I love to run. Like many of you, I appreciate the miles, the rhythm of the breath, and the satisfaction of crossing a finish line. But this past weekend reminded me of something deeper: the secret sauce of running might just be the community.
A Weekend on the Move
Team Gig Harbor 2025
On Saturday, we kicked off with the Global 6K for Water in Tacoma. This run is part of a global movement to provide clean water to communities that need it most. But beyond the cause, it was a celebration—of running, of life, of community. After finishing the 6K, we didn’t just call it a day. We crossed the bridge to Port Orchard to celebrate the same 6K with another group of friends. Because when you run with others, you build something bigger than the run itself.
Then on Sunday, we showed up at Renton Memorial Stadium for the Girls on the Run 5K. If you’ve never been, imagine hundreds of girls, coaches, and running buddies from across Western Washington coming together to celebrate a season of growth and empowerment. It was chaos. It was joy. It was everything I love about the running community. I found myself cheering, laughing, and talking with runners about Renton Parkrun and the Bill Roe All-Comers Track Meets in Seattle.
More Than Miles: Finding Your Local Running Family
If you’ve never heard of Parkrun, let me introduce you. It’s a free, timed 5K that happens almost every Saturday at 9am. The Renton Parkrun (right on the Cedar River Trail) is my local go-to. No cost. No pressure. Just bring your barcode and run, walk, or jog with a wide range of paces. And the best part? Post-run coffee with friends—old and new. Coffee not your thing? Then keep your ears open for their pub run that is run optional.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, they’ll welcome you with open arms. No experience necessary—they’ll train you up. Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to give back to a community that’s given so much to me. I love Renton Parkrun!
And if you’re more of a track runner—or just want to feel like a kid again—check out the All-Comers Meets hosted by Club Northwest. The have a full offering of both Track and Field events. They even offer the Pole Vault.
These are open to everyone, and yes, everyone means you. For about $10, you can sign up for events like the 100m or 400m. Just estimate your finish time and they’ll group you with others at your pace. I usually run the 100m (around 13 seconds) and the 400m (around 62 seconds), and find myself lining up with guys in their 30s to 50s—or sometimes a couple of fast high schoolers. No matter your age or ability, it’s fun, welcoming, and slightly addictive.
For the Serious Racers
And if you’re looking for more competitive events against people in your own age group, the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships are worth checking out. These meets bring together athletes from across the region who still love to chase PRs—and each other—around the oval. 
What I love here is that they have divisions based on age and gender. This means you don’t have to compete with your times from years ago, but instead you get to race people that are in your age group. FYI: Masters is for athletes 25+ years of age.
Running may start with putting one foot in front of the other, but it becomes so much more when you’re doing it together. From Saturday 6Ks to all-comers track meets, from cheering on young girls to volunteering at Parkrun, this weekend reminded me: running is a team sport, even when you’re running your own race.
So find your crew. Or better yet—build one. I’ll see you out there.
— Oscar + Olivia
