Find a local race to fit your need for speed

Congratulations -- you made it through another long, dark winter, and now you're itching to get outside and stretch your legs. We've found five great local races -- each one progressively longer and later in the season -- to fit your need for speed, whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just breaking in your first pair of running shoes.

Nike 5K for Kids, May 10, 8 a.m.
If you've never run a race before, the Nike 5K for Kids is a good place to start. Participants of all abilities and ages meet at Niketown for this annual, 3.1-mile jaunt through the streets of Seattle. Proceeds benefit Seattle Public Schools' physical education programs. Register online for $20 until May 2, or in person at Niketown until May 9.

Beat the Bridge 8K, May 18, 8:30 a.m.
One of the better-known races of the spring season is the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, an annual 8-kilometer (5-mile) loop around the University District. Runners set off from Husky Stadium and have 20 minutes to run the two miles to the University Bridge before it's raised. But slowpokes don't need to stress out too much -- the bridge is only up for a few minutes, and there's live music and prize giveaways to entertain them while they wait to cross. Winners receive Nordstrom gift certificates as high as $1,000. Proceeds benefit the Northwest Diabetes Foundation. Register online for $17, or the day of the event for $25.

Sound to Narrows 12K, June 12, 7 a.m.
Now it's time to get serious. The Sound to Narrows run traverses a scenic and hilly 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) course through Point Defiance Park and west Tacoma. The race starts and ends at Vassault Park, but an express shuttle will be available from Tacoma Community College. Entry fees benefit stroke prevention, research and education at the MultiCare Health Foundation. Register online for $26 by June 10 or at the race for $30.

Party in the Park 30K Trail Run, June 28, 9 a.m.
For a different kind of race, consider the Party in the Park Trail Run, a 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) run through the woodsy Bridle Trails State Park in Bellevue. After the race, the whole family can carbo-load with a $5 pancake breakfast and enjoy guided nature tours and pony rides. All race proceeds benefit park upkeep and preservation. Register online for $25 or at the race for $30.

Seafair Marathon, June 29, 7 a.m.
Finally, the jewel in the crown: the Virginia Mason Team Medicine Seafair Marathon which takes a new route this year that starts at Husky Stadium, crosses the 520 bridge, leads participants around downtown Bellevue and Kirkland, then back down the Kirkland waterfront toward the finish line at Bellevue Downtown Park. Sixteen aid and water stations will be posted along the 26.2-mile route for support, and there will be bands and cheerleaders on hand to root for runners. Proceeds benefit Virginia Mason lung cancer research. Register online (fees vary) before June 26 or in person at the Seafair Sports & Fitness Expo on June 28. No day-of-race registrations will be accepted.

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