Register for the 24th running of the Chuckanut 50k on January 8 starting at 8am PST. UltraSignUp.com will once again host our race registration - click HERE for a link to the Chuckanut 50k race registration page.
Side note: I have recently moved back to the area and look forward to training on the Chuckanut 50k trails once again. I look forward to seeing you out there!!
As a first year co race director I really didn't know what to expect being involved with the Chuckanut 50k. Lets just say I was blown away! Our volunteers were an amazing group of people, their enthusiasm and support was invaluable. Without them the whole gig would have been impossible. Their dedication, cheers and support really lead to the whole race experience being that much more powerful and enjoyable for our runners; Aid Station Captains who didn't skip a beat, they knew exactly what to do and execute without hesitation. Ma Moehl served soup and helped take care of runners ALL DAY! And of course Krissy with her steadfast efforts to make the event a cup free race. She was dedicated to maintaining a clean race and preserving the beauty of the area. The Chuckanut trail system is a treasure and was treated as such. As a local runner I took great pride in her efforts on this front and had a sense of gratitude for all the runner's compliance.
It was an exhilarating day full of smiles, laughs and tears. Watching runners cross the finish line knowing all the hard work and preparation that goes into a 50k was inspiring & rewarding. Races are such a testament to thorough planning and execution. There is a quote that reads “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." I felt lucky to be a part of Chuckanut 50k.
Watching the Chuckanut 50k be absorbed and loved by the Bellingham community over the last 13 years has been such a beautiful process. From the start, the running community has supported this event and now it feels that the entire community is committed to the Chuckanut 50k and own it as their event. I feel the pride of locals as they talk about the race to me, whether or not they know that I am the race director. I love hearing about the training runs, the nervousness about registration and whether they will get a spot in time. I love how people volunteer their day, no matter the weather, to ensure that their community event shines. I'm with Kristie, I feel lucky to be a part of the Chuckanut 50k.
Congrats to all runners on their preparations and race day efforts!
Huge appreciation to our Volunteers, SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTERS and the Bellingham Community for your continued support of this classic, community event.
look for David Laney's article in Ultrarunning Magazine!
The Pacific NW continues to challenge Chuckanut 50k runners & volunteers with its varying weather. It is part of the mystique of this event and really what makes for the best race stories in the weeks and months following. We encourage everyone to come prepared for all weather and created the following list to help you with your race day packing.
The forecast (as of Thursday) for Saturday, March 21 predicts 50% chance rain, 54degree high and 40degree low. The ridge is always a bit cooler and exposed to wind. Running with a light jacket is highly recommended. Whether you are from the PNW or not, everyone knows that the weather is fickle and is not dependable. Please come prepared for all conditions.
Your race bib#. DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK IN RACE MORNING!
UltraCup or waterbottle or hydration pack - Our aid stations will have cola, water and EFS Electrolyte drink available. You bring the cup or vessel to drink it from. We are a zero cup race.
Bowls, Mugs and Spoons - We put together the necessary bits to create a supported race atmosphere yet are constantly working against consumptive routines the best we can. We have a ZERO WASTE Race Goal. To continue our efforts started in 2013, we look forward to providing hot soup from The Book Fare Cafe, bread from Great Harvest and coffee from Tony's Coffee in YOUR BOWL.
Post race warm, dry clothes: Beanie, gloves, rain jacket, down jacket, fleece layer, pants, socks, water proof shoes or warm boots
Nice extras: wet wipes, favorite post run snacks
2015 Seattle Running Club Training Run on Chuckanut 50k Course
First Endurance Ultragen Recovery mix - bring a water bottle to mix
Hot Soup from the BookFare Cafe
Bread from Great Harvest (some Gluten Free options) and Trail Butter to top it off!
Coffee from Tony's Coffee
Water, cola and typical aid station fare
As a gift to the Bellingham Trail Community, Runner Girl Races LLC, aka Chuckanut 50k, teamed up with Maps for Good to create a beautiful PDF map of Chuckanut Mountain that is also available to download on your phone for offline location awareness. There is a map of the Chuckanut Mountain Trails as well as a map that highlights the Chuckanut 50k race course. You can download a printable version on the Course Map page on the Chuckanut 50k website and/or have easy access on your phone.
We would love your comments and feedback as you use both versions of the map. Comment below or send Krissy an email chuckanut50 at gmail.com.
Following are directions from my friends at Maps for Good.
DOWNLOAD THE RACE MAP TO YOUR PHONE FOR OFFLINE LOCATION AWARENESS
You can download the race map to your smartphone to see your location along the trail—no wifi or cell service needed!
In the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) on your smartphone, download a free app called PDF Maps made by Avenza Systems. Once it has downloaded, open the app and look at the bottom of the screen for Store (with a shopping cart icon). In the search bar, where it says find maps, type Chuckanut. It will default to a map view, which is nice but not as easy to use. Click List at the top of the screen to switch to list view. There you'll see our two maps: Chuckanut 50k Race Map and Chuckanut Trails (not specific to the race). Purchase one or both! All proceeds support future map updates.
Once you've acquired your maps, they will be in your maps collection inside the PDF Maps app. You can find them by tapping on Maps in the bottom left corner of the app. Tap on any one of the maps to open it and see your location. You can pinch to zoom in and out and drag your finger to pan across the map—just like you would in any other map on your phone. You can also mark waypoints, make notes, record your tracks, and measure distances. When you have the map open on your screen, you can find all those tools by tapping on the wrench tool in the bottom right of the screen.
Location 6th & Harris, Fairhaven WA. Vacant parking lots across from Ferry Terminal.
RUNNER CHECK-IN 6:30-7:45AM - all runners must check in.
* Bib number and shirt (if pre-ordered) also available for pickup race morning at the start area.
Race Start 8AM
Sponsors Tents and Food by Ma Moehl will be set up by 11am
Awards 2PM - The awards ceremony will take place at the finish line. PRIZES: We award top 3 men and top 3 women and top masters man and woman from the $4000 prize purse. We award the top three in each age group with prizes from our sponsors and beautiful pottery from Millbrook Clayworks.
Race Cutoff 4PM -All runners must finish by 4pm.
Post race party - there are three breweries vying for Chuckanut 50k participants business and all have offered sweet deals to our runners. Check out the Post Run Fun page for details on where to be after the miles are run.
Bib numbers and shirts (if pre-ordered) available for pickup 10am Tuesday March 17th through 4pm Friday March 20 at Fairhaven Runners.
Bib numbers & shirts (pre-orders and additional will be available for sale) PLUS tons of goodies from our Sponsors and Supporters available for pick up at the Chrysalis, Friday March 20th from 5-8pm. This is not a race expo.
Bib numbers and shirts (if pre-ordered) available for pickup Race Morning at Start area - 6th & Harris. If there are any remaining shirts Ma Moehl will sell them at the finish line.
See our Start & Finish Area Map for all locations.
I love dogs. I would have one if I didn't travel so much. Because I don't have my own, I have a belief that everyone should pet a dog at least once a day. I would love to have your furry friends at the Chuckanut 50k finish line to help me over-fill my quota.
Because the finish is on Private Property there are a three simple rules:
1) Dogs are not allowed on the course.
2) Dogs must be on leash, under your control and with you at all times. Do not tie your dog to a vehicle or tent. Please keep one end of the leash on your dog and the other in your hand.
3) You assume all responsibility for your dog's actions.
Last year we had a dog bite incident. The dog was tied to the owner's car, but a playful kid trying to hug the dog was bit.
This year we would still like to allow dogs at the finish line, but we have to enforce these rules. If you decide to bring your pup please be a responsible owner.
Rad Dog, a local dog product company, will be there with treats and water bowls.
Always good to remember as a participant of any event:
I will:
• Play nice with my fellow participants.
• Help participants in need.
• Be respectful of others using parks, trails, waterways and public spaces.
• Give thanks (& a shout out) to the volunteers.
• Be a good ambassador (volunteer for trail or park work, or at other local events).
• Not litter – pack it in, pack it out (or dispose in appropriate containers).
• Inform an official if I withdraw from the event.
• Follow all race rules and adhere to sport specific safety guidelines.
The Chuckanut 50k continues to support the Trail Runner Trophy Series. Participation in Chuckanut earns you points in this series and the opportunity to win prizes from their sponsors. For more information click the series logo.
On March 1st, the Seattle Running Club is putting on a training run of the middle 30k of the Chuckanut 50k course.
To sign up and to find details go to this MEET UP link.
This is a super fun way to meet fellow racers (although you do not have to be running the Chuckanut 50k to join this fun run) and preview the course.
It is my hope that every single person on our registered runners list will toe the Chuckanut 50k start line on March 21 at 8:00AM. I do realize that life happens and things come up and I want to bring attention to our refund policy.
Please let me know by February 16 if you are currently registered and unable to attend/run the 2015 Chuckanut 50k. I will send a $50 refund to those that let me know on or before this date. This allows us to move people from the waitlist into the race.
I hope your training is going well! Stay focused and healthy!