When the sun comes out, people start dusting off their running shoes, greasing their bike chains, and heading back to their local trails. This summer, Eastrail Partners wanted to bring those trail users together with a little friendly competition.

Rails to Repeats: The Eastrail Lap Challenge invited participants to explore the Redmond Central Connector (RCC) of Eastrail, by completing as many laps as they could throughout the month of June. Along the way, participants could earn bragging rights, win prizes donated by local small businesses, and collect Eastrail Partners swag, all while supporting the continued development and activation of the Eastrail.

Through a partnership with the City of Redmond, signs were posted along the route, promotional emails went out, and local running clubs helped spread the word. On June 1, more than 10 cyclists, runners, and walkers kicked off the challenge. Participants chose their own pace and distance, with runners completing 1.3-mile laps, cyclists tackling five-mile loops, and walkers taking on half-mile routes.

Throughout the month, participants enthusiastically worked toward their goals. By the end of June, they had collectively completed more than 100 laps on the Redmond Central Connector! The challenge also encouraged people to rediscover the trail, including some who hadn’t visited since the RCC’s completion in 2025.

Eastrail Partners caught up with two of the challenge’s champions to learn what motivated them to participate and how the experience made a difference.

Finding New Miles on the Eastrail

Shawn A. (above left) is an avid runner who regularly participates in events with Eastside Runners. While out on a morning run, he spotted a sign promoting Rails to Repeats and was intrigued. He had been looking for new places to log miles before beginning a more intensive training block, so the challenge was a perfect fit. Throughout June, Shawn returned to the RCC almost daily, often completing multiple laps. His large Strava following cheered him on with encouraging comments and even joined him as running partners. The challenge gave Shawn a chance to build his mileage, focus on easier recovery runs, and explore local Redmond businesses in search of a well-earned post-run treat.

Rebuilding Confidence, One Ride at a Time

For Bob A. (above right), Rails to Repeats offered something more than a fitness challenge: an opportunity to rebuild confidence on his bike. After a bike v. car collision in November 2025, Bob spent months recovering. Although he had been cleared to ride again, getting back on his bike came with some hesitation. When he saw an email from Eastrail Partners about the challenge, he quickly signed up. Throughout June, Bob took light rail to Downtown Redmond and headed north along the RCC, returning to the trail almost daily. With each ride, he rebuilt his strength, grew more confident, and worked through the mental barriers that had made cycling difficult after his accident. By the end of the month, Bob was feeling ready to return to longer rides with his friends. Rails to Repeats gave him a goal to work toward and a welcoming place to regain his footing—or, in this case, his pedals.

A Trail Is Better When We Bring It to Life

At Eastrail Partners, we believe a trail is more than a path connecting destinations. It’s an opportunity to build community, encourage healthy activity, support local businesses, and create welcoming public spaces where everyone can feel at home.

Rails to Repeats brought that vision to life. With support from the City of Redmond, local businesses, and the enthusiasm of our participants, the challenge encouraged people to get outside, discover new routes, and connect with their community. Whether they came to run, walk, ride, or simply try something new, everyone helped make the Redmond Central Connector a more vibrant and active place.

Thank you to everyone who participated in June’s Rails to Repeats challenge! We loved seeing the community come together and can’t wait to see what the next challenge brings.

Rails to Repeats Is Back This October!

Ready for another round? Starting October 12, Rails to Repeats returns to the Eastrail, this time along the trail south of Newcastle Beach Park in Bellevue. Complete the designated Strava segment as many times as you can through October 31 for a chance to win Eastrail swag and two free entries into the 12ks of Christmas race.

Visit https://eastrail.org/event/rails-to-repeats/ to register and learn more.