Seattle Culture
Have The Run of the Party This Weekend
Run and dance your heart out with Diplo’s Run Club
By David Gladish September 12, 2024
When I think of famous musicians, I think of big parties, lots of adult beverages, perhaps some cannabis, and staying up all night. Diplo, a popular American DJ, musician, and music producer, is turning that picture on its head. This Saturday, Diplo’s Run Club is coming to Seattle’s Gas Works Park for a dancing good time.
Make no mistake: This is a party, at least if the run club’s debut last weekend in San Francisco is any indication. Last Sunday, 13,000 runners “danced their hearts out,” according to a report on KTVU FOX 2 in San Francisco, after finishing a 5K race. Diplo — his given name is Thomas Wesley Pentz — himself is an avid runner who runs as often as he can while touring around the world.
“The reason why I got inspired to do this event is because I ended up running the half-marathon in Miami, and I showed up in the club afterwards, because the sunrise was happening,” Diplo said on the station’s website. “I thought, this is a great experience. I’m not doing any drugs, I’m just here sober, I’m on a runner’s high, I’m enjoying the music, and I thought that might be the best way for people to experience music.”
The fun comes to Seattle Saturday, Sept. 14 and, like in San Francisco, Diplo will perform a concert after the race.
Runners and walkers for the Seattle race can line up on race day at 8 a.m. Registration is required, and the cost runs from $119 to $239. The website calls it a “reimagined 5K running series with the ultimate afterparty.”
The run club is a great way for new runners, or walkers, to try out a new sport, or take part in a race for the first time. Instead of dancing all night and ending up with a hangover, Diplo’s Run Club encourages healthy behavior without sacrificing the party.
The run club will hit other major cities across the world this fall.