Scenic Mai BlumenLauf blooms as new running highlight of Leavenworth's Maifest

LEAVENWORTH. - Leavenworth is rolling out the flowers and red carpet for runners with a new event during its famous Maifest celebration. The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce announced its presenting sponsorship of the inaugural Mai BlumenLauf (May Flower Run) - a series of scenic running events happening Sunday, May 12.

“The addition of Mai BlumenLauf only sweetens the pot for both locals and visitors during what many already consider to be one of the most beautiful times of the year in Leavenworth,” says Ernest Palmer, Director of Events and Entertainment for Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. “There are very few if any occasions when runners and walkers have the downtown streets and riverfront trails of Leavenworth all to themselves like they will during Mai BlumenLauf. If that alone isn’t reason enough to sign up, the added benefit of raising crucial funds for TedDriven and Cascade Medical Foundation certainly is.”

Organized by TedDriven, a group using athletic events to support cancer research since 2005, the Mai BlumenLauf offers three distances to appeal to casual and competitive runners alike - a 5K, 10K and half marathon. 

The USA Track & Field sanctioned courses will take participants on a unique and spectator-friendly circuit format through the best of Leavenworth's spring scenery. The 5K consists of one lap, the 10K two laps, and the half marathon features four laps plus a separate prologue loop.

After kicking off in downtown Leavenworth, the routes pass through Front Street Park before winding along the shores of the Wenatchee River and Waterfront Park. Runners also traverse Blackbird Island and Enchantment Park, taking in stunning views of the river, mountains, and blossoming flora.

"This is a fresh new concept designed by TedDriven, who has been using running events as a means to support cancer research since 2005," stated a press release announcing the event.

Wave starts will help spread out the field, with the half marathon beginning at 8 am, followed by the 10K at 9 am and 5K at 9:05 am. All finishers receive a commemorative cowbell medal to celebrate their accomplishment.

The 5K registration fees will directly benefit the Cascade Medical Foundation, which raises funds to purchase critical medical equipment for the Cascade Medical Center, which serves Leavenworth and the Upper Valley communities.

Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, embodying the joyful spirit of Maifest and spring's blooming beauty. Age group and overall awards will also recognize the fastest runners.

The Mai BlumenLauf joins TedDriven's roster of events aimed at merging athletic accomplishment with philanthropy, including the Wenatchee Marathon on April 20 and the Leavenworth Marathon on October 5.

For more information, course maps, or to register for the Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf, visit www.teddriven.com/leavenworth-mai-blumenlauf.