From the Organizer
Join us August 15, 2026, at the Grand Opening of The Course Spokane Valley for a celebratory ribbon cutting and the Switchback Series Opener. The Switchback Series Opener is Spokane Sports’ new cross country event series built around championship racing, community connections, and the unique terrain of the City of Spokane Valley’s premier cross country venue.
Run among towering pines, alongside the Spokane River, and through the sweeping turns and rolling terrain that make The Course unlike anywhere else in the region.
After the official venue opening, the day will feature a Youth 3K followed by Men’s and Women’s 5Ks, giving runners and the community a chance to experience the next chapter of cross country at The Course Spokane Valley.
Food trucks and community activations will round out the celebration as Spokane Valley officially opens The Course to the region.
Race Day registration will be available 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
87°
Typical Low
55°
Chance of Rain
10%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Spokane Felts Fld, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Spokane Valley, WA
Nearest Airport
GEG
Spokane International Airport · 17 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The 2026 Opener, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Spokane Valley, WA
BRRC 4th July Fun Run
Moran Prairie School
10 miles away
LIBERTY LAKE LOOP
1 Mile · 5K · Other · From $36 · 20298 E Indiana Ave
2 miles away
Millwood Daze 5k
5K · From $20 · 3323 N. Marguerite Rd
5 miles away
Run The Night Glow 5K
5K · Other · From $25 · 404 N Havana St
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is The 2026 Opener?
- The 2026 Opener is a running race held in Spokane Valley, Washington on August 15, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The 2026 Opener?
- Saturday, August 15, 2026 in Spokane Valley, Washington at 2520 N Flora Road. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The 2026 Opener?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The 2026 Opener
Aug 15, 2026