier this year, the CKC was first used as part of a race course for the 2015 Mother’s Day Half Marathon and 5K in May. As part of the city of Kirkland’s policy for the CKC’s use in private events, the trail will be kept open to the public, according to CKC Coordinator Kari Page.
Parking will be available at Juanita Beach Park and neighboring city streets. Runners can pick up their registration and packets for the 9k and 5k at Juanita Beach Park at 9 a.m. The two races will begin at 10:30 a.m., starting and finishing at 97th Ave NE south of NE 119th Way. The kids run begins at noon. A post-race awards ceremony and raffle drawing will be held at 12:30 p.m. Both the 9K Run and 5K Run/Walk courses are USATF certified. All participants in the 9K Run are required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 minutes per mile. Walkers are encouraged to participate in the 5K Run/Walk.
After the race, participants are invited to watch the Sounder’s road match against the LA Galaxy at 1 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park. The viewing party includes a beer garden, food trucks, live music and family activities.
Portions of race entries will benefit the Washington Global Health Alliance, a Sounders FC community partner, that deals with local and global health challenges.
Registration is $35 and participants receive a 2015 Rave Green Run tech shirt, a Sounders FC Rave Finisher medal. Runners in the 9k and 5k will receive a 3D medal. Runners can register at http://sndrs.com/p6kf. A map of the 5k and 9k course can be found at ravegreenrun.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/15-RGR-Course-Map.pdf.
For more information, go to ravegreenrun.com.
Traffic impacts in Kirkland
Commuters should expect traffic delays due to the event due to road closures and detours. The beach parking lot and Northeast Juanita Drive from 93rd Avenue Northeast to 98th Avenue Northeast will be closed and detours in place from 10 a.m. until approximately noon. In addition, 97th Avenue Northeast from Northeast Juanita Drive to Northeast 120th Street will be closed from 5 a.m. to noon. For public parking, including the Kirkland Municipal Garage, go to kirklandwa.gov/parking. For bus transportation, go to tripplanner.kingcounty.gov. For event information, go to www.explorekirkland.com. For event route maps, go to kirklandwa.gov/specialevents.
