ABOUT LU10K
HIGHLIGHTS OUR UNIQUE URBAN LAKE
Celebrating Lake Union, beautifully framed by the Cheshiahud Trail, the heart of the city
NURTURES THE SEATTLE COMMUNITY
Promoting and supporting the health and wellness of our local community
BENEFITS KEXP
Supporting KEXP 90.3, a music experience as unique as our city
The Cheshiahud (pronounced [CHES-ee-uh-hood]) Lake Union Loop Trail is a 10K or 6.2-mile course around Seattle’s urban lake. This beautiful scenic trail was named in honor of the late-1800s Duwamish Tribe chief.
Registration opens Jan 11, 2026, offering Team, Age and Family discounts. Finisher Medals are included with registration. Race T-shirts are available for $10. Celebrate Seattle Summers and reserve your spot today!
BY THE NUMBERS
In 2007 race director Laura Vervaeke, P.T., R.D. worked closely with the city to establish the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop Trail. The inaugural Lake Union 10K Run/Walk began in 2009. Today the event is the 2nd largest race in Seattle and the only race owned by a local Seattle business. Proceeds benefit KEXP.
- 63% of participants are from Seattle; while 80% of participants are from King, Snohomish & Pierce Counties
- The inaugural Lake Union 10K in 2009 hosted 620 people and today has grown to over 2100 registrants each year!
-
35% age 21-31
33% age 31-41
17% age 41-51
52% Female
47% Male
NOTE FROM THE LU10K FOUNDER
The Lake Union 10K has been a passion project of mine for close to 20 years. Thanks for being part of the amazing Seattle running community and for supporting local music station and worldwide community 90.3 KEXP.
When the city of Seattle began planning the Cheshiahud Trail around Lake Union, I operated my own physical therapy and fitness clinic behind the Westlake Marriott. My (now closed) business, 5focus Movement Studio was active in the creation of the South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce and catered to athletes. A 5focus client worked for the Seattle Parks Department and asked me to represent the local business community headquartered near the proposed trail. For over two years I attended community notice meetings and spoke to the city council about the uniqueness of Lake Union and having an safe 10K urban loop trail. Such an amazing experience! In Fall 2009, with the Cheshiahud Trail established, I approached the city to create a 10K race around Seattle’s heart-shaped lake.
My favorite part of the event? It’s so fun to cheer finishers on as they approach the final turn onto Terry Avenue! I get to watch them growing taller, running faster and SMILING as they approach the finish line. A 10K distance is a real physical commitment, no matter your fitness level. But the final push to successfully complete this significant goal is now visible to participants. It’s inspiring to witness every time!
Hooray for the 17th Lake Union 10K and our amazing community!
Laura Vervaeke, P.T., R.D.,
Lake Union 10K Founder
REGISTRATION opens January 11, 2026. Get on our list to be one of the first to sign up!
