This year, stick to that resolution to get fit by training for some of Bellingham’s awesome local runs, relays, and races. Whether you’re a beginning runner or a seasoned pro, there are runs throughout the whole year that are perfect for you.
Here’s your go-to guide to 2018 5k runs, relays, and races in Bellingham:
FEBRUARY 10, 2018
Max Higbee Center’s “Hearty Party” 5k Run Walk & Roll
- Located at the Max Higbee Center (1210 Bay St. #102 Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 11:00am
This Valentine’s Day weekend, show some love to your local community by taking part in the Max Higbee Center’s “Hearty Party” 5k. This event benefits the Max Higbee Center, a local nonprofit that provides recreational services to teens and adults with developmental disabilities. With scenic views, an awesome after-party at the Boundary Bay Brewery, and festive attire encouraged, this race for a cause is the most fun and unique way to spend time with that special someone!
FEBRUARY 17, 2018
Fragrance Lake Half/10k
- Starting Location: Lost Lake Parking Area (Just 2/10 of a mile south (on Chuckanut Drive) of the finish and across the street); Finish Line: South Day Use Area (Bandshell), Larrabee State Park (245 Chuckanut Dr. Bellingham, WA 98229)
- Time: 9:00am
If you want an excuse to get out and explore the natural beauty of Bellingham, the Fragrance Lake Half/10k can help you do just that. During this race, you’ll run past the serene Fragrance Lake, through fields of sword fern, below astounding rock faces above Lost Lake, and much more. With a free kids race offered at 8:30am, everyone can experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind race this year.
MARCH 4, 2018
GBRC Padden Mudfest – 6 Mile Trail Run
- Located at Lake Padden Park (4882 S. Samish Way Bellingham, WA 98229)
If you’re looking for a challenge, you will find it at the GBRC Padden Mudfest. This 6 mile race offers up muddy conditions, hills, and trails that are usually only found on ultra runs. Ready to get down and dirty? Then register here.
MARCH 17, 2018
The Chuckanut 50k
- Located at Fairhaven Park (107 Chuckanut Dr. N. Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 8:00am
A classic event for local Bellingham race fans, the Chuckanut 50k is a unique race you will not want to miss! Its lollipop course repeats along the Interurban Trail for the first and last 10k and the middle 30k consists of its popular climbing opportunities around the Chuckanut Mountain Ridge. Registration for this year’s race has already filled up, but keep your eyes open for a chance to enter into this exciting event in 2019.
MARCH 17, 2018
Runnin’ O’ the Green
- Starting Location: 1000 Block of Cornwall Ave.; Finish Line: 1000 Block of Railroad Ave.
- Time: 10:00am
This St. Paddy’s Day, don your best green gear and join your friends and neighbors in Bellingham’s Runnin’ O’ the Green. You can enter either the 5 Klick (3 miles) or 8 Klick (5 miles) run and still have time to enjoy the parade at noon. After the race, celebrate your accomplishment with some green beer and corned beef; you’ve earned it!
APRIL 21, 2018
Fun With The Fuzz 5k
- Located at the Bellingham Police Department (505 Grand Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 9:00am
Another awesome race for a good cause in Bellingham is the annual Fun with the Fuzz 5k. This road race welcomes all runners and walkers and proceeds benefit the Behind the Badge Foundation, which works to take care of families of fallen police officers and maintain the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia. With fun amenities like cash prizes, free food and drinks, and raffle giveaways from local stores, this race is one of the city’s best.
MAY 5, 2018
24th Annual Haggen to Haggen Fun Run or Walk
- Located at Haggen Food (210 36th St. Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 8:00am
In its 25th year in Whatcom County, the Haggen to Haggen Fun Run or Walk is a local tradition that cannot be beat. At the finish line, sponsors can sample the great products the local Haggen stores have to offer and proceeds help to fund yearly $1,000 scholarships, shoe vouchers to low-income high school runners, equipment updates, and more for runners in need. If you’re interested in this event, click the link above to learn more today.
MAY 12, 2018
Lost Lake 50k/25k
- Located at the Base of Chuckanut Mountain
- Time: 8:00am (50k); 10:00am (25k)
If you’ve been looking for a local ultra run to get your blood pumping, look no further than the Lost Lake 50k/25k. These races boast a perfect blend of punishing terrain and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery, with views of Lost and Fragrance Lakes, mountain ranges, leg-burning steep ascents, and much, much more. Think you’re up for the challenge? Then sign up here.
MAY 27, 2018
Ski to Sea
- Located at the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Mt Baker Hwy. Deming, WA 98244)
- Time: 7:30am
For a Memorial Day that’s sure to be memorable, grab 2-7 of your closest friends and register for Bellingham’s Ski to Sea. This multisport relay race involves skiing, running, biking, canoeing, and kayaking from Mt. Baker to Marine Park, topped off with brews from Boundary Bay and food from great local vendors. If you want to make some lasting memories and lifetime bonds, sign your team up for this legendary event.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
GBRC Lake Padden Relay
- Located at East Lake Padden Park (4882 S. Samish Way Bellingham, WA 98229)
For those looking for a good starter race, the GBRC Lake Padden Relay is a perfect fit. This race’s course is mainly flat (with the exception of one brief steep upgrade and three rolling hills) and winds around the lake on grass and trails. They do allow teams and team names, so if you want to show off your creative side and work your way up to more challenging races, this is a great place to start.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Bellingham Bay Marathon 5K
- Located at Railroad Ave in front of Depot Market Square (1100 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 9:15am
Open to runners and walkers of all ages, the Bellingham Bay Marathon 5K makes for the perfect family activity. Their scenic course begins and ends in downtown Bellingham and after crossing the finish line, you and the gang can enjoy a festival complete with live music, food, and a beer garden for the adults. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get the kids off the couch, this event will do the trick!
OCTOBER 6, 2018
Run Like a Girl
- Located at Fairhaven Park (107 Chuckanut Dr. N. Bellingham, WA 98225)
- Time: 9:00am (Half-Marathon); 10:00am (10K)
If you’re not big on competition and just want to have a good time, Bellingham’s Run Like a Girl race is second-to-none. This non-competitive event encourages you to move at your own pace and features fun surprises at every mile marker, such as tiaras and their enticing “chocolate mile.” Finishers will be adorned with a beautiful handmade medal by Bellingham’s own firefighters and after the race, everyone can enjoy complimentary massages and yummy treats. If you’re interested in being a part of this unique race this year, click here to register.
DECEMBER 1, 2018
Fairhaven Frosty 5k & 10k Race
- Located at Fairhaven Park (107 Chuckanut Dr. N. Bellingham, WA 98225)
If you want to kick off the holidays in style, check out the Fairhaven Frosty 5k & 10k Race. The courses in this race exit onto Chuckanut Drive and travel along the Interurban Trail to Fairhaven Park, where awards will be given out to 1st-4th place finishers in each age group. Finish out the year strong with a win at this awesome event.
*Cover photo courtesy of the Greater Bellingham Running Club Facebook page