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Bloomsday organizers announce start times, bag and bib rules for 2025 race in Spokane
Summary
Race organizers outlined start times for elite and wheelchair divisions, reinforced a clear-bag policy, and instructed runners to hold at the orange line so timing begins only after crossing the start mat.
Race organizers at Bloomsday in Spokane on May 4, 2025, announced start times, bag and bib rules and starting-line procedures affecting elite runners, wheelchair athletes and mass participants, race director David Gregg said.
The guidance is aimed at safety and accurate timing for thousands of participants: organizers reiterated the event—lear-bag policy, warned that runners in the wrong bib group may be disqualified, and instructed runners to hold at the orange line until their wave crosses the start mat.
"Good morning, and welcome to Bloomsday 2025. My name is David Gregg, the race director for the wheelchair division. I'm here to kick things off," Gregg said as he outlined the start sequence. He said the first start gun was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. for the elite men's field and that the elite women would start at 8:31 a.m. He also told groups waiting in the corral to "hold there at the orange line" and reminded runners that "your time doesn't start until you cross the mat."
Organizers reiterated the event's clear-bag policy and thanked major sponsors including Washington Trust Bank, Spokane Tribe Casino and Resort, Trans Bakery and Premera Blue Cross. An announcement before the start told participants to "check the color of your bib, and you may be disqualified" if they were in the wrong group.
Justin Britt, identified by organizers as the event's official starter and a former Seattle Seahawks player, was introduced shortly before the elite start and waved the starting flag. A participant quoted after the race described the crowd response on the course: "The community showed out and there wasn't a corner you turn where it was silent and it was a good vibe all around."
Race staff repeatedly counted down to the starts, advising runners of 30 seconds and 15 seconds warnings and reminding groups that holding at the orange line helps keep runners safe and ensures correct timing. Announcements also said alternate street routing would be used for participants who were in the wrong start group, referencing Riverside, Maine and Sprague avenues.
Organizers did not announce any changes to the course or timing systems at the start; the instructions provided were procedural and safety focused. Runners and spectators were asked to follow marshal directions on the start line and to comply with the clear-bag policy to expedite security screening and race operations.
