Header Photo courtesy of Everett Family YMCA

The YMCA’s 21st Annual Yankee Doodle Dash, held on July 4th, 2020, will be virtual for the first time in its history, and participation is more important than ever. Why? Supporting the YMCA, which has been a pillar in Everett since 1899, a weight-bearing wall that creates community for thousands of residents, is one reason. Another is that the Fourth of July is one of Everett’s best-loved and most well-celebrated events, and while much of it has been cancelled this year, this race remains a through-thread from the past and into the future.

In years past, hours before the Colors of Freedom parade marched down Colby with American flags and dancing troupes and political candidates and marching bands, runners from all corners of Snohomish County and beyond, wearing various shades of red, white, and blue, warmed up that pavement with their running shoes. Before the race, they danced to a group-rendition of “YMCA.” Afterwards, many stayed to cheer on the littlest participants, 2 to 6-year-olds dashing 25+ yards in age-based heats.

From start to finish, this race connects its participants to something bigger than themselves, and this year, especially, on the celebration of our country’s birthday in a particularly difficult year, we need that more than ever.

The virtual nature of this race ensures participants can be a part of this beloved tradition from across the county and beyond, because community need not be confined by a course, nor does it necessitate crowds. Runners and walkers may participate wherever they find themselves, alone if they so choose, but doing so connects them to thousands of others doing the same, and there is beauty in this, solidarity, a resiliency of the human spirit that seems particularly appropriate for the 4th of July. Members from the Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mukilteo and Stanwood YMCA will be lacing up their shoes, heading out their doors, and continuing a long-standing tradition of celebrating the 4th of July in a community that has proven they know how to do that well.

Runners or walkers can choose to complete either a 5K or 10K.  Runners who hope for a top-place finish should run on July 4th between 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and take and submit a picture of their distance and time.  The top 3 Male and Female finishers in both the 5K and 10K will be announced July 5th.  For those not worried about a top place finish, races should be completed any ­time starting July 4 at 7:00 a.m. and July 5 at 2:00 p.m.   

Those competing for a medal, as well as recreational participants, are all encouraged to submit a post-race selfie with their medal and bib—both of which can be picked up prior to the event at their local YMCA.  

The race is $15 for adults and $10 for youth. A LIMITED NUMBER OF commemorative shirtS ARE available for an additional $15. These generous donations support the YMCA in providing programming for all.

Megan Adams teaches at Everett High. When she’s not grading papers, you can find her reading, running, riding bikes, or chasing her three sons around North Everett.