Frequently asked questions

All your questions answered here

Where can I park?

We encourage carpooling, mass transit and bicycling to the start line. If you must drive, please park in nearby neighborhoods, being mindful of driveways. Many roads will be closed; please take note of closure signs.

Support Silas High School’s girls’ basketball team, who will be providing parking at Truman Middle School beginning at 6:30am. The cost is $10 per vehicle — cash only. Go Rams!

Are dogs allowed?

As much as we love our dogs, we kindly ask that you please keep them home on race day.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?

No. Our race policy does not allow for your registration to be transferred to another individual. We can, however, change you to a virtual participant to ensure you receive your shirt and medal. Items will be mailed out after the race to the address provided. Please email requests to [email protected].

Are strollers and joggers allowed?

Yes, although we ask that strollers/joggers start at the back of the pack to allow safe starts for our 12K and 5K running groups. Also, please stay to the right so other participants may safely pass. As you enter the finish line area, please stay to the sides.

When will my virtual items be shipped?

Only runners/walkers participating in the virtual Sound to Narrows races will receive their packets in the mail. Items will arrive the first week in June for virtual participants who register by May 24. All virtual registrations after May 24 will receive their packets after the race.

Where can I pick up my race packet?

Packet pickup will be at Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium* on Thursday, June 6, from 8am-3pm. Come early, as it’s Tacoma Rainiers game day! You may pick up for friends and family members.

Thanks to our friendly volunteers for lending a hand on packet pickup day, and to the Tacoma Rainiers for being our official packet pickup sponsor. Go team!

*Packets may also be picked up at Vassault Park on race day beginning at 6:30am. Beat the crowds by going to Cheney Stadium June 6.

What does Sound to Narrows benefit?

Thanks for asking! We’re happy to share that all proceeds will benefit MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare (M.A.S.H.) Camp. We’ve always been about health and wellness for our South Sound community. Now’s our chance to support our future nurses and allied health professionals like pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy.

How can I participate in the military 12K run?

For active military units that would like to participate in the 12K military run, please contact Bruce Antonowicz at [email protected], director of sports, fitness, aquatics and special events at JBLM.

Can I exchange my shirt? How do the shirts fit?

We allow shirt exchanges after the race. There are no shirt exchanges prior to the race. If you’d like to exchange your shirt, please don’t run in it. Bring it to the big registration tent where we can exchange it for your desired size if available. We cannot guarantee we will have your desired size, but generally we have extra shirts. We do not mail shirts.

Additional shirts can be purchased after the race for $15.

Here’s a handy guide for determining the best fit for you. We’re offering unisex (XS-2XL) and youth (S-L) shirts.

Can I cheer on the sidelines?

Spectators and personal cheerleaders are welcome to cheer, clap, dance, whistle, wave flags, hold encouraging signs and play music (“more cowbell!”) along the perimeter of our racing routes. However, only runners and walkers may be on the course(s) during the event. Keeping everyone safe and smiling is our #1 priority.

Can I register as nonbinary?

We now have a nonbinary category in addition to male and female. When you register for a Sound to Narrows race, you can select “male,” “female,” “nonbinary” or “prefer not to say.”

If you would like to change the gender listed in your RunSignUp profile for the current Sound to Narrows race, as well as future races, follow the instructions here.

We will have awards for the top three overall nonbinary runners for the 12K and 5K races. Winners will be recognized on the Awards Stage at 9:45am on race day. If you don’t want to participate in overall awards, you should select “prefer not to say” for your gender in your registration.

Will medical personnel be available?

MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will have medical teams available at our finish line. Tacoma Fire EMTs will also be positioned along our 12K route within Point Defiance Park. Water aid stations and portable restrooms are staged every two miles along both the 12K and 5K routes.

Are there time limits on the 12K and 5K races?

We are grateful to area neighbors, police and course marshals for keeping roads cleared and participants safe while on the 12K and 5K courses. Please note that time limits will be imposed for runners/walkers who exceed a 20-minute-mile pace on the 12K and 30-minute-mile on the 5K. Should you exceed that time, you will be asked to move to area sidewalks to allow roads to be reopened.

Can I run/walk with a team?

Grab your favorite people and create a team. You will have the option to do so when registering online. As a bonus, teams of 30* or more get a canopy tent and signage at the finish line. Must meet minimum number of team members by May 15.

*Sorry, children and diaper dashers not included in team count total. Adults only.