2023 Chuckanut 50k Field of Runners

The Chuckanut 50k, as of March 9, has 563 participants. We were able to offer spots to the entire waitlist! See you there! We were curious to see where everyone is coming from. And while these stats are based on the limited information we gathered at registration, this gives a general sense of the runner collection that is gathering to share the start line and Chuckanut trails this year. And be sure to check out that last number!! Thank you to everyone that made donations to our non-profit Organizations at registration and since - Runners for Public Lands, Washington Trails Association and Girls on the Run of Whatcom County

Under 40 years - 352 runners

Current Participants List HERE.

Over 40 years - 211 runners

Highest regional representation: Washington State - 369, British Columbia - 68, Oregon - 33

32 States Represented

donations: $3522.00

Lily Trotters 15% off Discount Code!

Scan or click the above image to be directed to a 15% discount code to purchase Lily Trotters stylish, high-performance compression socks. Their new athletic toe box makes for an awesome long distance run sock! And with two different heights, over the calf and crew, you have some good options for your perfect race day sock. And plan another pair to wear to jump start your post race recovery!

Post Party at Wander

Saturday, March 18. 4-9pm. 1807 Dean Ave, Bellingham

We are so lucky to team up with Wander Brewing and (new to Bellingham!) ROAM Coffee. Owner Chad has run the race multiple times and brings both coffee and beer to enhance the race weekend vibes.

At the finish line Wander and ROAM will offer coffee donated by Forecast Coffee Company and handout Athletic Brewing (NA) beers.

Wander continues the Chuckanut 50k celebrations back at their brew hall (1807 Dean Ave) starting at 4pm. Danielle’s Back East BBQ truck and GirNDog Cookies trailer will be there selling eats and treats to help top off the tank as you start your race recovery.

Committed Sponsors

Patagonia, HOKA, Hammer Nutrition,

Fairhaven Runners, Wander Brewing, Trail Butter, Ultimate Direction, Aspire Adventure Running, Protec Athletics and the Community Co-op

are all committed to the 29th Running of the Chuckanut 50k. From financial and product contributions to having staff present on race day weekend bringing great vibes we are SO thankful to have our Sponsors continue to show up for the Chuckanut 50k Community.

You can find links to each of these brands HERE and here.

Non-Profit Highlight: Runners for Public Lands

The Chuckanut 50k teamed up with Runners for Public Lands at registration to create an opportunity for runners to donate directly to the Organization. RPL Founder and Board members will be running in the race and sharing more of their information and resources throughout Chuckanut 50k weekend.

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Vision: RPL's vision is to build inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment - runnersforpubliclands.org

Extended overview:

Runners for Public Lands is a 501c(3) organization that builds inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment. Our work aligns with two guiding principles - equitable access to nature and environmental stewardship. This focus drives our programmatic efforts to organize runners - the largest recreation group in the United States - to care for each other and take action to protect the lands we run on.

Where donations/funds go:

As a growing organization, the funds raised will go directly towards our mission of protecting the people and places we love. We have three main initiatives we're focusing on for 2023, the Everyone Runs Fund, Race Director Toolkit and Resource Hub, and we're also launching an Ambassador program to help us grow local chapters across the US. Below is additional info on each of those programs.

Everyone Runs Fund:

We recognize that running has barriers to entry for many athletes. Runners for Public Lands is excited to launch the Everyone Runs Fund in January 2023 to help break down those barriers and empower more runners to chase their dreams!

RPL Ambassador Program:

In 2023 RPL will launch an Ambassador program to establish communities of runners dedicated to protecting the environment in different cities. Our Ambassadors will create opportunities for runners to get involved in their communities by promoting equitable access to nature and environmental stewardship. This means hosting inclusive runs, organizing educational and volunteer events, and activating runners to steward and protect the lands they run on in fun and social ways.

RD Resource Hub:

Runners for Public Lands is eager to launch the Race Director Resource Hub to assist event organizers in implementing a sense of belonging, natural history, and environmental stewardship at their events. This Hub will provide free resources including the Race Director Guide to Community Building and Environmental Stewardship created in partnership with The Council for Responsible Sport and a Working Group of leading Race Directors from across the US.

COOKIES at Wander Brewing!

We are so thankful to get to partner with incredible local Bellingham businesses through the Chuckanut 50k. Wander Brewing has hosted our post race party for about 5 years and we met just yesterday to discuss logistics of timing, porta potties and food trucks. Another local business, GirlNDog met with us and started the meeting with her amazing cookies. It was a super energizing meeting for the sweets and the sweet people sitting there.

For our runners - GirlNDog will join us at packet pick up Friday 3/17 to entice you and then will be slinging cookies at the post party from 4-9pm, 3/18.

Imagine a gorgeously revitalized vintage trailer slingin' cookies out of a cedar plank service window. That's GIRLnDOG in all her glory :: far + wide :: serving joy one cookie at a time.

Kids' Race Registration Opens January 13, 8amPST on Pacific MultiSports

Get ready for the inaugural running of the Chuckanut Kids in 2023. The race will have two distances to choose from, 1/2 mile and 1 mile. Finisher prizes will be provided for all racers. Come run with us! Registration opens on January 13th, 2023 on Pacific MultiSports and the race will be March 18 at 10:15am in Fairhaven Park.

• Registration opens January 13, 2023 at 8am PST on PacificMultiSports.com.

• $25 registration fee

  • $10 of each entry is a donation to Whatcom County YMCA Girls on the Run

  • Chip Timed Souvenir Race Bib

  • Finishers Awards for all participants

• Race Date March 18, 2023 — 10:15am start in Fairhaven Park

Registration opens THIS FRIDAY 12/2

Chuckanut 50k registration on Pacific MultiSports at 8am PST this Friday December 2nd.

Registration day for the Chuckanut 50k is my (Krissy’s) personal favorite day of the month. I get so excited seeing your names rolling in and get oddly competitive about filling faster than the year before. Our 2022 event filled in just over 3 hours, so we suggest registering and securing your spot before you head to work or out for your long run.

Our Volunteer sign up form is also now live in the menu bar of the website. Please encourage your friends and family to sign up there so that our volunteer coordinator, Kevin, can place people where they will have the most fun.

Our sponsors are also rolling in with their commitments. Be sure to check out the 2023 sponsors pages (LINK & LINK) and support the brands that support our sport. HINT - there are some cool deals showing up there!

And don’t forget, once you secure your Chuckanut 50k spot you can secure an extra ticket in the Galby Winter Trail Series while ensuring some solid training runs/races AND tick off your (recommended) trail work.

We look forward to seeing you in March and hearing about your training along the way! Please tag @chuckanut50 on Instagram so we can cheer on your training adventures.

Training for Chuckanut: Galbraith Trail Race Series

Registration for the Chuckanut 50k will open 8amPST on 12/2 on Pacific MultiSports. As you set your alarm to sign up for the Chuckanut 50K, check out this great winter training opportunity!

Aspire Adventure Running, your source for Chuckanut post race apple crisp, incredible running adventures, and hometown supporter of the Chuckanut 50k, is launching the Galbraith Mountain Community Race Series.

• Quick Summary:

  • 4 Races, on the 2nd Saturday of each month, Dec-March

  • 3 Distances to choose from: Short 6-10 mile (ish) Long 12-15 mile (ish) and a kids Race

  • 8:30am Race Start

  • Chip timing from Pacific Multi Sports

  • Hot Apple Crisp and Coffee at the finish!

  • Volunteer Trail Work opportunities after each race

Winter in the PNW is legendary. Muddy trails, misty forests, and cold temperatures are guaranteed, but to the stalwart trail runner these conditions are essential to the joy emanating from a winter running practice. In the spirit of sharing these gifts with you, we are pleased to announce the Galbraith Mountain Community Trail Series.

Mention "Chuckanut50K" when you register to accrue an additional "point" towards the cumulative series "points" competition.

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.