SPOKANE, Wash. – With Bloomsday 2025 approaching, organizers are prioritizing safety and security measures to ensure a smooth event for all participants. The annual race, known for drawing large crowds, has organizers working diligently to prepare.
Bethany Lueck, a Bloomsday representative, emphasized the extensive planning involved. “We have all the fencing and all the barricades and all the things to keep all the good in and the bad out,” she said. Lueck noted that their approach involves thinking ahead and preparing for potential scenarios. “Yes, we’re always thinking 20 steps ahead, we’re always thinking about the what if and taking action,” she added.
Large sporting events can cause anxiety for attendees, but Lueck assured that safety is a top priority. “I think it’s totally valid to be nervous when there’s lots of people around and you’re not really sure about your environment,” she stated. To address this, barriers will line the track to prevent traffic from entering, and security personnel will be present throughout the course.
In the event of an emergency, Lueck urged participants to remain calm. “Just follow instructions to make sure you don’t panic and stay together and that’s why we have so much support from the city, from Police, from Fire, from all of these places they come out and help support us and race day to keep us safe,” she said.
Additionally, a federal safety organization similar to Homeland Security will monitor online and in-person threats. “Obviously when you bring together thousands of people you want everyone to remain safe so I think we have mastered it over the last 50 years,” Lueck explained.
She highlighted the coordinated efforts that contribute to event safety. “Everybody gets on the same page and everybody’s working in tandem and it just all works seamlessly. It’s wild,” she said.
Lueck expressed excitement for Bloomsday 2025, which marks the event’s 49th year. She looks forward to seeing the streets filled with runners, walkers, and strollers.
