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53rd Annual Sound to Narrows

“Running has given me many things, but the greatest gift has been the people that it’s brought into my life.” – Unknown

It was a perfect day in the Pacific Northwest for the 53rd Annual Sound to Narrows 12k (aka S2N). The staging area, Vassault Park in Tacoma, Washington. This event took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 and offered the 12k run and 12k walk (7.46 miles), the 5k run and 5k walk (3.1 miles), the 2k run/walk (1.24 miles) and the Diaper Dash (20 yards) for kids aged 4 and under.

This year the 12k course would have an added hill and a bit more distance due to construction on the original route. What’s another hill on an already hilly route? With the added hill, 12k participants would travel 7.6 miles. If you are a runner, you will know just how hilly of a course this was by checking out the race map below. The uphill finish is most definitely loved by all. Well, loved or despised.

Unfortunately, the race coordinators have something against walkers and don’t include the 12k walkers or 5k walkers in the official time results or photo/video results. How dare they? This should definitely be changed. Why don’t walkers count? Are they not as important as the runners? Some people couldn’t run this event and it doesn’t make their accomplishment any less significant than someone who could run.

Okay, rant over, but Rachel was a 5k walker for this event (due to a shin splint and IT band issue) and felt slighted that her efforts wouldn’t be as important as those running.

This event is known as the longest-running 12k in Washington state. No joke, 53 years is a long time for an event like this to run? The 2025 event showed impressive numbers, which are skewed by the dismissal of the walkers (don’t get her started again).

The 2k event had approximately 900 participants, the 5k running event had just over 1400 participants and the 12k run had more than 1800 participants. That is around 4100 participants. Rachel wonders how much more impressive that total would be if only walkers mattered (okay, okay, she will get over it). Of note, on a Google search, Ai says that Facebook says there were over 6000 finishers, and who doesn’t believe Facebook? Hmmm.

Let’s revisit that photo at the top of the story. This group photo was taken prior to the race and includes Orangetheory gym coaches, members, along with their friends and family who all came out to race or support the event.

When Rachel ran this race for the first time three years ago, she was all alone and had to ask a group of Army guys to pose for a picture with her so that her parents wouldn’t worry about her being alone all the time. She certainly doesn’t mind solo experiences but must admit, having this many amazing people around her sure is fantastic.

Pictured above LT to RT: Coach Daw, Coach Katie M, Coach Marcus and Coach Katie O before the race.

Coach Daw, pictured above, wasn’t signed up for the event and had just come out to see the kids he coaches in a soccer club that were participating. He has been dealing with a calf injury but Rachel convinced him to join her on the 5k walk. This ended up working perfectly, as they had to keep the pace slow to keep their injuries from flaring up. Also joining Rachel on the 5k would be Katie O’s daughter, the adorable Shay.

When Rachel knew she couldn’t run the 12k this year and would be downgrading to the 5k walk, she asked her friends with toddlers if anyone would lend their toddler to her for the event. If she was going to have to walk the 5k, she needed a good companion (and she wanted to extra challenge the jogging stroller would provide). Things lined up perfectly and Shay would be that companion. Coach Daw was a bonus.

Pictured below are Rachel and Shay prior to the race (left) and at the start line ready to roll. It must be pointed out that Shay is an extremely well-behaved and calm toddler. She did great on the 5k route and Rachel was so happy to have the opportunity to push her for this race.

With many participants wearing their race day shirts, it was a sea of neon as far as the eye could see. Below is a picture Rachel took as they descended the first hill of the course.

Even the 5k course was a hilly one, which Rachel liked for the extra challenge. Shay’s mom finished the 12k run and was waiting at the finish to cheer on Rachel and Shay as they came down the finish corridor.

Pictured above LT to RT: Megan, Aline, Josh, Angeline, Bill, Martika and Rachel pose near the personal record bell for a post run/walk photo.

Pictured above: The Katies and their toddlers. On the left is Katie O with Shay and Shay’s little sibling (mom is 9 months pregnant in this photo), and on the right is Katie M and Liam.

Yes, nine months pregnant and she looks amazing. Katie is an avid long-distance runner and crushed this course with baby on board. Simply inspiring.

Speaking of moms… pictured below on the left is Angeline who just gave birth to Zach around 10 weeks ago, along with Aline at the bottom and Megan on the right. It’s a heart, people. Now you see it.

This year the S2N opted for finisher videos rather than photographs. This was something new to Rachel and initially she was a bit let down that she wouldn’t get to see finisher photos. She and Daw had a great finish line pose and she was excited to see it. Once she got into the videos, she was floored to learn that the 12k and 5k walkers would not be included in the time tracking, therefore no easy way to find their finish line videos. Please hold.

*** Insert a few moments of meditation and mindful breathing here… ***

Once Rachel was able to calm down about the whole walkers don’t matter thing and get into the videos, she was pleasantly surprised. It was fun to see all of her friends cross the finish line on video. She was even able to find herself with Daw and Shay crossing the finish line after a significant effort. A big crowd finishing ahead of them didn’t allow for a good viewing of their epic pose. You will just have to imagine it for yourself.

Below is a link to the videos. You can visit this site and search for a RUNNER to find their finish video. Sorry, walkers, you will need to take a deep dive to attempt finding yourself at that finish line.

S2N Live Finisher Videos

Pictured above: Rachel’s official race bib and finish medal. Notice the alter ego walker name on the race bib.

After the race, a group of 15 went to Cooper’s for brunch. Not only did they accommodate 15 people quite quickly on a busy Saturday morning, but they gave the group the best waitress ever. Like ever. Locals, if you haven’t visited Cooper’s, it is highly recommended. https://coopersfoodanddrink.com/

Pictured above: Shay and Rachel at Cooper’s showing off their finisher medals.

During the brunch, Rachel contemplated how to get a photo of 15 people in a crowded restaurant and decided that a video would suffice. What a great group of people and fun post-run treat. Rachel feels very lucky to know these people and enjoy these experiences with them. Until next time, be well.

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