Putting the "Fun" in Fun Run
Looking for Where to Host a Race or Fun Run Near Seattle?
Seattle Southside has it all.
A great fun run needs three things: an accessible, scenic route, a home base for pre- and post-race festivities, and a welcoming, enthusiastic community.
The Seattle Seawolves 5K and Kids Dish, held on May 16, 2026, at the Family Fun Center in Tukwila, checked all three of these boxes and then some. Featuring an accessible route along the Interurban Trail, a friendly kids’ dash, vendors, music, and appearances from pro rugby players, it was a full day of fun. To ensure the event would be a success, the Seawolves, the region’s championship-winning pro rugby team, partnered with and gained expertise from Snohomish Running Company. Explore Seattle Southside provided additional marketing support.
The Family Fun Center: A Festive Event Base
The race began and ended at The Family Fun Center in Tukwila. This wildly popular indoor and outdoor theme park is a major attraction in the area, and the company provided gift certificates for the kids so they could go in and play arcades, race bumper boats, and enjoy small indoor rides. There’s also ample parking, space for vendors, and it’s located right off of I-5, making it easy for those driving in to attend. Water stations were easily set up along the course and at the finish line, medical teams were stationed on site, and designated viewing areas at the finish line allowed fans to be part of the action and celebration.
The Interurban Trail: The Perfect Route for a 5K
The course followed a flat route along the Interurban Trail, a paved path that begins in Fort Dent Park in Tukwila and runs south for nearly 14 miles. Though this run covered only a portion of the trail, it included beautiful views of the Green River. It also went by Starfire Sports, home of the Seawolves, which was a perfect thematic tie-in.
Cynthia Zuniga, an employee with Snohomish Running Company, said, “The course is great…I run it myself quite a bit, and it’s nice because there’s just so much to see, and it’s pretty flat. So for the average runner, it’s just perfect for a 5K in the morning.”
Ramona, a 65-year-old participant who attended with her husband, said, “I loved the course. I was thinking, I should come around here and walk regularly because it’s beautiful. And lots of shade and not so hilly. We really enjoyed it. It’d be great for the grandkids.”
Why Host a Fun Run?
Drew Damberville, Chief Operating Office of the Seattle Seawolves, said that the team’s reason for hosting a run is that it helps them spread awareness of rugby.
“Part of our job as a professional sports team here and my job as a COO is to grow our brand and grow the presence of rugby. The running community in the Pacific Northwest is vast. [...] How do we introduce runners to the rugby community? And vice versa, how do we get the rugby players that are always in exceptional condition an additional opportunity away from the pitch and to be part of the community?”
The race also had a community service element, as proceeds from the event supported local organizations such as Rugby in Schools and Run with the Park programs in partnership with the King County Boys and Girls Club.
“Everyone that came had an amazing time,” said Damberville. “It was an amazing community that came together, vendors, local support, including Seattle Southside Sports. I think it shows that there's a demand for this and now we'll be back and do it again.”
Interested in Hosting a Race or Fun Run?
We'd love to answer your questions and help you navigate Seattle Southside! We provide free guidance about the region, connect you with local organizations and businesses to help facilitate partnerships, and can help promote events.
To learn more, contact Cydney Marks-Nicholes at cydney@seattlesouthside.com.
