Race Day Photos by Ben Groenhout

Maybe it’s because I’ve been doing this for 20 years. Maybe it’s because I’m still catching up on sleep. Maybe it is just that Ben did the most amazing job capturing what it felt like to come back to in-person running of the Chuckanut 50k. All to say I’m tearing up looking through these photos from race weekend and I hope you find as much joy as I am!

Ben Groenhout’s Smug Mug - Race Photos for Sale

Ben shared his photo plan with me early that morning and it sounded like he would run 15-20 miles carrying a camera to catch all of our runners in different spots. There are so many great moments captured here. Check out the link when you can look through each one in full size. Also, please respect that these photos are for purchase.

Ben edited the photos on this site to meet his standards of good (GREAT!) photos, that includes framing, coloring, focus (these are my words not his). If you do not see a photo of yourself, you can check with Ben by sending him an email. If he has one, he likely didn’t post it because it didn’t meet one of those standards and he may share it with you at no charge.

Finish Line Drop Bags & Start Line Warm Clothes & Health and Safety Updates

Please review the Health and Safety page for our final updates.

Vaccine cards need to be verified. Masks are to be worn at your comfort level while outside.

DROP BAGS: If you would like to put post race clothing in a dry bag for the finish line, we will store them for you in the lower pavilion at Fairhaven Park. You can drop off the bag when you arrive to Fairhaven Park on Saturday morning. The shuttle driver will drop you near the lower parking lot near the lower pavilion.

Please make sure the tag from your race bib is securely attached to your bag.

Please do not store any valuables in your bag. We will do our best to monitor all bags, but we cannot be held liable for lost or stolen items.

START LINE WARM CLOTHES: Since the drop bag storage is a couple hundred meters downhill from the start, up by the tennis court at the top of the park, and the weather is looking a bit chilly for race day morning and we want you to stay warm until the race starts, we encourage you to wear clothing you would like to donate over your running clothes. We will give you a countdown warning to peel off this/these layers and leave by the side of the start. We will collect and donate these items to a local shelter.

Finish Line and Post Party Food Trucks

On each racer bib there is a $6 voucher that can be used at any of our food trucks at Fairhaven Park. Enjoy eats from:

Tacos el Tule

Lumpia Luv

Sammies Vegan

Food is also available for sale to racers, their family and friends and anyone else that wants to come out.

Once you wrap up at the finish line, head over to Wander Brewing for our post race party! We will have a raffle to benefit Whatcom County Girls on the Run. Food Trucks at Wander (vouchers not redeemable)

New Public

Greektown

Antler Baking Company

We look forward to gathering and celebrating with you!

Weather and Gear

Many veteran Chuckanut 50k runners will tell you that is isn’t a true Chuckanut 50k unless it is raining. As the RD I would love to show off how spectacular Bellingham is when the sun comes out, but with the race committed to the third weekend in March we typically showcase the drippy, grey that the PNW is known for and is beautiful in its own right.

Looking ahead at the 10-day forecast, it looks like the 2022 runners will see a true Chuckanut 50k. With rain leading in to the weekend we are securing mud, and likely showers and cool temperatures on race day we need to ensure that everyone is prepared.

Please carry:

  • a wind/waterproof jacket

  • gloves

  • beanie

  • additional gear as you see fit to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the race.

There are spots on the course that will be difficult for our team to get to should you need help or assistance. As trail and mountain runners it is your responsibility to be prepared on the trails and that includes when you are racing in an organized event.

Post Race Party at WANDER!

Wander is inviting everyone to celebrate at their brewery Saturday evening from 4-9pm. Food trucks - Greektown, New Public and Antler Baking Company, will be available to refuel your big miles. Beers on tap and in cans. Outdoor and indoor seating. Dogs are also allowed, but there is a one bark policy. We will host a raffle to benefit Whatcom County Girls on the Run - tickets selling all weekend, $5 each or 5 for $20.

Join us to celebrate a fun day on the trails!

Sharing the Trails

The Chuckanuts host an incredible system of trails that have grown in use over the three decades that the Chuckanut 50k has been hosted in them. All trail users greatly benefit from the care and work that the parks, different user groups and businesses put into their maintenance and preservation.

The Chuckanut 50k has established itself as always being hosted on the third Saturday of March. This year race date is March 19. We are permitted by Larrabee State Park, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation, City of Bellingham Public Works, Whatcom County Public Works, Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Police and Bellingham Parks and Recreation. We are insured by USAT&F.

Our permits allow us use of the trails AND that we will share the trails with all other users.

As the front trails are experiencing more use in recent years we need to remember that this is not a closed course and there are other trail users; hikers, dog walkers, bikes, etc. Please alert others if you want to pass and safely move aside and around each other to allow for a great trail experience for all.

MOUNTAIN BIKES: We have been in communication with Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) and Intrinsic Flow to discuss the heavier than normal use of the trails and specifically the popular Chinscraper, aka Double Black Diamond trail, on race day. Please be aware that mountain bikers will be headed downhill as you are climbing up. They have been alerted that runners (that are 20+ miles in to an ultra!!) are climbing up.

Let’s share the trails and respect the overlap use of everyone!

March 18 - Preview the New Finish!

Fairhaven Runners teamed up with HOKA for a Chuckanut 50k Friday morning Shakeout Run!

Click photo for Fairhaven Runners' Facebook Event Page

Chuckanut 50K Shakeout Run with Hoka

Friday, March 18th

Distance: 3 miles

9am run starts/8:45am optional HOKA demo shoe check-out begins

Starts and finishes at Fairhaven Runners

1209 11th St., Bellingham 

  • Shakeout those legs alongside 50K participants, race directors, supporters, family and Chuckanut 50K fans – i.e. everyone is invited!

  • Not running the race, you can still get a sense of the excitement and experience the new finishing section through the 100 Acre Woods that will be part of our three mile route.

  • Hoka will be offering a “Build Your Own Trail Mix Bar” and demo shoes you can take out on the run if you’d like.

  • 50K participants can pick up their bib numbers after the run.

 

Click photo to see Trail Forks page

LIVESTREAM at Chuckanut 50k 2022!

We are so excited that ActiveTrack, a technology company out of Portland OR, picked the Chuckanut 50k as a test environment and for their new technology. ActiveTrack is developing cutting edge solutions for mass participation events. They will be present at the 28th running of the Chuckanut 50k in 6 different location with their livestreaming technology. Enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the intensity of the competition LIVE from the race course.

“Our goal is to bring the participant experience closer to the spectators and all the fans of the race across the world. ActiveTrack is proud to be part of the 28th running of Chuckanut 50K and bring the intensity of this race to all who want to see it live”, said Arash Kia, the owner of ActiveTrack.

We are excited to be able to share the Chuckanut 50k race experience with those that are unable to be with us in person. For those of you running, volunteering and cheering on runners this is your heads up to expect to see cameras and drones on the race course.

The link for the live feed will be: https://d1k7nurw3wlt4d.cloudfront.net/

A Few More Volunteers Please!

Community members - come join us! We have some street crossing and finish line positions that are a great way to cheer on the Chuckanut 50k runners and help keep them safe.

Runners - if you have people joining you that would like to help volunteer we have some key positions that we still need to fill.

BONUS - We give out great swag to our volunteers and the positions that are left are pretty short shifts.

SIGN UP HERE!

Course Modifications - TWO new sections!

Running along the Highway

Due to a bridge being out in Arroyo Park (about mile 2.5 along the standard race course) we have had to apply for a permit with WSDOT to run along State Route 11, aka Chuckanut Drive.

  • The course map reflects this change and we’ve accounted for the distance.

  • Runners must run single file along Chuckanut Drive and are not allowed to pass on this highway section.

  • This will happen on both the outbound and return along the Interurban.

  • Our waiver is updated to include WSDOT and WSP. By running the race you accept these changes. The waiver is viewable on Pacific MultiSports and on our Runner Requirements page.

Finishing through the 100 Acre Woods

The other (more exciting) change is that we get to run through the 100 acre woods for the last mile of the race.

  • Runners will peel off the Interurban at Hoag’s Pond to enter the 100 acre woods

    • See the FINAL MILE video filmed and edited by Nick Danielson

    • Runners will follow the main vein back to Fairhaven Park.

  • This change is also reflected on the course map.

Click on photo for link to TrailForks

Packet Pick Up and Tune-Up appointments

Pre-Race Bib Pick-Up for Chuckanut 50k runners begins on Sunday, March 13 and lasts to Friday, March 18. For runners arriving to Bellingham on race day, a Packet Pick-Up will begin at 6:15am at the start line in Fairhaven Park (note that we will only be handing out sponsor goodies on Friday Night at PRIME ). This information is also included on our Race Details page.

Times and locations of Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up:

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 11:00AM - FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 3:00PM
  Location:  Fairhaven Runners
  Address: 1209 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
  Bring: Mask, one form of ID (e.g., driver's license)
  * You will receive your Race Bib, Timing Chip, & Shirt (if pre-ordered)

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 4:00-7:00PM  *with sponsor goodies!
  Location:  PRIME Sports Institute, parking lot behind building
  Address: 1704 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 (see race map for location)
  Bring: Mask, one form of ID (e.g., driver's license) and your own bag!
  * You will receive your Race Bib, Timing Chip, & Shirt (if pre-ordered), plus amazing sponsor goodies to fill your bag!
  ** Note that this is not a race expo.

Prime will offer 15 minute Tune-Up appointments for $15 from 4-7pm on March 18. Scheduling links included below. Please reserve ahead of time.

Athletic Training Appointments - A manual therapy session for joint mobility or soft tissue restrictions.

Massage Therapy Appointments - Massage will focus on those tight spots that can hold you back.

Chiropractic Appointments - Make sure your joints are ready to go the distance! Summit Sports Chiropractic is providing extremity (ankles, hips, etc) only tune ups to get you in peak condition for your 50k!

RACE DAY SCHEDULE - Saturday March 18

Please see our Race Details page for Saturday’s schedule.