2025 Microsoft Redmond 5K

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the Redmond 5K?

A: The Redmond 5K will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on Microsoft’s new East Campus.

Q: Why is the Redmond 5K moving from October to July?

A: The move to July allows us to take advantage of better weather and broader participation, including from our summer interns and families with children who are out of school during the summer break. This new timing also allows the 5K to be more integrated with Year of One, helping us celebrate the many employee events happening at Microsoft.

Q: Who can participate in the Redmond 5K?

A: All Puget Sound Microsoft employees, interns, vendors, friends and family, and guests of our nonprofits and sponsors are invited to participate. We hope this will be a fun event for everyone involved!

Q: Can children participate in the Redmond 5K?

A: Yes, children under 10 can participate without a donation. For children 10 and over, please make a suggested $50 registration donation per child.

Q: Can pets participate in the Redmond 5K?

A: No, pets are strictly prohibited from participating in the 5K or being on the athletic fields due to Microsoft's security policy. Thank you for your cooperation.

Q: How do I register and participate in the Redmond 5K?

A: To register, please make a suggested $50 registration donation on this registration site. Then, mark your calendar for Friday, July 18, 2025, and join us at the Microsoft East Campus Athletic Fields for the 5K!

Event schedule:
1:00 PM: Gates open. Pick up your registration bib and stretch.
2:00 PM: Microsoft Redmond 5K begins.
3:00 – 5:00 PM: Stay for the after party to enjoy light snacks, a beer garden, music, and more.

Q: Is the registration process the same for everyone?

A: Yes, all participants, including Microsoft employees, interns, and non-employees, register on this site.

Q: Are there special registration instructions for Microsoft employees and interns?

A: Yes, you will be asked during the registration process to confirm if you are a Microsoft employee or intern. Please select “Yes” and register using your Microsoft email address and NOT your personal email address.

Q: I'm a Microsoft employee or intern. Since the 5K is moving from October to July, will my registration still count towards my team/org's 2025 October Giving Campaign participation?

A: Yes, your personal donations of money made throughout the year count towards participation in the October Giving Campaign, including your Redmond 5K registration donation. Participating in July offers a great opportunity for you and your Puget Sound colleagues to boost your team/org’s participation metrics before October!

Q: I’m a Microsoft employee or intern. Will my registration donation be matched by Microsoft?

A: Yes, if you request a match during the registration process. To receive a match, confirm during registration that you are a Microsoft employee or intern and that you would like Microsoft to match your registration donation (minus registration fees). Your registration donation will be automatically matched. You do not need to submit a separate match request via My Giving Portal.

Please note that registration donations by non-employees are not eligible to receive a match.

Q: I’m a Microsoft employee or intern. Can I register my family members, and will the registration donation(s) be matched?

A: Yes, registration donations for family members will be matched for Microsoft employees and interns if:

• You register and make the suggested $50 registration donation for each family member using your personal funds.
• You will NOT be reimbursed for these donations.
• You confirm during registration that you are a Microsoft employee or intern and would like Microsoft to match your registration donation (minus registration fees).
• You select “Add another registrant” to register each family member.

Q: Why does Race Roster collect age information during the registration process?

A: Race Roster is required to collect date of birth (DOB) from registrants in accordance with COPPA regulations. However, your age will not be disclosed.

Q: In addition to the suggested $50 donation, are there any fees to register?

A: Race Roster charges a 6.99% processing fee plus $1.99 per registrant. This fee is not match-eligible for Microsoft employees or interns.

Q: Is the Redmond 5K a competitive race?

A: No, the 5K is not a competition and there is no requirement to run. We encourage all participants to enjoy the route at their own pace. We will not record participation times or provide prizes.

Q: Is merchandise (swag) available for the Redmond 5K?

A: Yes, all registered participants will receive a race bib, bib pins, and a drawstring backpack (while supplies last). In addition, you'll have the option to purchase a 5K t-shirt during the registration process. Purchased t-shirts must be picked up at the event - shipping is not available.

Q: Will food and beverages be provided at the Redmond 5K?

A: We'll provide water stations along the 5K course, and light snacks at the after party. Your registration also includes two drinks at the beer garden. Entry to the beer garden requires a valid physical photo ID (21+).

Q: What should I wear or bring to the Redmond 5K?

A: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. We are unable to offer bag check service, so please plan accordingly and only bring essential items with you to the event. If you plan to visit the beer garden, please bring a valid physical photo ID (21+).

Q: Will the Redmond 5K be canceled if it rains?

A: The event will happen rain or shine! Please dress for the weather and bring a jacket or hat if needed.

Q: Who are the nonprofit beneficiaries for the Redmond 5K?

A: All proceeds from registration donations benefit the following Washington state nonprofits that provide crucial services to our communities:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
• Seattle Aquarium
• YMCA of Greater Seattle
• YMCA of Wenatchee
• Youth Eastside Services

Q: How much of my registration donation goes to the Redmond 5K nonprofit beneficiaries?

A: 100% of proceeds from registration donations will go to our nonprofit beneficiaries (registration fees charged by Race Roster are not match-eligible).

Q: Can I cancel my Redmond 5K registration?

A: All registrations are final, and we are unable to offer refunds. Thank you for your donation to support Washington state nonprofits.

Q: Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the Redmond 5K?

A: If you have a question that is not addressed in this FAQ, please email MS5Kquestions@microsoft.com.

Microsoft Redmond 5K route map

Please note: Volunteers and signs will be stationed along the route to guide you.

Microsoft Redmond 5K route narrative

Start at the cricket field on East Campus

1. The 5K will be organized into 5 staggered starts (heats) next to the East Campus cricket field. Please join the heat that matches your anticipated speed.
2. Listen for the start announcement for your heat. To begin, veer right around the cricket field and take the first left toward the West Elevators. Continue straight toward the Plaza. Pass building 2 on your right.
3. When you approach building 4 on your right, turn left to cross the Plaza towards the Microsoft sign.
4. Veer left to pass the Microsoft sign and proceed straight. The building 10 food hall will be on your left and the building 9 food hall will be on your right. Turn right to circle around building 9.
5. Go straight toward building 8 and the Wells Fargo sign. Turn right when you reach the Wells Fargo sign to return to the Plaza, then veer left to the Ped Bridge.
6. Cross the Ped Bridge to the West Campus Commons, staying in the right lane. The left lane is for 5K participants heading back to East Campus. Important: For safety, all cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes across the bridge in both directions.
7. At the end of the Ped Bridge, go down the stairs, turn right, and continue down the ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left when you reach the fire lane. Caution: Stay to the left side of the ramp. Watch for 5K participants coming up the ramp to the bike lane — they’ll be heading in the opposite direction back to East Campus.
8. Continue straight on the fire lane. Just after you pass the Studio A loading dock, turn left at Studio A.
9. Continue straight. The Commons Mixer is on your left and Studio A is on your right. Continue toward the traffic circle. Turn left at Studio B.
10. Just after you cross the yellow and red speed bump in the fire lane, turn left toward the Commons sports field.
    
    Turn around at the Commons sports field on West Campus
    
    
11. To enter the field, bypass the steps and continue to the side path located opposite the Studio C elevator.
12. Turn right and circle halfway around the field counter-clockwise.
13. Exit the field at the middle bench, directly across from where you started.
14. Follow the gravel path to the stop sign located opposite the Studio B loading dock.
15. At the stop sign, turn left on 150th Ave NE.
    
    Return to the cricket field on East Campus
    
    
16. Go straight on 150th Ave. When you reach the intersection of 150th Ave NE and NE 36th St, turn left toward Building 92.
17. Pass Building 92 and Studio D and continue to the end of the parking lot. Turn left at the stop sign in front of Studio D.
18. Circle Studio D and go straight to return to the Ped Bridge.
19. Pass the Studio D loading dock and parking garage exit, then continue under the Ped Bridge. At the stop sign across from the circular bike lane, turn left and proceed up the bike lane. Caution: Stay to the left side of the ramp. Watch for 5K participants coming down the ramp from the Ped Bridge stairs — they’ll be heading in the opposite direction toward the fire lane.
20. Cross the Ped Bridge to return to East Campus, staying in the left lane. The right lane is for 5K participants heading to the Commons. Important: For safety, all cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes across the bridge in both directions.
21. Exit the bridge and go straight toward the Plaza. Veer left as you approach the West Elevator and the Microsoft logo sign.
22. Pass Building 6/Craft 75 on your left and continue straight past building 4 on your right.
23. Pass building 4 and turn right. Then, turn right again to circle around building 4.
24. Turn left to head back to the cricket field, passing the elevator and soccer field on your right.
25. At the fork in the path, take the left path. Continue along the edge of the cricket field, passing its entrance. Look for a side path on your left in front of the softball field and turn left onto it.
26. Follow the side path until you reach161^st Ave NE, directly in front of Building 36. Turn right on 161^st Ave NE.
27. Just before the bridge, take the first right to return to the cricket and softball fields.
28. When you reach the blue Emergency light pole, turn right toward the softball field.
29. Cross the finish line just before you reach the softball field.

Distance: The course measures 3.1 miles.

Parking location and instructions:
Microsoft East Campus Parking Garage
3400 156th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052

 Enter the parking garage from 156th Ave NE. Park on any level in the Blue Zone (use North Elevators) or Green Zone (use East Elevators). Please avoid coned off parking and reserved parking for Give or expectant mothers. Take the North or East Elevators (or stairs) to the surface level where the athletic fields are located.