The Inaugural 5K at Seattle's Waterfront Park was a Vibe!

Emily Ferrer
Jun 3
3 min read

📍Alaskan Way near Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion/Overlook Walk. Second wave preparing for start!

May 31, 2025 at 7:55am; the first ever "inaugural" 5K race began at Waterfront Park. This event was a huge moment for the progress towards Waterfront Park's summer season kick-off and the grand opening of the entire park later this year! Thousands of Seattleites participated and the community celebration was overwhelming positive. Let's recap it!

Watch My 5K Recap Reel Here!

Meet Me at Waterfront Park 5K Recap

The event was organized by Friends of Waterfront Park as a fundraising event for the organization and all the work they do at Waterfront Park; from organizing free events, activities, amenities, and programs to managing safety and cleanliness, they create an overall positive park experience, and so much more!

The presenting sponsor was Brooks Running with many other sponsors joining the tiered list of organizations making this special event possible. Including the mascots Mariner's Moose and the Seattle Kraken Bouy!

Participants could run (walk or stroll) in one of three waves; the first wave being for the most serious of 5K-ers as the other two waves might be paused for Ferry traffic along the route. Some notable runners spotted at the race were Seattle's current Mayor Bruce Harrell, Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream founder Molly Moon Neitzel, two time Olympian runner Marta Pen Freitas, and local Seattle influencer Michelle Villafuerte (to name a few!).

After the first wave and before the second wave, there was an opportunity for a Kids Dash! Youngsters of all ages (and some of the parents) lined up alongside Mariner's Moose to run a "slightly" shorter route and it was an opportunity to make this event very family-friendly!

The Route

The starting line was on Alaskan Way on the east side of the new Ocean Pavilion/Overlook Walk and the route led south along the temporarily closed-down street.

The turning around point (which was the only complaint of participants - "an awkward spot") was near South Massachusetts Street in SODO.

The last stretch of the route ran along the Portside Trail (bike lanes) and then the Park Promenade; finishing back near the Ocean Pavilion/Overlook Walk on the west side.

Post-Race Community Celebration🎉

Located just steps from the finish line on Pier 62, this Community Celebration was free and included food trucks, vendors, arts and crafts stations, a post-race yoga session, and live music on the main stage.

Food Trucks

Offering a variety of Seattle cuisine: Canela Mexicafe, Heart and Seoul, and Eva's Wild.

Free Yoga Session

Guided by local studio owner and teacher, Nancy Nomellini of Mother Yoga.

Vendors

Offering snacks, arts and crafts, and face painting: Ma & Pops, Rojo Juice Co., Natoncks Metsu, Tea Moss Shop, Urban Artworks, and Hoopla.

Live Music

Performed by Deejay Hershe and The Pazific (The Day Soul Exquisite performance got rained out...)

Sponsor Tents

Offering free snacks, drinks and memorabilia to race participants! Boon Boona Coffee, Talking Rain Beverage Company, Brooks Running, the banana cart, and more!

About Friends of Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park wouldn't be the same without the dedication and continued commitment of the Friends staff. During the event, you could see them working and keeping a friendly smile while juggling all the behind-the-scenes tasks and duties. Friends is the non-profit who is partnered with the City of Seattle and collaborates with the community to bring free, welcoming, and accessible events, programs, and activities to all parts of the new Waterfront Park. Including this 5K event, which went off without a hitch. 🤞🏻Let’s hope they make this an annual event!

And their 2025 summer season has kicked off! Check out all the free fitness classes, cultural performances, education tours, food trucks, and markets coming up on your calendar at waterfrontparkseattle.org!