
Bloomsday: First 10 years
2019 will mark Bloomsday's 43rd year. Started in 1977, the race grew into the region's signature athletic event. Here's a gallery from the first 10 years of Bloomsday.
Section:Picture story

The start of Bloomsday in 1977.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners cross the Maple Street bridge during Bloomsday in 1977.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners make their way down Pettet Drive during Bloomsday in 1977.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners participate in Bloomsday in 1978. The U.S. Pavillion can be seen in the background.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners cross the Maple Street bridge in Bloomsday in 1978.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

People cover the hills in Riverfront Park waiting for the finishers during Bloomsday 1978.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Don Kardong approaches the finish in Riverfront Park during Bloomsday in 1978.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners head down Riverside Avenue during Bloomsday in 1979.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners head north as traffic heads south on the Maple Street Bridge during Bloomsday in 1979.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

The Maple Street Bridge is full of runners during Bloomsday in 1979.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners conquer Doomsday Hill in Bloomsday in 1980.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners cool off at a water station during Bloomsday in 1980.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners make the turn at Fort George Wright and Government Way during Bloomsday in 1981.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

A Bloomsday couple share a kiss in 1981.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Bloomsday runners cross the river on Post Street and hear the music from “Rocky” in 1981.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

An aerial view of the finish line in front of Riverfront Park during Bloomsday in 1981.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners participate in Bloomsday 1982.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Candace Cable competes in Bloomsday 1983.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners celebrate their finish in Bloomsday 1983.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners’ signs are put up during Bloomsday in 1984.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Runners cross the Riverside overpass bridge that crosses the Maple bridge route during Bloomsday in 1984.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

A first aid station on Spokane Falls Boulevard is staffed by Deaconess Hospital during Bloomsday in 1984.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

View of the Peaceful Valley portion of the Bloomsday course in 1985.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

A helicopter flies near trees while covering Bloomsday runners on Government Way in 1985.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

A runner takes a leap into a refreshing spray of water during Bloomsday in 1985.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

A finisher relaxes on the grass in Riverfront Park during Bloomsday 1985.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

An aerial view of runners merging at Government Way during Bloomsday in 1986.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

Cathy Delago, Shannon Coffin and Sadie the dog watch Bloomies head for the finish line during Bloomsday in 1986.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

The California Raisins assemble before the start of Bloomsday in 1987.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review

In 1987, one runner showed his Canadian colors as he motored up Doomsday Hill.
Photo Archive The Spokesman-Review
Share on Social Media