ABOUT US

Capital Lakefair was founded by a collection of local business people in 1957 who came together to create a local celebration every summer.  62 years later, Capital Lakefair is now a community tradition for generations of families.  Occurring every year during the third week in July, the week-long celebration concludes with the Olympia Lakefair Races on Saturday morning, the Grand Parade through downtown Saturday evening and a firework show on Sunday. 

 

Starting in 1975, the Lakefair Races were directed by the Olympia Rain Runners running club. The races have varied in distances over the years with distances of two miles, 3k, 8k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. When The Olympia Rain Runners dissolved, the races were absorbed by the Capital City Marathon Association.  After a few years, the Marathon Association, wanting to focus on its own races, turned over the Lakefair Races to two local high school coaches. They created the Lake Run Organization, a member of the Road Runners Club of America.

 

In 2016, the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club approached the Lake Run Organization to partner in sponsoring the events.  The following year, the Lake Run Organization in partnership with the Olympia Downtown Rotary Club rebranded the three race event to “Olympia Lakefair Races”.  The aim of this effort is to continue the tradition of the races, honor the running past of Olympia, and support youth running and other non-profits supported by the Lake Run Organization and Olympia Downtown Rotary.  

 

Help us celebrate these historic races and become a sponsor! As a sponsor, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with the Thurston County community, build brand awareness and show your company’s support of our community and our region’s history.