T-Rex World Championship Races

The T‑Rex World Championship Races are an annual event held at Emerald Downs racetrack in Auburn, Washington, featuring participants running while wearing inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes.[1]

The races are held on the straightaway over a distance of approximately 100 yards and are organized into multiple heats based on age and gender, including categories for children (16 and under), adults aged 17–49 (divided into open and women’s divisions), and a senior division for participants aged 50 and over.[2][3] All competitors wear inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes, which are powered by battery packs to remain inflated. Winners in each category typically receive plaques or trophies.[4]

History

The event was first held in 2017 and originated as a team-building activity organized by TriGuard Pest Control, whose employees participated by running in inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes.[5] The humorous and visually striking nature of the race quickly attracted public interest and online attention, prompting organizers to continue the event on an annual basis.[6]

Over time, the race expanded beyond its original participants to include members of the general public, with organizers introducing structured heats by age and gender categories. As participation grew, so did media coverage, with national outlets highlighting the event for its novelty and entertainment value. The race was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but made a return in 2022.[7]

The event reached a wider audience in 2025 when it was featured in ESPN8 The Ocho's lineup, a programming block dedicated to showcasing unusual and lesser-known sports that had already been carrying Emerald Downs's corgi races. This exposure contributed to the race’s growing recognition as a unique cultural and recreational event.[8]

Event highlights

2025 race

Held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, the races drew over 300 participants.[9] Race day featured preliminary heats culminating in adult and open finals. The event continued its tradition of whimsy and crowd appeal with colorful action shots of runners stumbling down the homestretch.[10] 2025 marked the first year the competition was broadcast as part of ESPN8 The Ocho. The races aired on ESPN2 on Thursday, July 31, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).[11]

2024 race

The 2024 races were held on Saturday August 17th and over 6000 people gathered to watch 200 participants.[12] The winners were Cheyn Tam-Switzer in the men's race, and Paislie Thompson in the women's race.[13][14]

2023 race

The 2023 races were held on Sunday, August 20th. The winner was Ocean Kim from Kauai, Hawaii who won the 100-yard dash, narrowly edging out Colton Winegar from Boise, Idaho, and Seth Hirschi from Renton, Washington in a photo finish.[15]

Legacy

Since its inception, the T‑Rex World Championship Races have gained recognition as a distinctive and unconventional sporting event.[16] While originally intended as a light-hearted activity, the race has attracted increasing public interest, contributing to regional tourism and drawing coverage from national and international media outlets.[17] Its recurring presence at Emerald Downs has helped establish the event as a local tradition, and its inclusion in ESPN8 The Ocho’s programming lineup has further elevated its visibility.

References

  1. ^"Photo highlights from T-Rex World Championship Races". AP News. 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  2. ^"T-Rex World Championship race ends in photo finish - CBS Baltimore". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-08-24. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  3. ^Baehr, Jasmine (2024-08-19). "T-Rex world championships are off to a roaring start and finish in Washington state". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  4. ^"T-Rex World Championship Races 2023". New York Daily News. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  5. ^"Watch: Hundreds run on horse racing tracks in T-Rex costumes". The Indian Express. 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  6. ^Ceballos, Breana (2024-08-20). "7th Annual Inflatable T-Rex Race had Over 200 Racers!". NERDBOT. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  7. ^"Watch: Dinosaurs dash for the finish line in T-Rex World Championship Races - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  8. ^Blum, Lily (2025-07-16). "ESPN8: The Ocho Returns July 31-August 3 as the Ultimate Destination for Seldom-Seen Sports and Absurd Athleticism". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  9. ^"T-Rexes skydive and race at T-Rex World Championship in Washington". Reuters. 2025-06-30. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  10. ^GaryD@emeralddowns.com (2025-06-30). "T-Rex World Championship Races 2025". Emerald Downs. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  11. ^"ESPN8 The Ocho schedule 2025: Times, channels, live streams to watch sports from Banana Ball to pillow fighting | Sporting News". www.sportingnews.com. 2025-07-31. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  12. ^"Check out this exciting contest as the 2024 T-Rex World Championship Races occur at Emerald Downs in Washington | Fox News Video". Fox News. 2024-08-20. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  13. ^Baehr, Jasmine (2024-08-19). "T-Rex world championships are off to a roaring start and finish in Washington state". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  14. ^GaryD@emeralddowns.com (2024-08-18). "T-REX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RACES 2024". Emerald Downs. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  15. ^Baswick, Paul (2023-08-22). "WATCH: T-Rexes tear up the track at Emerald Downs". Canadian Running Magazine. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  16. ^"Popular Equestrian Race Track Goes Pre-historic as Contest Between 'T. Rexes' Unfolds". EssentiallySports. 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  17. ^Paulick, Ray (2025-07-22). "Breeders' Cup Forum: Corgis, T-Rexes, And Kids, Oh My". Paulick Report | Latest news and commentary from the horse racing and equine world. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
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