Dick's-A-Thon

Dick's-A-Thon returns to Seattle on Saturday, October 17, and it's a bit more than your average charity run. The whole thing is a marathon-distance challenge run in honor of Ian, a good friend of the organizer, and it's put on by a non-profit dedicated to making the outdoors a safer place for everyone. The hook is the one that gives the event its name: along the way, you visit every Dick's Drive-In in the city and order a menu item at each stop. If you're not feeling a full marathon, there's a half-marathon and a 5K, and even a no-running option for those who'd rather walk the route.

One participant described it as "the wackiest, most ridiculous, and yet extremely memorable challenge I've done," which about sums it up. You're not just logging miles; you're stopping for burgers and shakes as you go, and the whole day is run by a non-profit with a mission to make the outdoors more accessible and safer for all. It's as much about the stops as it is about the distance.

And the money goes to a good cause. All net proceeds go to The Mountaineers Access Fund Scholarship, five Search and Rescue organizations, and Washington's National Parks Fund. So whether you're running the full distance, tackling the 5K, or just walking the route, your entry helps support outdoor access and the people who keep us safe when we're out there. You can find all the details and sign up at dicksathon.com.