Galloping Gertie

🏃‍♀️Galloping Gertie!

• Event Description: Join us for a half marathon, 10K and 5K that shows off Tacoma’s and Gig Harbor’s finest views.
• Race Route: Each race will run on the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Galloping Gertie), which features stunning views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and the surrounding cities of Tacoma and Gig Harbor.
• Unique Feature: This is one of the few races that traverse the bridge span to span.
• Participant Perks: All participants in the race will receive a custom finisher medal, free downloadable race photos and a cool tech tee! The best part? It all supports great local charities!

🌉What is Galloping Gertie?

• Nickname: Galloping Gertie is the nickname of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a local icon that spans the Puget Sound between Tacoma and Gig Harbor, Washington.
• Breathtaking Views: Crossing it provides breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains.

📜History of the Bridge

• Original Collapse: The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge suffered a catastrophic collapse in November 1940, just four months after it opened.
• Engineering Flaw: It earned its nickname while it was under construction, when workers observed the bridge deck jump during periods of high wind.
• Flutter Phenomenon: A fatal error in the engineering of the bridge resulted in its collapse when the winds caused something called aeroelastic flutter.
• Historical Significance: At the time, Gertie was the third longest suspension bridge in the world.

🌟Current Structure

• Replacement Bridge: The replacement bridge opened in 1950 (this is the existing westbound bridge).
• New Addition: The newer eastbound bridge (the one you will run across) opened in 2007.
• Fame: The engineering disaster that resulted in the collapse of the bridge makes the Tacoma Narrows Bridge one of the more famous in the world.

🔗Event Details

• Date: 2025-08-02
• Location: Tacoma Narrows Airport, Gig Harbor, WA
• Registration Link: Register Here