Daffodil Challenge Part One: Tacoma

Got to Tacoma with ease, found street parking not far from the starting area, and then settled in to wait. The weather has held up so far -- cool but dry, no wind; perfect running weather.

We got to the starting area, joined the queue for the porta potty, and waited. 

Some of the Daffodil Princesses were mingling with the runners -- and one of the Princesses was actually running the race in a daffodil yellow tutu. 

Luckily the race was chip timed, so it didn't matter that we had to start a couple of minutes late. We dashed across the timing mats and just hoped we would be able to find the route! (Thank heavens for the luminous yellow race shirts!)

We made our way through the walkers (nice to see so many families out together!) and just kept going, making little loops of the downtown core. 

One thing surprised me: there were very few people waiting for the parade to start. I figured it would be more like Torchlight, where people go out the night before to set up "camps" on the sidewalk. But there were a few people here and there, so we made a point of saying hello to all of them. 

We also ran past the Princesses a few times, though they were clearly heading to their staging area, so they were on the move. 

At one point we crossed paths with a number of women on horseback -- the Tacoma Lariettes. We were close enough for me to notice that the horses had green and gold glitter on their bums. Sparkley horsey bum-bums. I am still kicking myself for not capturing this on film. 

A few minutes later and we were done. Just like that. One down, three to go!!

Tacoma Daffodil Parade Route