#Chuckanut50k co-RDs: Communications Maven

To celebrate the 25th Running of the Chuckanut 50k, RD Krissy Moehl has pulled in an awesome team of 3 local running friends and race directing extraordinaries in their own experiences to pull off an incredible event! This team of 4 look forward to working together to organize the race details focusing on the grassroots vibe & feel of each previous year, and plan to add an additional shine with fun extras to make this year super memorable. 

Alina has more than a decade's worth of practical experience in sports and event management. A life-long competitive swimmer and collegiate water polo player, Alina earned her B.A. in Anthropology where she studied endurance sport as a rite of passage. Her interests in sport, adventure and the outdoors have steered her around the globe. She has coached a men’s water polo team in Thailand, obtained her surf lifesaving certification in Australia, ski-mountaineered Mt. Cook, New Zealand, summited Mount Kenya, trekked Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit and volunteered for multi-day adventure races in Fiji and Malaysia. Most recently, Alina has directed 250-kilometer multi-stage, self-supported footraces in Chile, Egypt, Jordan, China and Antarctica for the 4 Deserts Race Series. She has also completed many endurance and multi-sport races, including Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji, Connemarra Ultra Marathon, Hong Kong 100, Hong Kong Trailwalker and Ironman Couer d'Alene. She is thrilled to be back in Bellingham--now with a husband and under-two-year-old--after six years away and can't think of another race or any other trails on which she'd rather be working.

#Chuckanut50k co-RDs: Logistics Guru

To celebrate the 25th Running of the Chuckanut 50k, RD Krissy Moehl has pulled in an awesome team of 3 local running friends and race directing extraordinaries in their own experiences to pull off an incredible event! This team of 4 look forward to working together to organize the race details focusing on the grassroots vibe and feel of every previous year, and plan to add an additional shine with fun extras to make this year super memorable. We look forward to introducing each of them to you in the following Race Updates.

Tyler moved to Bellingham 6 years ago as a Western student and fell in love with the community. He started volunteering for the YMCA's trailblazers program and caught the bug. He started coaching track and field and cross country at Sehome High School in 2012. Shortly after he began working with Recreation Northwest on the Kids Traverse and the Bellingham Traverse as the equipment and logistics manager. Working with Bellingham Parks he has picked up experience in  distance races and triathlons, and is always looking for a new challenge. Tyler is excited to be a part of the 25th Chuckanut 50k and to work with such an experienced team of race directors.

Race Directing x 4! Chuckanut 50k adds 3 co-RDs for the 2017 event!

To celebrate the 25th Running of the Chuckanut 50k, RD Krissy Moehl has pulled in an awesome team of 3 local running friends and race directing extraordinaries in their own experiences to pull off an incredible event! This team of 4 look forward to working together to organize the race details focusing on the grassroots vibe and feel of every previous year, and plan to add an additional shine with fun extras to make this year super memorable. We look forward to introducing each of them to you in the following Race Updates.

Volunteer Coordinator - Kevin Douglas

Kevin Douglas has been running ultras since 2009 and race directing in Western Washington since 2012.  Some of the races he has run include H.U.R.T. 100, Boston Marathon, Dragon's Back and Hardrock to name a few.  He is a member of the Skagit Runners for which he is the race director of the Tulip Run and Lost Lake 50k & 25k.  Kevin also directs the Winthrop Marathon & Half Marathon and the Ghost of Birch Bay Marathon & Mega-Half Marathon.  He has volunteered at many races doing jobs including sweeping, working at an aid station, and timing at the finish line.  Kevin looks forward to being a part of the running community in the future either race directing or running himself.  There are many things that he is looking forward to in 2017 but one of the ones that sticks out the most is being asked to be a CO-RD for the Chuckanut 50k.  Kevin is excited to help make the 25th Chuckanut 50k a huge success with Krissy, Tyler and Alina!

Kevin really is a smiley guy... just not in this photo :)

Kevin really is a smiley guy... just not in this photo :)

Registration Opens December 1st!

The 25th Running of the Chuckanut 50k is scheduled for March 18, 2017. The race starts at a civil 8am. We are moving back to the classic course - Starting and Finishing in the lovely Fairhaven Park. 

Registration Fee: $95 on UltraSignUp.com 

 

 

Add ons:

* $25 - long sleeve Patagonia shirt with celebration logo

* $28 - Running Your First Ultra - autographed and shipped by Krissy Moehl (race director)

CHUCKANUT 50K 2016 Post-Race Wrap

Reading through the race report (article will print in next issue of Ultrarunning Magazine) written by 2016 3rd place male finisher Matt Flaherty this afternoon triggered some reflection. The 24th running of the Chuckanut 50k has been written into the record books as one of the most seamlessly run events. Everything flowed. Typically as an RD there is something going on  behind the scenes (hopefully) that causes stress. This year, with the dry weather and relatively warmer temps the day worked exceptionally well. 

It's easy to give the weather credit for the good or bad that happens on race day as it is a big influencer, but I really feel that the credit goes to the community that continues to bring amazing energy (no matter the weather) and support the Chuckanut 50k year after year. Truth be told, the support grows each year. In all of my years as RD I have lived everywhere but Bellingham. This year being a local I really felt the support and excitement for this annual event.

from Matt: The community’s embrace of Chuckanut and its traditions gives the race a grassroots feel. Among those who Moehl praised is second-year co-RD Kristie Ensley, who organizes all volunteers, even making lunches for them. “She brings so much love to the race,” Moehl exudes. Race co-founder Doug McKeever still meticulously marks the course, not only with pink flags but also with hundreds of encouraging and silly signs. Glenn Tachiyama—well-known in the Northwest for his stunning ultrarunning photography—perches in the most picturesque spots on the course, capturing the difficulty of the technical Chuckanut Ridge Trail and the grit demanded by the late-race Chinscraper climb.

In the week prior, a major windstorm hit the PNW and Chuckanut ridge saw countless blow downs. The course was essentially impassable in places, but you didn't know it on race day. The collective effort of Larrabee State Park staff & volunteers, Whatcom County Parks and Rec staff, Whatcom County Mountain Bike Coalition and Chuckanut RDs removed every obstacle from the trail in time for this year's field of 312 runners to pass through. Local businesses donated soup from Book Fare Cafe and coffee from Tony's as well as discounts - Great Harvest Bread & Terra Organica - to feed our runners along the course and in the post race. Our post party at Wander Brewing capped of the weekend with a great celebration raising $1212 for the local Girls on the Run chapter. All amazing add-ons to organizing the local 50k.

While maintaining the local, grassroots vibe, the event draws a competitive field and handing out significant prize money each year thanks to our hearty list of SPONSORS is an exciting plus. I love hearing the stories from the trail, no matter where you are in the field. Matt details out his own drama while capturing key aspects of the course that makes the Chuckanut 50k a special race.

From Matt:  In my case, I felt confident in my technical trail and descending abilities, as well as my speed on the flats. I thus briefly and intentionally lost contact with Kraft and Werhane on the climbs up to Chuckanut Ridge, careful not to overdo it. On the beautiful section of technical ridgeline trail that followed, I quickly passed Werhane and gradually caught Kraft. The sunny day granted clear views of Mt. Baker to the east, though my energy in that moment was fully devoted to the roots and steep rock slabs underfoot.

To read the full write up, check out the next issue of Ultrarunning Magazine. 

2017 will be be 25th running of the Chuckanut 50k and the Bellingham crew has already gathered over beers at Wander to detail out many possibilities of what will make the event a great celebration. Watch for early registration and plan to spend March 18, 2017 in Fairhaven, Washington. I'll be here :)

#WanderBrewing Post Party - raffle to benefit #GOTR #Bellingham

One of the BEST things about working with amazing Sponsors and Supporters of the Chuckanut 50k (and as an athlete) is that I get to share the goods with those around me. Chuckanut is an amazing day in our ability to pull together high quality goods into prizes for our runners.

Today Kristie and I grouped together FIVE amazing raffle prizes each valued over $250. We will sell raffle tickets during the race and at Wander that evening to benefit the Bellingham chapter of Girls on the Run. Tickets will sell 3 for $5 and 5 for $10.

We will still host the awards ceremony at the finish line around 2:30pm which also has a ton of swag to hand out. Please support these brands that support our sport so generously.

Aid Station #4 MOVED!

Because our access road is closed due to downed trees we are unable to supply the typical Aid Station 4 (which was located at the base of Chinscraper). Now Aid 4 will be on the ridge in the same location as Aid station 3. (you can refer to the course map)

What does this mean? - when you leave Aid Station 3 for the ridge loop you will come back to the same place without an aid stop. The loop is about 8 miles long - the Chinscraper Aid Station was at aid was at 6.5 miles in. Please leave Aid 3 prepared for a longer loop.

GOOD NEWS: The course is mostly cleared of trees as of tonight! You will be able to pass with only a few high steps... maybe one or two low ducks.

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 Tuesday evening) for Saturday, March 19 predicts high 50s and 10% chance of rain.  The ridge is always a bit cooler and exposed to wind.  Running with a light jacket and gloves is highly recommended. Whether you are from the PNW or not, everyone knows that the weather is not dependable.  Please come prepared for all conditions.

PLEASE BRING:

Your race bib#.  DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK IN RACE MORNING!

Ultimate Direction Body Bottle 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 & MUG.  

Post race warm, dry clothes: Beanie, gloves, rain jacket, down jacket, fleece layer, pants, socks, water proof shoes or warm boots. If you would like to put these things in a dry bag for the finish line we will have a location for you to store these bags. You can drop them off when you check in Saturday morning. Please do not store any valuables in these bags. We will do our best to monitor these, but can not be held liable.

Nice extras: wet wipes, favorite post run snacks

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

Clif Bar booth will have post race snacks

Water, cola and typical aid station fare

Post Race

We will hold an awards announcement at the finish line around 2:30pm. The post race party and raffle to benefit Bellingham Girls on the Run will be hosted at Wander Brewing. See the Race Update for details.

We look forward to seeing you Friday night at the Chrysalis and/or Saturday morning at the Race Start!