The annual Viking Fest Road Race is returning to downtown Poulsbo for the 49th time, and this year it’s about more than just crossing the finish line!
Run For Rec!
Running the Viking Fest Road Race means investing in your community!
Hosted by Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, the Viking Fest Road Race serves as a community fundraiser supporting more than 1,200 local programs offered each year. Proceeds from the race directly fund free senior fitness classes, adaptive trikes for inclusive recreation, youth sports, arts and culture programming, community events like our Summer Concert Series and Spooktacular, and improvements to Poulsbo’s parks and trails.
Every registration is an investment in programs that keep Poulsbo active, inclusive, and connected!
Make sure to check out our NEW Virtual 5K option for 2026!!
Countdown to Race Day!
Race Options and Pricing
Participants can choose from multiple race options including a 5-Mile or 1-Mile Run along Poulsbo’s scenic waterfront. For those unable to attend in person, a Virtual Viking Fest Road Race 5K option allows supporters to complete their miles anytime, anywhere — walking, running, biking, or swimming — while still contributing to the cause.
5 mile: $30 until 4/17, then $40 until registration ends on 5/15
1 mile: $20 until 4/17, then $30 until registration ends on 5/15
BRAND NEW Virtual 5K (medal included): $40 until registration ends on 5/15
Exclusive 2026 Road Race T-shirt: $15-$18
NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION!
Every registration dollar stays local, strengthening recreational access for people of all ages and abilities!
1 Mile and 5 Mile Races start at 6th Ave near Harrison St and finish in downtown Poulsbo!
2026 Virtual Viking Fest 5K
Can’t make race day? You can still make an impact.
The BRAND-NEW 2026 Virtual Viking Fest 5K Option lets you support your community on your own schedule, your own route, and your own way. Walk along the waterfront, jog through your neighborhood, bike through a local park, or take your miles wherever life takes you. Whether you choose to walk, bike, run, or swim, every mile directly supports Poulsbo Parks & Recreation and helps keep Poulsbo active, inclusive, and connected!
You will have 2 weeks between May 1st and May 15th to complete 5 kilometres (3.1 miles), in any location and format you choose!
To get started:
1. Register. You will receive a custom race bib to print out at home!
All registrants will receive an exclusive VVFRR 5K medal!! Pick up your medal from the Rec Center anytime between May 18th and May 31st.
2. Invite friends to join you by sharing this invitation within and beyond the Poulsbo community!
3. Complete your race. Submit your results by email or online, with or without a time included. Take a picture with your bib and email it to parksrec@cityofpoulsbo.com with your name and where you finished your 5K. You can also share your journey on social media using the hashtag #VitrualVikingFestRoadRace2026 and tagging @PoulsboParksRec.
4. WIN! There are 2 opportunities to win a prize giveaway. Enter yourself in one or both! All participants who upload their results via the RunSignUp platform will be entered into a random drawing for a giveaway! All participants who submit a photo to parksrec@cityofpoulsbo.com of them with their bib including their name and location they completed their 5K will also be entered into a random drawing for giveaway!
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup starts race week at Poulsbo Parks and Recreation
19540 Front Street NE Pouslbo, WA
- Wednesday, May 13: 2:00pm-6:00pm
- Thursday, May 14: 10:00am-4:00pm
- Friday, May 15: 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm
Race Day Packet Pickup at Poulsbo Lion’s Park
18270 Fjord Dr N Poulsbo, WA
- Saturday, May 16: 7:00am-8:30am
Race Day Details
If you took advantage of packet pick up prior to race day, we encourage you to arrive at the start line 15 minutes prior the start time. IF you are picking your packet up at Lion's Park, arrive at the park no later than 8:15 for check in. Be sure to leave extra time to find parking.
- 5-Mile: Starts at 9:00am @ 6th Avenue NE & NE Harrison St (next to Hostmark Community Center)
- 5-mile halfway mark: On Norum Rd NE: there will be a water station and EMT positioned off of the Lemolo Shore Dr NE curve (near Lemolo Vintage Market)
- 1-Mile: Starts at 9:05 am @ 6th Avenue NE & NE Harrison St (next to Hostmark Community Center)
- Finish Line: On Front Street (near the NW Dog).
- Get a printout of your finishing time.
- Receive a finisher ribbon.
- Grab free electrolytes, water, a snack, and a photo at the finish.
- Medals are provided to the top 3 finished based on gender and age brackets.
- Yes, dogs and strollers are allowed. We ask that those participants start in the back.
- Race ends 11am.
Route Maps and Directions
1 Mile Turn-By-Turn Directions:
- Start at 6th Ave near Hostmark St.
- Go South on Fjord Dr. and take the right onto the pedistrian 1-way.
- Turn left at Hostmark St.
- Follow the curve downhill onto Front St. NE.
- Finish line is on Front St., just past Sluy's Bakery. The crosswalk is the finish line.
5 Mile Turn-By-Turn Directions:
- Start at 6th Ave and Harrison St.
- Go South on Fjord Dr. and turn left.
- Fjord Dr. turns into Lemolo Shore Dr. NE.
- Turn right at jacobson Rd. W.
- Turn left at Norum Rd. NE.
- Turn left at Tuk Wil La Rd. NE.
- Turn left at Lemolo Shore Dr. NE (going North).
- Lemolo Shore Dr. NE turns into Fjord Dr.
- Turn left at Hostmark St.
- Follow the curve downhill onto Front St. NE.
- Finish line is on Front St., just past Sluy's Bakery. The crosswalk is the finish line.
Road Closures and Parking
Starting at 7:00am on Saturday, May 16th, road closures will prevent car access at the following intersections, also outlined in our interactive turn-by-turn map
- NE Hostmark St and 6th Ave
- NE Hostmark St and 4th Ave
- Jensen Way NE and Moe St NE
- Front St NE and King Olav V.
- FRONT STREET IS CLOSED FROM SUNSET WAY THROUGH DOWNTOWN TO 3RD AVE. DURING THE ENTIRE VIKING FEST WEEKEND.
Parking is limited due to the mentioned road closures. Paid parking available at Gateway Fellowship. Limited parking at Lion's Park. We encourage being dropped off at Gateway Fellowship or Oyster Plant Park.
