Olympia gears up for Lakefair Races after a year off

 Lakefair, the festival, is still cancelled for 2021. But runners are gearing up for the upcoming Lakefair Races 2021 on July 17, following a year-long hiatus.

As one of the first live races in Washington after the coronavirus pandemic, the event will include Half-Marathon, 8K and 3K races. The events are hosted by the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club and the Lake Run Organization.

The 3K race is open for participants of all ages, and kids 14 years old and under can race for free. Current registration fees for the 3K and 8K race is $45; the half marathon is $85. Entry fees will increase on July 16.

To register, participants can sign-up online at OlympiaLakefairRaces.org. Runners may also register in person at the South Sound Running, 3405 Capitol Blvd, Tumwater, or sign-up during the day of the race at Heritage Park on 5^th Ave.

The Half-Marathon Race, 8K Race, and 3k Race all start from 5th Avenue in downtown Olympia, and finish on 5th Avenue in front of Heritage Park. The half marathon will start at 7 a.m., the 8K Race will follow at 8 a.m., and the 3K Race will begin shortly after at 8:05 a.m.

For its 44th season, the proceeds for the races will be for the benefit of the local high school cross country and track programs, Washington Cross Country Coaches scholarships, and the Rotary Club of Olympia Foundation.