After a brief scare that the West Seattle Grand Parade, coming up on its 79th year, would not happen this July due to a $3500 budget shortfall, good news arrived in the form of multiple donors pledging to fill the gap.

With the parade seemingly back on (assuming pledges are backed by money), a new addition to the July 21 festivity is a pre-parade fun run: the West Seattle Float Dodger 5k.

The race is sponsored by West Seattle Runner and the Rotary Club of West Seattle, with race registration proceeds benefitting the rotary club, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the parade itself.

Here are the details from the Float Dodger 5k website (visit their website at www.floatdodger5k.com for details on how to register):

Welcome to West Seattle Float Dodger 5K, Seattle's newest summer running tradition!

Imagine running down California Ave SW, a main drag usually reserved for cars. Imagine being cheered by thousands of people, the entire length of the run. Imagine trying to outrun spectacular parade floats of the West Seattle Summer Parade. All of this can be yours at the West Seattle Float Dodger 5K.

Ever dream of running in the New York City Marathon, where thousands of people cheer you to the finish? Well, here is your chance to run with the throngs of fans, but this time you only have to run a 5K and you are guaranteed an entry! And, it’s right here in your backyard! What a deal!

The details:
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Start time 9:45am

Packet pickup and day-of registration 8:00am

Start: In front of West Seattle Runner, intersection of California Ave SW and SW Charleston. Finish: West Seattle High School, California Ave SW and SW Hanford. Check out the course map here.

The parade floats will be unleashed at 10:45am, in order to outrun the floats you must run/walk an 18 minute mile or faster.

Stick around for the West Seattle American Legion Summer Parade.

Price includes fully supported course, thousands of cheering spectators, t-shirt, a finish line party with food and drink, chip timing, special discounts at West Seattle Runner, gear check and so much more!

Strollers and dogs on short leashes are allowed but we do ask that you start at the back of the pack.

Want to volunteer!? We would love to put you to work. See the volunteer information here.

Contact: info@runforgoodracingcompany.com