Lace up for the Des Moines Creek parkrun, a vibrant 5K community event taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the scenic coastal city of Des Moines, Washington. This free, fun, and friendly weekly gathering, hosted at the Des Moines Beach Park Event Center, invites runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Typical race day conditions in mid-September offer pleasant weather, with highs around 70°F and lows around 54°F, and only a 10% chance of precipitation, creating ideal conditions for a morning out.

The course itself is a single out-and-back route run entirely on permanent paved paths along the picturesque Des Moines Creek Trail. While largely scenic, be prepared for a challenge as the course features a notable elevation gain of 250 feet over the first 2.5K, followed by an equally rewarding 250-foot loss on the return. This "moderately hilly" course, often described by runners as the hilliest among Washington parkruns, offers a significant uphill push that serves as excellent hill training, with the promise of a fast, mostly downhill second half. Participants can enjoy views of the marina, beach, and grassy meadows.

Des Moines Creek parkrun, established in 2018, is renowned for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, powered by dedicated volunteers who cheer every participant to the finish line. It's a timed event for personal tracking, but the emphasis is firmly on community, fitness, and enjoying the outdoors. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome to join in the fun. Many participants extend the camaraderie post-event by gathering for coffee at The Quarterdeck, located near the marina offices, fostering connections and reinforcing the event's reputation as "a social intervention masquerading as a running event."