Running has a way of uniting people from all walks of life–even sometimes Grammy award-winning artists. Last Saturday, Seattle’s very own Macklemore surprised nearly 8,000 runners when he showed up at Diplo’s Run Club 5K at Gas Works Park.
Instead of spending the morning thrift shopping, the 42-year-old rapper (born Benjamin Haggerty) laced up for the community run and cruised through the 5K in 27:50. Afterward, he called the experience “hella fun,” matching the day’s high-energy vibe.
Diplo’s Run Club, a nationwide series that mixes fitness with music, brings runners together for a 5K followed by a festival-style concert. Seattle’s edition was no exception: Diplo himself ran 22:21 before jumping behind the decks for a morning DJ set.
This wasn’t Macklemore’s first time pounding the pavement. Back in the “Good Old Days” of 2009, he ran the Whidbey Island Half Marathon, finishing below the two-hour mark in 1:56:38.
Macklemore is best known for his 2014 Grammy-winning album, The Heist, with Ryan Lewis, which earned four awards, including Best Rap Album and Best New Artist. Macklemore’s appearance gave the hometown crowd a dose of local pride.
Macklemore wasn’t the only big local name in attendance. Seattle’s mayor, Bruce Harrell, arrived by boat at the park with Diplo, and took on the role of honourary starter. Harrell praised Diplo’s event for bringing the community together: “This event represents what we do best in Seattle—healthy exercise, vibrant fun and activities that bring communities together.”
Diplo’s Run Club continues its 2025 tour with stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles (Oct. 11–12), New York City (Oct. 25) and wraps up in San Diego (Nov. 8).
