Galloping Gertie offers three distances
By Colin Anderson
Photo courtesy Galloping Gertie Half Marathon
Runners of all skill levels can once again enjoy one of the area’s favorite and most scenic runs. Registration for the annual Galloping Gertie is currently open, and organizers are hoping for another great turnout after missing out on the run in 2020.
The race, whose namesake comes from the dubious nickname of the previous Tacoma Narrows Bridge that collapsed back in November of 1940, will traverse across the newest section of bridge, the eastbound, which opened back in 2007. No matter if you choose the half marathon, 10k, or 5k, each run will send you across the iconic bridge that holds spectacular views of the Puget Sound, Olympics and Mount Rainier.
The starting line for all three distances is the Tacoma Narrows Airport. The 5k course will depart from the airport, catch Stone Drive and then move onto the bridge. Runners will go about halfway across then turn around and go back the same route. The 10k is a similar route, however, runners will go all the way across the bridge before their turnaround. The half marathon adds several additional miles, including a pass through some beautiful old-growth forest. The course is now flatter than in previous years, so faster times can be expected.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 7, which is also when you’ll receive your race packet. Be sure to pick up your bib and packet no later than 7:45am, as the first run goes off at 8am. There are aid stations and porta-potties located along each course, and each participant will receive a tech race shirt, complimentary downloadable race photos, a finisher’s medal and entrance to the after-party.
You can register in advance at Galloping-Gertie.com. Volunteers are also needed for the event, and you can sign-up at the race homepage as well. The event is sponsored by the Gig Harbor Rotary, and proceeds from the Galloping Gertie will help fund many community-centric projects like Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Children’s Home Society and Communities in Schools Peninsula.
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