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!
Kristie Ensley has been a Certified Personal Trainer with National Academy of Sports Medicine for over 12 years. She holds a Nutrition Certification from Cornell University. Kristie has a passion for creating and sharing purely delicious recipes for optimum health and wellness. When she's not training clients, you can find her running local trails, hiking with her husband and son, or in her kitchen whipping up nourishing treats to share with family and friends.
And now she's added Chuckanut 50k to her list. Kristie is reaching out to local businesses, working with volunteers and jumping in with two feet for all of the tasks that RDs do. I feel lucky to be working with her.
race email: volunteers.chuckanut50@gmail.com
Registration opens tomorrow, January 9 at 8AM PST.
Entry Fee: $80- this includes your UltraSignUp fees. Additional $25 for shirt. (Patagonia long sleeve capilene, screened with Chuckanut 50k logo on front and race date on back)
Race Date: March 21, 2015, 8AM start time.
We look forward to the details and planning that fill the next three months as much as you look forward to your training. Both training and race directing come with so many memorable experiences, laughable times and great learning experiences. I look forward to hearing and sharing stories of this time on race day.
Best of luck to you in your training!
Krissy Moehl, RD & Kristie Ensley, CO-RD
Another Chuckanut 50k is added to the history books. 22 years running, there are many stories to be told. This year we were once again honored to have a solid group of volunteers pull together all of the race day specifics and make for an awesome day. The field was stacked with returning champs, 156 first timers and many multi-year finishers. Each person brings their special piece to the day and everyone walks away with stories. Coming together for an event in spite of wind, rain and any other life challenges that may otherwise stand in the way is what creates awesome history. Thank you to everyone that was a part of this day.
VOLUNTEERS
Months leading up to the Chuckanut 50k Heather Anderson and I are putting our heads together and figuring out details from permits to port-potties and I greatly appreciate all of the time and effort she has put into the event in both in 2013 and 2014. Through her communications and recruiting the Chuckanut 50k race has an awesome crew of volunteers manning aid stations, street crossing guards, marking the course, setting up, tearing down, medical aid at the finish, cleaning coolers, serving soup… There are many hands needed to make everything happen on race day and we are super appreciative for the community that rallies to make an awesome day for us and the runners.
Our 2014 Sponsors and Supporters had a bit of excitement just before the runners returned to our finish line. While runners cruised through the trees, tents were literally flying around the parking lot finish area due to crazy wind gusts. The crew rallied and pulled together what felt like a welcoming finish line in spite of having to put away most of awesome set up that was planned. We have a consistent group of sponsors year after year and I'm ever thankful that each one connects with the race and adds to the event from prize purse contributions, to products, prizes and presence. They support the running community in many ways and draw inspiration for their products from these events and the participants.
PHOTOS
We are always thankful for Glenn Tachiyama's presence. He's got his key spots along the course and I think people are starting to know where to look for him. His keen eye for runners' emotions and the beauty in landscape set his images apart. Have a look on his SITE to find your moment.
Another photographer took the time to capture different points along the course. Grant Mattice shared this LINK with me and was happy to have it shared with the racers.
PARKS & TRAIL CREWS
The Pacific Northwest has beautiful tree lined trails and plenty of rain and wind to challenge their strength. One week prior to the race start I counted at least 10 trees down on the course. By race day they were all removed thanks to the efforts of local trail crews and the parks department. There are so many aspects to pulling off a successful race, and having a clear course is primary.
RUNNERS
All of us would look rather silly if the runners didn't join us at the start line. The commitment to train for and show up on race day is huge and nothing makes me happier than seeing the registration fill in a few hours, the look of excited runners at packet pickup and the huge smile that fills each face as you cross the finish line. The constant support of the running community year after year for the Chuckanut 50k is encouraging and much appreciated by this RD.
NEXT YEAR
Mark your calendars! March 21, 2015 - the third weekend in March. The 23rd running of the Chuckanut 50k. Registration will open January 9 on UltraSignUp.
View from $2 Trail
Just over a week ago the Chuckanut 50k trails were littered with downed trees. On the $2 Trail alone there were 5 trees that stopped me in my tracks to climb over and get going again. As of Saturday the trails are cleared/passable. There was a huge tree down on the South Lost Lake trail that Cascade Mountain Runners Dan and Kevin were able to limb and clear to make passable. The Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition made short order of the trails on the ridge. Washington Trail Association were out in force March 8 and Larrabee State park organized crews to clear $2 and Chinscraper (aka Black Diamond). Incredible like-minded people working to keep the trails usable for all.
The ridge is slippery and technical as always, but the trees are clear reducing your number of obstacles. Fingers crossed for zero winds this week.
Huge Thanks to all of the hands that rallied to clear Chuckanut Mountain of the downfallen trees. Chuckanut 50k runners are ever thankful.
South Lost Lake Trail Before
South Lost Lake Trail after
Following is the prize money list for the Western WA USATF members who place at the Chuckanut 50k.
Western Washginton USAT&F would like to encourage memberships, noting that the main benefit for most runners is the amazing sport accident insurance!
You must be a registered USAT&F member BEFORE the start of the Chuckanut 50k to earn the following prize money.
Open Men and Women
1st $200
2nd $150
3rd $125
Masters Men and Women
1st $150
2nd $125
3rd $100
We are looking forward to the gathering of Chuckanut 50k runners, volunteers and spectators in just one weeks time! All race details can be found on our DETAILS page… following are a few of the highlights.
Friday March 14: Packet Pickup will be hosted at the Chrysalis Inn in their Kulshan room. You can pick up your bib numbers and visit with our Sponsors and Supporters starting at 5pm. We will be there till 8pm.
If you would like to collect your bib and shirt (if ordered) earlier in the week please stop by Fairhaven Runners. Bibs will be available for pickup there Tuesday March 11, 10am thru Friday March 14, at 3pm. Sponsor goodies will only be available at the Chrysalis Inn packet pickup and at the finish line.
Also on Friday March 14 for your evening entertainment Rainshadow Running is putting on The Trail Running Film Festival.
Fairhaven is one of my favorite little towns in all of my travels and the local businesses are amazing in their support of the Chuckanut 50k. Be sure to take some time to explore this great little downtown and community!
Saturday March 15: Packet Pickup will be available at Start line near the corner of 6th & Harris from 6:30-7:45am. RACE START is 8AM.
The Pacific NW continues to challenge Chuckanut 50k runners & volunteers with its varying weather. It is part of the mystic of this event and really what makes for the best race stories in the weeks and months following. We would like to encourage everyone to come prepared for all weather and created the following list to help you with your race day packing.
The current forecast for Saturday March 15 predicts a high of 52degrees with a 20% chance of rain. Friday has a 40% chance of rain and Sunday is 70%. The ridge is always a bit cooler and exposed to wind. Running with a light jacket is highly recommenWhether 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
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
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)
Coffee from Tony's Coffee
Water, cola and typical aid station fare
