Interlaken Ice Cream Dash

The fifty-one acres of dense forest that separate the urban neighborhoods of Montlake and Capitol Hill comprise Interlaken Park, named for a summer resort in Switzerland. Here you’ll find towering trees, an enchanting collection of dirt trails and a tree-canopied, wide, paved road that’s closed to motorized traffic and served as the principal bicycle and buggy path in the 1890s. Bicyclists still enjoy this quiet path as part of their city commutes today. At Interlaken Ice Cream Dash the race begins with a smooth out-and-back on the historic road, then turns quickly upward and onto the forest trails. There are a few steep pitches that will tax your quads, and a sustained climb before you turn around to sail back down through the trees. Those who fancy themselves strong downhill runners may catch the climbers on the descent! Then catch your breath on the silky smooth pavement, because each lap is 2.5k and 5k runners run it twice, while 10k runners run it four times. The climb will leave you puffing, the descent will be thrilling, and when it’s all over, you’ll have one serious endorphin high. Come discover the refreshing power of this green enclave!