ABOUT US

Starting in 1975, the Lakefair Races were directed by the Olympia Rain Runners running club. The races have varied in distances over the years with distances of two miles, 3k, 8k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. When The Olympia Rain Runners dissolved, the races were absorbed by the Capital City Marathon Association.  After a few years, the Marathon Association, wanting to focus on its own races, turned over the Lakefair Races to two local Capital High School coaches. They created the Lake Run Organization, a member of the Road Runners Club of America.

 

In 2016, the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club approached the Lake Run Organization to partner in sponsoring the events.  The following year, the Lake Run Organization in partnership with the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club rebranded the three race event as the “Olympia Lakefair Races”.  The aim of this effort is to continue the tradition of the races, honor the running past of Olympia, and support high school running and other non-profits supported by the Lake Run Organization and Olympia Downtown Rotary.  

 

While the Lake Run Organization is a separate non-profit organization from Capital Lakefair, both organizations have traditionally held the events during the third week in July, with the Olympia Lakefair Races on Saturday morning, starting in downtown, and finishing on Fifth Avenue at Heritage Park.  Other than sharing the dates and donating funds to local area youth, the two organizations are not related.  We welcome runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and have multiple age, wheelchair and disabled divisions and awards.

 

Help us celebrate these historic races and become a sponsor! As a sponsor, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with the Thurston County community, build brand awareness and show your company’s support of our community and our region’s history.  More details are included on the website at www.olympialakefairraces.org.