Olympia Lakefair Races draw hundreds of participants to downtown

The fourth day of Capital Lakefair got off to an early start, as runners took to the streets for the Olympia Lakefair Races on Saurday morning, July 19.

The races, which were organized by the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club and Lake Run Organization, consisted of a half-marathon, an 8K and 3K. Hundreds of runners participated in the races.

 This year, the half-marathon was renamed the “Jerry Miller Half Marathon” after former Capital High School boys cross-country and track and field coach, who helped lead the Olympia Lakefair Races for several years.  

Last year, the race raised money for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association as a tribute to Miller, who has been stricken with the disease.

All funds raised from the races will be donated to The Rotary Club of Olympia, as well as local public high school’s track and cross-country programs.

Last year, more than $35,000 was donated, and almost $140,000 being donated over the last 10 years.

As the day progressed, thousands of people flocked to Heritage Park in Olympia for Capital Lakefair on a day highlighted by the Lakefair Grand Parade at 5 p.m.

For more coverage of Capital Lakefair and the grand parade, check out the Monday, July 21, edition of The Daily JOLT.

Staff writer Maven Navarro contributed to this report.