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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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.