The 2025 T-Rex World Championship Races at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington, once again captivated spectators with a unique blend of humor and competition. Participants donned inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes, racing down the track to enthusiastic applause from the crowd. This event, which began in 2017 as a team-building exercise for a pest control company, has grown into a large-scale spectacle attracting runners of all ages and backgrounds. The races featured multiple categories, including men’s, women’s, children’s, and even a division for participants over 50, showcasing the event’s inclusive and playful spirit.

The championship saw over 200 competitors from across the United States, including states like Hawaii, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Louisiana, Oregon, California, and Idaho. The 100-yard dash was fiercely contested, with memorable finishes such as the 2023 final where Ocean Kim from Hawaii, racing as Boto Rex, narrowly won against Colton Winegar (Deno the Dino) and Seth Hirschi (Rex Ray Machine). Many racers were employees of Tri-Guard Pest Control, the company that originally started the event, emphasizing its roots in camaraderie and fun. Children also participated enthusiastically, dressed in their inflatable T-Rex suits, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Social media played a pivotal role in popularizing T-Rex racing globally. Videos of the races have amassed millions of views, spreading the joy and absurdity of the event far beyond Washington state. The spectacle of runners waddling and sprinting in oversized dinosaur costumes has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide, turning a quirky local tradition into an international phenomenon. The Emerald Downs racetrack now hosts the event annually with dedicated ticket sales and costume rentals, cementing its status as the sport’s home base while inspiring similar events elsewhere.

The fascination with Tyrannosaurus rex itself adds an extra layer of appeal to the races. This prehistoric predator, which roamed the Earth about 65 to 67 million years ago, has long intrigued the public, fueled by scientific studies and popular culture like the Jurassic Park films. A 2019 study estimated that around 2.5 billion T-Rex dinosaurs lived during their era, a staggering figure that contrasts humorously with the inflatable versions racing today. The event not only entertains but also subtly celebrates this iconic dinosaur’s enduring legacy in science and popular imagination.