It’s a few months out from the resolutions we made in January. Have you accomplished some or all of what you wanted to yet? Welcome Spring! Longer daylight, warmer temps, and more chances to compete. I’ve compiled a list of upcoming local races, whether competitive or noncompetitive, dog or stroller friendly, good causes to support, 1k-50k – you name it. I’ve focused on the Spring series of events from now to Ski to Sea. Set a family goal, or make a personal one. Let’s get you out the door! For a list of events check it out below:
3/29/14 – (8:30 am) Birch Bay Road Race 30k, 15k & 5k @ Birch Bay Waterslides, Birch Bay, WA
If you’re training for a Marathon or ½ Marathon, the 15k (9.3 miles) or 30k (18.6 miles) are great distances for May race goals to use as a test of fitness. The race is fully supported, certified, and scenic. Bonus: It benefits Girls on the Run of Whatcom County.
4/05/14 – (9:30 am) Skagit Valley Tulip Run 2 Mile & 5 Mile @ the Skagit Regional Airport, Burlington, WA
The course is 80% gravel, 20% road with awards 3-deep for Overall, Masters & Age Divisions.
4/12/14 – (9 am) Super Hero 5k @ Bloedel Donovan Park, Bellingham, WA
The course takes heroes through Whatcom Falls Park, ending at Bloedel Donovan Park. Proceeds from the event allow low-income children in Bellingham the opportunity to play, grow and explore during summer and after school at the Firs Day Camp and after school programs.
4/12/14 – (9:30-10 am) Alger Alp Half Marathon, 5 Mile, 1k Kids Run @ Squires Lake Trailhead, Alger, WA
All finishers receive a custom finisher’s medal. Alger Alp or “Little Baldy” is a peak that reaches 1,293 ft. and offers an incredible view of Mt. Baker. The 5 Mile race climbs up to Squires lake, then continues to the top of Alger Alp. After climbing Alger Alp, runners will descend and run around the Beaver Pond and Squires Lake to finish at the Squires Lake Trail head Parking Lot off Old Hwy 99. Elevation gain is 1,300 feet for the 5 mile race. The 1/2 Marathon starts with the 5 Milers. The Half distance will be a double climb up Alger Alp and a short out and back on the PNW trail. The 5 mile course is just over 5 miles (5.2), so the 25k will be 15.6 miles. Runners will climb up Alger Alp and descend back into the parking lot at Squires Lake Trail head where there will be an aid station and then head back up the mountain for a second and final repeat. Elevation gain for the Half is 2,900 feet. This race also benefits Girls on the Run!
4/13/14 – (9:15-10 am) Whidbey Island Marathon, Half Marathon, 4 Mile & ½ Mile Kid’s Run @ Nooksack Valley Middle School, Everson, WA
“A perfect island weekend getaway.” The courses promise scenic country back roads, waterfront coastlines, snow-capped mountains and rolling hills.
4/19/14 – (9 am) Fun with the Fuzz 5k @ Bellingham Police Department, Bellingham, WA
A personal favorite of mine (awesome cash prizes, great spirit). The race supports Behind the Badge Foundation; 100% of the proceeds go to the foundation which benefits families of fallen officers and maintains the WA state Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia, WA.
4/26/14 – (8 -8:15 am) The Eagle Run 5k & 1 Mile @ Windjammer Park, Oak Harbor, WA
This race kicks off the city’s Holland Happening Festival. What is that you ask? It’s a 3-day festival honoring Oak Harbor’s unique Dutch heritage. Get your royal Klomp on! It’s a fast out and back loop course along the shores of Oak Harbor, the marina, and marsh trails. There are prizes for places 1-3, and for every kid. *Strollers & leashed dogs welcome.
4/26/14 – (9:30 am) FUN-draiser 6k Run/Walk @ Bender Fields, Lynden, WA
This run is being put on for the benefit of Matagalpa Christian School in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. All proceeds will go directly to this school to pay for new classrooms they are building.
4/26/14 – (9:30-10 am) Pioneer Dash 5k & 1k Kid’s Dash @ Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale, WA
A non-competitive 5k; kids are free.
4/27/14 – (9 am) Pooch Scoot 5k @ Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness, Bellingham, WA
This race offers “pooch treat” aid stations along the course & at the finish. Prizes awarded to top 3 finishers, 1st dog, and best dressed dog. Check the website to see incredible photos from last years race. The website even offers training plans on how to get your pooch into shape for the big race.
4/27/14 – (1 pm) North Sound Super Hero Muscle Walk & 5k @ Depot Market Square, Bellingham, WA
For every dollar raised or donated, 100% will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The MDA Muscle Walk is a series of fun, non-competitive local walks held across the country. How it works: you can either join a team or create one, set a goal for donations earned, find companies that will match other donations or your team’s collected donations, spread word & come together to walk on 4/27/14. For more information visit the website listed above.
5/03/14 – (8 am) Haggen to Haggen 5k @ Sehome Village Haggen, Bellingham, WA
The race will begin at Sehome Haggen and finish at Meridian Haggen, offering shuttles back to the startline post race. New this year: the course is certified! The first 200 registered get free entry as long as they are GBRC members (code: GBRC 2014). *No pets allowed.
5/10/14 – (8 am) Lost Lake Ultras 50k & 25k @ Larrabee State Park, Bellingham, WA
This race if for your crazy mountain folk. Scenic and challenging, with 8,000 ft. of elevation gain. The views will blow your mind.
5/17/14 – (8 am) Junior Ski to Sea 5-Sport Relay Race @ Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, WA
For participants 3rd grade or older, this race is the pre-cursor to the adult version Ski to Sea 7-Sport Relay Race. Teams are encouraged to show their pride at the Junior Ski to Sea Parade held downtown the day prior. What better way to instill the tradition in our youth regarding Bellingham’s very own Olympics? *3rd grade and older.
5/18/14 – (9:30 am) Viking Dash 5k @ WWU PAC Plaza, Bellingham, WA
The course tours Western’s campus and major sculptures. The race helps support the Alumni Association and Track and Field Team (a great program to support, after all, I was a part of it!). *Dogs and strollers allowed.
5/18/14 (11 am) – Rhody Run 12k @ Fort Warden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
The race is run in conjunction with the local Rhododendron Festival & is in its 36th year! This is not a certified course, but it attracts thousands of people & the city is extremely cute.
5/25/14 – (7:45 am) Ski to Sea 7-Sport Relay Race @ Mount Baker Lodge, Bellingham, WA
Bellingham’s Olympics. Over 90 miles covered, 500 teams, and 4,000 racers. The Ski to Sea Race is a multi-sport relay race open to all persons 15 years or older. The relay consists of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, running, biking, canoeing, mountain biking and sea kayaking. A team will consist of one person for each leg of the race, except for the canoe leg (2 paddlers per canoe). A person may compete on only one team, and in only one leg of the race. If you don’t know about the Ski to Sea, you better get yourself educated! Check out the website above for more details.
-Courtney, C.A.
Noble Chiropractic
*Photo credit: Whidbey Island Marathon