Chuckanut 50k is a Towards Zero Waste Race
The goal at a Toward Zero Waste event is to plan ahead and distribute only materials that are recyclable or compostable (not any materials that will be landfilled). There will be very few trash cans at the event. Instead, Toward Zero Waste Stations for recycling and composting collection will be available to participants at several locations. Toward Zero Waste events are a great way to not only show our commitment to the environment, but to create a living model of Toward Zero Waste for event participants and the community.
If you have any questions as to whether your items are considered recyclable or compostable, please call Sanitary Services Company at 360-734-3490 or visit their website http://www.ssc-inc.com/faqs.php
Additional Lodging
Oxford Suites Bellingham is offering a special rate to Chuckanut 50k participants. Check out our lodging page for details. The hotel is 7.7 miles from the start/finish area - an easy drive on I5. To help with transportation, they will offer a shuttle service.
Be sure to book your rooms before the end of the month! The reduced rates for both of our hotels end soon.
Elite housing
We have a strong list of runners coming in from out of town this year. Most have expressed interest in home stays if local runners are interested in providing a place to sleep Friday and possible Saturday nights. If you are interested in hosting an out of town runner, please contact me so that I can put you in touch.
chuckanut50 at gmail.com
Run The Alps!
This summer while in France to cheer on the UTMB races I had the opportunity to meet Doug Mayer, a very enthusiastic and community committed trail runner. He also happens to be the founder of Run the Alps. In the interest of supporting and helping the running community Run the Alps is offering a 5% kickback of their registrations that are recommended by groups and races in the running community. Example: if you register for a trip and say that you heard about Run the Alps from the Chuckanut 50k, then the Chuckanut 50k receives the 5% kickback, money that goes to making a better race and/or donations to our non-profits. A great idea to keep us all connected.
From Doug:
Run the Alps offers guided and self-guided trail running tours in the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. First and foremost, though, we’re trail runners-- no matter where the day finds us. Trail running has made our lives better, and one of our goals is to return something to the wider trail running community.
If you are interested in an Alps running adventure check out their website for more information.
Host Hotel
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is once again the host hotel for the Chuckanut 50k. All of the information is on the LODGING page under Race Information. Great rates, walkable location to the race start/finish, and a nice way to spend the rest of the weekend when you are not running.
Post Race Party - Wander Brewing
The Chuckanut 50K post race party will be held at Wander Brewing. $2 beers and $2 off all food truck entrees for racers who show their bibs. Draft cider and root beer also available. Kid friendly. Dog friendly. Open 12PM-10PM on race day with race organizers targeting a 6PM arrival.
In addition to our finish line awards we will do a follow up raffle to benefit Bellingham Girls on the Run at Wander Brewing around 7:30-8pm. Chuckanut 50k is lucky to have incredible sponsors which means a ton of great products to win!!
Note: Wander Brewing co-owner Chad will be toeing the start line too!
1807 Dean Ave, Bellingham, WA.
www.wanderbrewing.com
Chuckanut 50k Training Program Starts December 1st!
PRESS RELEASE
Revolution Running, Colorado’s premier running training club is launching its first out-of state venture in Bellingham, Washington.
Why Bellingham? Revolution Running founders, Ewen and Heather North spent some time in Bellingham ahead of a group trip to the Whidbey Island Marathon and Half in April 2015, and loved it! As chance would have it, they then connected with ultra running sensation Krissy Moehl, who is from the Bellingham area, and proposed the idea of her starting a Revolution Running group in her hometown. Krissy jumped on the idea since she was planning to return to her Washington roots and an immediate partnership was formed.
“We are ecstatic that Krissy wanted to come on board. She is one of the greatest female ultra runners out there having won many of the most challenging races on the planet. We could not ask for a more experienced and vibrant personality to head up our Bellingham group. Her enthusiasm for all things running is infectious.” Said Owner, Director and Head Coach of Revolution Running, Ewen North.
“The community that Revolution Running has created in the Boulder/Denver area feels like a perfect match for Bellingham. I am so excited to share the amazing platform that Ewen has built with the Bellingham area.” Said Moehl.
“The Bellingham area and Washington in general is a fitness and outdoor paradise. What better place to start our first out of state group and to help like minded people achieve their goals.” North added.
The Bellingham group will kick off its inaugural program in December by training for the Chuckanut 50K in Fairhaven, WA, alongside a winter maintenance/base program to help runners towards spring 10K, half marathon and marathon goals in 2016.
www.revolution-running.com/bellingham
About Revolution Running
Revolution Running is a running training group for runners of all abilities from beginners and newbies to seasoned competitors. We aim to build a community by focusing on a fun, welcoming and supportive team atmosphere where everyone is considered part of the team. Our primary philosophy is to vary workouts within a lively social setting. This keeps the body adapting to new challenges while having fun and staying accountable to the group.
There are three main seasonal programs to the year; winter, spring and Summer/Fall.
www.revolution-running.com/
About Krissy Moehl
Raised in Bow, Washington Krissy has always loved looking at mountains, but it wasn’t until she joined the team in the early days of the Seattle Running Company that she learned to explore them. Trail running for over 15 years now has led to a resume including over 100 ultra races, 55 female wins and iconic FKT’s (Fastest Known Times) including the Wonderland Trail 93 miles and most recently the Tahoe Rim Trail 170 miles. Moehl most recently authored a training manual titled Running Your First Ultra: Customizable Training Plans for Your First 50k to 100-Mile Race.
krissymoehl.com/
Registration Opens January 8, 8AM
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!!
Rain and Shine: RDs' post race thoughts
Thoughts from co-RD Kristie Ensley:
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.
Krissy Adds:
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!
Come prepared
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.
WEATHER:
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.
PLEASE BRING:
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
WE WILL HAVE:
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