EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of weekly stories leading up to the May 25 Ski to Sea that will give a behind-the-scenes look into the largest annual community sporting event in Whatcom County. Each story will be written by a member of the Ski to Sea Race Committee. Secondyear race director Pete Coy, who has been involved with the race for more than 30 years as an athlete and a volunteer, wrote this week’s entry.

PETE COY FOR THE BELLINGHAM

HERALD

The Ski to Sea Race is the largest one-day event held in Whatcom County each year.

It has about 3,500 racers, nearly 4,000 support staff, more than 50,000 spectators and about 850 volunteers.

Work on the 2008 race happens year-around and began right after the completion of the 2007 race.

The Ski to Sea Race Committee is made up of about 45 local volunteers who meet year-around to plan the race.

On race day we need approximately 850 local volunteers to assist with everything ranging from roping off the starting area at the Mount Baker Ski Area to pulling kayaks out of the water at the finish line.

While the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce owns the name and holds financial responsibility for the race, the race committee makes the decisions and sets the direction for the event. The fact that it is managed by local volunteers is an example of how this truly is a community event and a Whatcom County tradition.

Most members of the race committee have been involved with the race for at least 10 years, and some have more than 20 years of experience.

Some members of the race committee still compete in the race each year while others have retired from competition but still possess the passion and excitement for the race. One thing all members of the race committee share is their love for the race and their desire to make it better each year.

Some of the questions that the Race Committee has been working on for the 2008 race include:

Should we allow I-pods and similar personal music systems while racers are competing? Can the racers hear the cars or other competitors if they are wearing such devices?

What time should we close the Mount Baker Highway on race day for the safety of the racers?

What kinds of ski equipment should be allowed by the alpine skiers in the race?

Should the allowable equipment be modified in the mountain biking leg of the race to reflect current trends?

What can be done to make the awards celebration more exciting?

How can make the Web page more exciting and useful to racers and the community?

If you have questions or ideas on how we can make the race even better or you would like to become involved in the race, we would love to hear from you. Members of the race committee can be reached through the Chamber of Commerce at 734-1330 or email at skitosea@Bellingham.com. For more information on Ski to Sea, please visit www.skitosea.com.