Maja DeWolf, board member of The Flying Irish Running Club, on why it’s so easy to fall in love with running in Spokane, plus insights into her favorite races.

Back in 2014, a co-worker invited Maja DeWolf to a weekly group run with The Flying Irish Running Club. Shy and intimidated, she said she would show up, run, and quickly head home.

Her engagement in the club slowly grew as she got to know fellow members over a post-run beer each week. Ten years later, she’s on the board of The Flying Irish Running Club, excited to welcome newcomers.

For DeWolf, running was a lifestyle she picked up in her mid-20s, during grad school. It became a way to relieve stress and take a break from studying. She started with the couch-to-5K training plan, then went on to tackle bigger and bigger goals, including the marathon and Ironman triathlon race distances.

DeWolf, who’s now a licensed mental health counselor at Whitworth University, was a Boston Marathon finisher in 2018 and has her eyes set on running the New York Marathon one day.

“Goals and accomplishments are fun, but running does so much more for me,” she says. “It keeps me grounded, clears my head, and reminds me to be present. It has also brought me some of the best friends and community in my life.”

Below, DeWolf shares what she loves most about running in Spokane, top spots for a post-run (or mid-run!) sip, favorite races, and more.

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What’s your favorite aspect of running in Spokane?

I think the Spokane area is a runner’s dream. I can travel five to 30 minutes in any direction to get to some amazing trail systems, and I am still discovering new places to run even after years of exploring.

The running community in Spokane is also wonderful. I can go to a different group run (or two or three) every day of the week, and our running community has such a welcoming, inclusive spirit.

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Where is your favorite running route in Spokane?

My recent obsession has been the Knothead Loop in the Little Spokane River Natural Area, also known as Indian Painted Rocks. At about 6.5 miles, this loop is so scenic and challenging, with a big climb (just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain) that rewards you with beautiful views of the Little Spokane River down below.

Parking at the trailhead can fill up when the weather is nice, and you will need a Discover Pass. I love this loop any time of year, but spring is a spectacular time to take in the views and see the wildflowers and balsamroot bloom.

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What’s your favorite race in Spokane?

Bloomsday is one of my favorite events of the year. It is a local race experience like no other. It’s very affordable, and it has an amazing spread of talent from fast runners to walkers with every pace in between.

It is a huge event, so be prepared for the crowds and give yourself extra time to park and get to your starting corral. The run is super fun, but the best part is really the after party all throughout downtown. Stores like Lululemon often have post-race treats and coffee, and the beer garden, park, and streets are full of sweaty, happy people eager to swap stories about Doomsday Hill and PRs.

(Find more destination races in and around Spokane in the Spokane Race Guide.)

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What’s your favorite running gear?

I’m super picky about hats, and the Oiselle Runner Trucker is the one I can’t live without. It’s adjustable, foldable, and breathes well. Plus the prints feature beautiful nature scenes. I want them all!

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What are your go-to spots for a post-run beverage in Spokane?

I love a good post-run (or sometimes even mid-run) beer. There are great breweries all over town, but Spokanite Brewing (6607 North Ash Street, Spokane) has become my favorite mid-run stop for a beer. I can stop to chat and refresh with a cold one before my last couple of miles home. They are dog-friendly and always have treats and water for furry friends.

I also bribe myself to get to early morning winter runs with the promise of an Indaba coffee and Boots breakfast cookie from the shop within Fleet Feet in Kendall Yards (1315 West Summit Parkway, Spokane).

(Looking for more places to grab a drink or bite to eat after a run? Check out the Spokane City Guide.)

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Which city outside of Spokane is your favorite to visit and run?

One of my favorite parts of travel is to run in new places. There is something special about the way you take in the world while running — everything slows down and comes into focus in a way I don’t experience otherwise.

I was super fortunate to visit Honolulu a couple of years ago and had the best time waking up to run along beaches, up Diamond Head, and on trails. Those running memories hang with me in such a special way.

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Do you have a favorite destination race outside of Spokane?

I love the Ragnar Trail relay races that happen all over the country, including several in the Pacific Northwest. A Ragnar Trail event is a team relay race that is basically like a weekend camping trip party with some all-hours trail runs sprinkled in. The Ragnar Trail Rainier race takes place at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and has such a nice combination of amenities and challenging trails, with incredible views of Mt. Rainier.

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