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.
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, adults aged 17–49, and a senior division for participants aged 50 and over. 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.
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. 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.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.
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.