City in full bloom for run Sunday

The 32nd annual Lilac Bloomsday Run is Sunday, and many Bloomies will arrive in Spokane today. You’ll notice bigger crowds in shops and restaurants, particularly those serving the pasta dishes that have become a Bloomsday tradition.

About 40 percent of the race participants come from out of town, according to the Lilac Bloomsday Association. The economic benefit to Spokane is huge – about $9.5 million, according to a 2004 study by Gonzaga University marketing students.

Between now and the start of Sunday’s race, all participants must check in, and most will attend the annual Bloomsday Trade Show, which features fitness products, activities and events, at the Spokane Convention Center’s Group Health Exhibition Hall, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today; and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Check-in continues from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, but only for out-of-town entrants.

Authorities will begin towing cars parked anywhere along the Bloomsday route at 6 a.m. Sunday, and the race starts at 8:40 a.m., with staggered starts until 10:10 a.m.

The course closes to Bloomsday participants at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, with a post-race party at Riverfront Park until 4 p.m.

For more information, go to www.bloomsdayrun.org.