The 2026 Sound to Narrows took place on Saturday, June 13 in Tacoma, Washington — the 54th annual edition of what is proudly Washington State's oldest 12K race, first run in 1972. The South Sound's beloved kick-off to summer draws thousands of runners and walkers through the trails, hills, and spectacular waterfront of Point Defiance Park. The signature 12K route is modified in 2026 due to ongoing Phase 2 construction of the Loop Trail within the park — runners are treated to a bonus hill and extra distance (7.6 miles), including a stretch along the scenic Promenade Lane from Point Defiance Marina to Owen Beach, then back up via Five Mile Drive. Start, finish, and all events: North Vassault Drive & 37th Street. 300+ volunteers make the race happen, with a post-race celebration featuring vendors and live music.
12K+
8:15 AM
Modified
🏆 12K+ Modified Route — 7.6 miles · Start 8:15 AM
Start 8:15 AM · 7.6-mile modified course (construction Phase 2 Loop Trail) · Main entrance Point Defiance Park → Promenade Ln → Point Defiance Marina → Owen Beach (monster climb!) → Five Mile Drive → Finish · Views of Puget Sound & the Narrows · Timed · Military run same start · Free photos
5K
8:30 AM
5K Run — Start 8:30 AM · "You've got hills too!"
Start 8:30 AM · Fast and challenging 5K route · N. Vassault Dr & 37th St · Hilly and exciting PNW course · Timed · All ages · 5K Walk (untimed) same start · Post-race bands + vendors
2K
8:00 AM
Kids
2K Run/Walk — Start 8:00 AM · Young athletes
Start 8:00 AM · 2K timed run/walk · N. Vassault Dr & 37th St · For younger athletes · Fit4S2N school program community · Families welcome · Diaper Dash to follow later in the morning
Diaper
Dash
10:00 AM
20-Yard Diaper Dash — 10:00 AM · Ages 4 and younger
Start 10:00 AM · 20 yards · Ages 4 and younger · The most adorable race of the day · N. Vassault Dr & 37th St · Awards ceremony at 9:45 AM for main events · Community tradition since the early years of S2N
Location: Start/Finish: N. Vassault Drive & 37th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 · Point Defiance Park area. Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Schedule: 6:30 AM Packet pickup + registration → 7:30 AM 12K Walk → 8:00 AM 2K Run/Walk → 8:15 AM 12K Run + Military Run → 8:30 AM 5K Run + 5K Walk → 9:45 AM Awards ceremony → 10:00 AM Diaper Dash. Packet pickup (early): Thursday June 11, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Cheney Stadium. 12K route 2026: Modified due to Loop Trail Phase 2 construction · 7.6 miles · Promenade Ln → Point Defiance Marina → Owen Beach → Five Mile Drive · Bonus hill climb out of Owen Beach. Edition: 54th annual (since 1972) · Washington State's oldest 12K. Volunteers: 300+. Post-race: Vendors + live bands. Timing: Competitive Timing (chip). Course map: competitivetiming.com/events/sound-to-narrows/2026/map/live. Getting there: I-5 to Tacoma · Ruston Way waterfront → Point Defiance area · Limited parking — carpooling recommended.
All Events at a Glance
| Event | Distance | Start · Notes |
|---|
| 12K Run+ 12K WA OLDEST | 7.6 mi modified | 8:15 AM · Timed · Owen Beach climb |
| 12K Walk WALK | 7.6 mi | 7:30 AM · Untimed · Same scenic route |
| 5K Run 5K | 3.1 mi | 8:30 AM · Timed · Hills included! |
| 5K Walk WALK | 3.1 mi | 8:30 AM · Untimed |
| 2K Run/Walk 2K | 1.24 mi | 8:00 AM · Timed · Young athletes |
| 20-Yd Diaper Dash DIAPER DASH | 20 yards | 10:00 AM · Ages ≤4 · Community classic |
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🌊 54TH ANNUAL Point Defiance Park · Puget Sound · Narrows Bridge · Tacoma, WA · 300+ volunteers · Bands + vendors · Competitive Timing · soundtonarrows.org
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Road & trail shoes — i-Run
Challenging hills, waterfront paths, and a monster Owen Beach climb — the Sound to Narrows rewards solid, grippy footwear. Brooks, Hoka, Asics, New Balance or On Running — i-Run, the running specialist. International shipping.
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![trail campagne[84]](/getfile.php/5496430.1046.bwbwj7simuulqn/trail+campagne%5B84%5D.jpg)